Hosting German Students
WHAT’S INVOLVED IN BEING A HOME HOST?
Create a safe and welcoming environment for a middle school student to experience a new country for 3 weeks.
Treat the guest as a member of your family: rules, chores, experiences.
Involve program advisors when problem-solving or with any concerns.
Coordinate with other home host families.
Hosting FAQs
Do I need to speak German? No! Although this program started at a time when MMS offered German as a language, this program has withstood the tests of time. You may be surprised by how well the German students are able to speak (and read/write) English.
When are they coming? German students will be visiting September 24 - October 14, 2023
How long will they be here? German students will be here for 3 weeks. During this time, trips and whole-group events will be planned. These will be finalized and shared near the end of the 2022-2023 school year.
Do they need their own room? No.
Students must attend German Exchange Club. What do we do in German Exchange Club? There is a lot of 'work' to do to prepare students emotionally and logistically, for everything they will experience in the Exchange. This includes reviewing our itineraries, building a sense of community within the group of students involved, and helping them to understand everything to expect during the Exchange.
What is involved with arranging and working with school hosts? Together, the home host and school host work in unison to provide a consistently positive experience for their German Guest. The German Guest will live with the home host, and primarily follow the school host during their time at MMS. Afterschool and on weekends where we do not have a group trip or event planned, home host and school host families can certainly coordinate activities, sleepovers, etc. German students may spectate sports practices of their home hosts, but are not medically cleared to participate in organized practices or games/meets.
HOME HOSTING ACTIVITIES:
Welcome Potluck
Storrs Adventure Park
Overnight trip to New Hampshire (Camp Cody, Hiking & Nature, Portsmouth)
Ice skating/roller skating
Ice cream social
After-school games
Day trip to New York
Farewell get together for goodbyes and T-Shirt signing
Whatever else your family plans!
COSTS
An extra family member for three weeks (meals, activities)
Field trip costs for your child only (your German student pays his/her own field trip expenses)
Field trip expenditures estimate: $450, covering:
Field Trip costs (Adventure Park, Ice/Roller Skating)
T-Shirt designed by students
Transportation
Lodging at Camp Cody (Freedom, NH) for two nights
Meal in NYC + Meals in New Hampshire
Highlights of the Fall 2023 Exchange (Hosting)
Highlights of the 2022 Exchange (Hosting)