Frequently Asked Questions

Which region will my homestay be in?

You will be going to the state of North Rhine-Westphalia and staying with host families in the Cologne area. The school you will be visiting is Kaiserin-Theophanu High School.

When will we receive host family information?

In most circumstances, you’ll receive host family information 1 to 2 weeks prior to the travel date.

Why does it take so long to get host family information?

Families around the world lead busy lives. Many people like the idea of cultural exchange, but are hesitant to take the plunge. It takes time to find just the right family who is willing to open their home and share their daily lives with an American student. Sometimes families need to cancel due to family circumstances or sometimes they change their minds. In these cases, we need to start the search again. Pet allergies and dietary restrictions sometimes make the search take longer. We don’t inform you of your placement until a family has been screened and all the details have been confirmed.

Regardless of when you receive your placement, you can be confident that the family has been screened, prepared, and is ready to receive you!

What is the host family screening process like?

Local coordinators network to find families who are interested in participating as hosts. They check references and visit the families in their homes. Some families have hosted more than once; for others, this will be their first hosting experience.

How are families prepared?

Coordinators conduct an orientation with families to help prepare them for the experience of hosting. Topics might include: how to prepare for a student’s visit, how to help a student feel at home, warning signs of culture shock, what do do in case of emergency, etc.

Will there be someone my age in the family?

In most cases, yes (at least within a couple years, either older or younger). If the family does not have a teen in the home, they will introduce you to a teen in their extended family or neighborhood.

What will my daily schedule be like?

That all depends on your host family! Expect to experience the normal routines of your host sibling and family. They’ll include you as a member of the family, and you’ll gain unique insights into the culture that most tourists don’t have access to. Expect to learn through doing! You’ll be meeting new people, joining your hosts on errands, preparing meals together, playing games, playing sports, exploring the town...all in German! You’ll also be attending a local German high school with your host sibling during weekdays, giving you a glimpse into the educational system as well.

Additionally, you will be going on 4 full day excursions to neighboring cities with your group mates and chaperones.

On the weekends, families will often show you some of the local sights as well, but the emphasis of this program is on experiencing family life rather than sightseeing.

What are my pre-trip responsibilities?

You will need to submit your application and payments on time, obtain your travel documents, and prepare for the experience using the orientation materials we share with you.

Can I request an alternative payment schedule?

Yes, we can work with you to set up an alternative payment schedule. Be prepared to complete all payments at least a month before your travel date.

My family will be traveling to Germany too. Can they meet me over there?

The best time to meet them is at the end of your program. We only have a limited number of seats on our group reservation that can be changed (fees will apply), so if you know you'd like to stay in Germany after the program, please let us know early. Once your program ends, ANDEO, your host family, and our partner in Germany are no longer responsible for you.

Can my parents visit me in my homestay?

Visits from family or friends are discouraged as they will disrupt the homestay experience.

What are the prerequisites for this program?

This program is open to students aged 14-17 who have completed at least two years of high school level German by the time of travel. You should be interested in other cultures and ready to participate in every aspect of your host family's everyday life (e.g household chores, grocery shopping, cooking meals, visiting friends and family). Being flexible about new experiences, foods, and ways of communicating is important, as well as having the maturity to travel independently and adapt to new situations.

Who should not apply for this program?

Students who are currently experiencing excessive behavior problems, drug or alcohol dependence or abuse, eating disorders, anxiety disorders, or other psychological disorders that might interfere with the program, or students who have experienced any of these issues within the past year should not apply. Likewise, we cannot accept students with life-threatening allergies.

What is your cancellation policy?

ANDEO will refund your deposit less a cancellation fee of $200 if you cancel before the date your detailed application is due. If you cancel after that, we will refund all payments made less the deposit and any non-refundable costs incurred. In the event that ANDEO cannot accept you into the program or cancels the trip for any reason, you will receive a full refund.

What travel documents will I need?

Generally, U.S. citizens need a valid passport, but not a visa, for short-term stays in Germany. Your passport needs to be valid for six months after your scheduled return to the U.S. It is your responsibility to obtain all necessary travel documents for your stay in Germany. If you don’t have a passport yet, now is a good time to apply for one!