Homestay Programme Hosting for Christmas or New Year's Eve
Do you live in or around Heidelberg and have an interest in our host family programme for international students? Here, you can find information about the programme, the guests, the requirements for participation, and how to register as a host family.
The key qualities for hosts are curiosity, an open-minded attitude, and a willingness to welcome a student as a temporary member of your family - regardless of your age or the size of your household. The goal is to provide students with an authentic glimpse into your holiday traditions and your everyday family life.
You can personally determine both the duration and the specific nature of the student’s stay. Whether it’s a cozy afternoon baking cookies and singing Christmas carols, decorating the Christmas tree together, enjoying a festive holiday meal, spending a New Year’s weekend with traditions like wax pouring and a raclette dinner, or even hosting for two full weeks of holiday and New Year’s festivities - everything is possible.
As a host family, you provide accommodation, meals, and an opportunity to experience holiday traditions - all arranged according to your individual preferences. The students cover any personal expenses that may arise with their own money.
The students participating in the programme are enrolled at Heidelberg University, either for a full degree programme or as exchange students. They come from all over the world, are generally happy to share traditions from their home countries, and speak German and/or English.
Heidelberg University’s International Relations Office facilitates the connection between host households and students. We will provide you with suggestions for potential guests, carefully taking into account language skills, interests, and personal preferences.
We look forward to receiving your registration as a host household!
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us: gastfamilienprogramm@zuv.uni-heidelberg.de