Teenagers Ezra and Graham are in search of a new family to live with
German Host Families Sought for American Exchange Students
As the summer holidays draw to a close, numerous international students, including Ezra and Graham from the United States, are eager to immerse themselves in German culture and life. These students have secured scholarships from the German Bundestag and will begin their school year in Germany from August/September.
Ezra, a 17-year-old from Oregon, shares a passion for bouldering, plays the Cajon, and designs his own board games. Graham, also 17, is both a swimming instructor and lifeguard, in addition to his schoolwork. They are part of the German Bundestag Parliamentary Sponsorship Program.
The search for suitable host families for these eager students can be facilitated through several established channels. The Bundestag program often partners with local organizations in Germany to ease placements with German families. Contacting the program coordinators can provide a list of vetted host families or partner agencies experienced in accommodating American exchange students.
Die-hard families for au pairs in Germany might also be a suitable option, as they must have at least one child under 18 and provide room, board, and support for language learning. This setup mirrors the type of families suitable for exchange students.
Directly reaching out to the German school where Ezra and Graham will study could uncover host family connections. Additionally, entities such as the U.S. State Department Exchange Visitor Programs may offer guidance on approved host family programs in Germany.
Ideal host families should provide free accommodation and meals throughout the school year, have children under 18 to create a family environment conducive to youth exchange, and be willing to help integrate the student into school and community life while maintaining health insurance coverage and complying with relevant visa requirements.
Students and potential host families are encouraged to contact the Bundestag Parliamentary Sponsorship Program coordinators for assistance in finding a host family, explore school and community networks in Germany, and investigate cultural exchange organizations linked to the U.S. State Department for additional resources on finding potential host families.
- For their immersion into German lifestyle and culture, Ezra and Graham, who have interests in fashion-and-beauty (bouldering, Cajon, board game design) and learning (swimming and schoolwork), are looking for host families this school year.
- To facilitate a suitable match, the German Bundestag Parliamentary Sponsorship Program collaborates with local organizations, die-hard families for au pairs, and schools in Germany, making a comprehensive list of vetted host families or partner agencies knowledgeable in accommodating American exchange students available.
- Potential host families searching for a rewarding experience should offer a home-and-garden environment, prioritizing the education-and-self-development of their guests by providing free accommodation, meals, and support for language learning throughout the school year, adhering to visa requirements, and fostering an inclusive, community-oriented atmosphere for their exchange student.
