Semester Events ProgramWho Can Become Hosts?

All types of individuals and families can become a host. Our guest families include parents with young children, families with older children, couples without children, single parents, single-person households, and even flat-shares. Depending on student’s individual wishes and needs, hosts provide them with accommodation, meals, and the opportunity to take part in German traditions and holidays. Guest students bring their own pocket money to cover extra expenditures. 

Individual hosts and guests are free to determine the timeframe and conditions of the period of hosting. From a cosy afternoon baking cookies and listening to Christmas music, decorating the Christmas tree and enjoying Christmas dinner together, or a New Year’s weekend with lead pouring and raclette, to two weeks of Christmas and New Year’s celebrations - anything is possible. 

The aim is to give students the most authentic experience possible of German traditions, holidays, and family life. 

Students taking part in the programme are registered at Heidelberg University and are in the process of completing a full degree course, or are in Heidelberg as part of an exchange programme and will be completing part of their studies at the University. The majority of students have a good level of German. Students come from around the world and are always happy to share more about traditions in their own countries of origin. 

The International Relations Office is responsible for putting hosts in touch with students taking part in the programme. We also provide participants with recommendations and information on how to best cater for the student’s language proficiency, interests, and wishes.