Students Confessions on Host Families

In the sections below students share the experience they had with their host families, a friendship that was built even before coming to Jacobs.

"When I first came to Germany I had a lot of questions about the culture and people here: even though there were people to help me on campus, I had no way of finding out how to deal with things outside campus, not in the very beginning at least, and that's when my host family helped me. They picked me up from the airport and helped me settle in on campus, helped me move all my atuff and were there for me whenever I needed anything. They come to the university events such as Eid and Spotlight and are interested in my life like my own family is. They often bring me gifts and invite me to dinner at their place too to make me feel at home. They are a family to me away from home. Even now, I am in constant touch with them and meet them at every opportunity I get, because spending time with them is a treat in itself." - Nayab

"I was well aware of the impact host families have on students at Jacobs, but I didn't know how much I would end up caring for them. It was with thier help that I discovered and understood German lifestyle and culture. It all started with an introductory email and continued with their visits to the university, invites to their home, even going out to clubs with my host brother's friends. I am extremely happy when I meet them and always proud to have them as my host family" - Seby

"I remember having a few chills last year as I stepped down at the Bremen airport. Even though I knew I would be greeted by a dozen of hearty Jacobians, I was tensed. I was going out for the first time. I was all alone and I had no know-about of the place. For the very first time in my life, I wished I had a guardian by my side. And it was.. that very instant that I saw Astrid and Manni, aka my host parents. They had a warm and joyous smile on their face. They seemed happy, excited, and were accompanied by flowers for their host daughter. I remember how I stood still for a moment like a complete moron. I just didn't expect them.
And well, from the first time when we met at the airport to now as I write about them, I cherish every single moment spent with them. Celebrating festivities together on-off campus, checking out new places to eat, sight-seeing, having dinner at their place, getting to know more about each-other's culture, cheering for my little cheerleader sister, cheering for Manni during soccer matches and what not, all of them were truly worth it.
The most memorable of them all was at Christmas. Though I had heard a lot about Christmas, I didn't know how it was actually celebrated in German households. After having a lovely dinner, I remember sitting down quietly as the members of the family exchanged gifts and unwrapped them. I agree, I did feel a bit out of place for those tiny moments which didn't last that long. Each and every member of the family had some or the other gift for the new one. It was touching. Indeed it was. The whole night was spent singing carols, talking, discussing, and getting to know one-another. They truly gave me a sense of belonging which I guess is the very essence of this program.
Now when I pack my bags again leaving my friends and family here in India.. I know that I would be going to Germany to a whole clump of friends.. and Family :) " - Rashi

"The freshmen year at Jacobs has been from intensenly intense to completely insane and from incredibly dull to outrageously fun. When I think about all these roller coaster times that I have had, there is one thing that I cherish more than anything else about Jacobs i.e. My HOST FAMILY! I first had the chance to meet up with them at the all-university barbeque during o-week. A very excited Hanna welcomed the equally excited me and introduced me to her husband Klaus and their 17 year old son Julian. Hanna is a high school teacher and her husband Klaus, the administrator of the town of Bremen Neustadt. Julian happens to be a talented guitarist and plays along with a local Jazz band. The whole experience with my host family has truly been full of cherishable moments. From attending live musical performances of Julian to exploring Bremen with Hanna, I have had a lot of interaction with my host family and the German culture at large. The most memorable time I spent with them though was at Christmas. Staying over at their house for 4 days, I had celebrated my first real Christmas. The presents, the dinners, the cookies, the movies and hours of stimulating debates about the present situation of Pakistan and Germany meant a great chance for me to indulge closely with the lifestyle of my Host family and understand their viewpoints while simultaneously telling them mine. I and Hanna even took out this time to cook some Pakistani food for the family who truly enjoyed the South Asian spices. I was also pleasantly surprised when my Host family decided to visit me on my Birthday and bring me a cake that Hanna had baked herself. It was truly the sweetest thing that had happened to me in a while. In short, being away from home, these littlest things make you very emotional. And it is in times like these that you need a sense of belonging and a sense of emotional support, which is, in my honest opinion the very essence of the Jacobs Host Family program. The thing that has been truly remarkable about this whole experience is the realization about how similar the people are around the world, and how many opportunities are out there if we decide to come over our differences and actually communicate." - Ehsaan

The Host Family Program

What is it?

The Host Family Program of Jacobs University is designed to ease the transition of new students to living in Germany. It is a non-live in situation aimed to promote cross-cultural understanding by fostering interaction between the students and the residents of Bremen. The individual relationships between the families and the students involve social get-togethers, outings, meals, phone calls, and companionship. Many students develop relationships with their host families that last for years after they graduate.

What to expect?

Your local host family provides you with a home away from home. They may call you over for meals, invite you to family events, give you an opportunity to periodically get away from campus on weekends and some would welcome your family when they visit you in Bremen. Other activities could include attending a cultural or sporting event, attending picnics, observing holidays, going to movies, or shopping together. Activities shared depend on the interests of the host family and the student.

Your Host Family?

Host families are single or married persons who desire to know more about the Jacobs international community and the diverse countries and cultures. Jacobs recognizes the importance of matching you with a family with whom you are comfortable with and so we request you to kindly complete the Host Family Survey.