German Host Family? Some advices to get along with your host family !

Here is some advice about life in Germany, especially in a German host family. Enjoy the reading. 

  • Inform the family: inform them and tell the members when you will be at home, when you need to wake up... so that they won't be worried. If you want to rest, tell the family that you are going to your room: don't isolate yourself without advising your family. They could think you are feeling bad in their home.
  • Be thoughtful: a little present, like flowers for your hostess or a round of ices for the family, will show your hosts that you are generous. Your gift will be highly appreciated.
  • Be open to German activities: if your host family offers you to participate in activities, accept! If you say no because you are too shy to say yes, your family may take your "no" seriously. So say yes if you want to do something. Bring with you some clothes adapted to sports since German people love sports. Bring also clothes adapted to rain!
  • Children: if there are children in your host family, try to spend time with them. Try to communicate with them, but never reprimand the children.
  • Open up: bring pictures of your family, hometown... so you will be able to speak about your life at home to your German host family. They will be very interested in discovering your life.
  • Always be polite: always be polite with your host family. Don't forget to say Bitte and Danke when you ask for something.
  • Vocabulary: when you try to communicate with your German host family, try not to use expressions that could be misunderstood.
    Instead of expressing things from a negative side (Ich will nicht, Ich mag nicht, etc.), try to use positive expressions (ich m chte lieber, es wrde mir gefallen...).
  • Food: try to taste everything your family offers you. Don't make comparisons and always congratulate your hostess. Breakfast is really important in Germany: don't neglect it! If you want to cook a meal from your country, ask your German host family for their authorization, as well as how electronics work.

Homestay in Germany

Settling into a new life studying abroad - Germany

New life studying abroad in Germany!

German high schools and universities have an excellent reputation worldwide. They contribute significantly to internationally applicable advances in research and innovation. The conditions for a successful education are ideal for students planning to study in Germany.

Find out what our student has to say about her experience in Germany:

"I'm pleased to say that things are going much better for me here in Germany! The last time I emailed you, I was asking permission to go back to Canada for Christmas. Now that I look back on my last few months here, I'm glad that I had the chance to experience a German Christmas, even if it was a bit hard being away from home. I've reached a point where I'm in a comfortable routine and I'm looking forward to going to school, seeing my new friends and taking part in different activities here. Just like my Nacel handbook always said, it really does get easier!"

And she sent her comments after returning:

"I've become much more independent. I would recommend it to anyone. It certainly opened my eyes and showed me that people are not so different. Yes, I was happy to go home, but a bit sad to leave my new friends too." (Emma, High School Program)

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We hope these tips have been useful! Do you want to know more? We have a lots of content in our blog. Find out more:

7 Benefits of Learning to Speak German in Germany

Live in a host family abroad and discover a new country!

How has studying abroad changed my life?

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