The Program For over 55 years the Experiment e.V. has been working with the Fulbright Program to provide Fulbright grantees with the opportunity to live with host families during their stay in Germany. For 2 to 3 weeks, Fulbright Students and Teaching Assistants have the chance to enjoy German hospitality and family life, to experience German culture first-hand, and to make friends for the rest of their time in Germany and beyond.
To spend a successful year abroad, grantees must feel “at home” which is one of the intentions of the Fulbright Program. The Experiment e.V. Homestay Program provides the participants an opportunity to ease into the transition of German life and to get to know Germans starting from day one. The Homestay is also a great chance to improve your German language skills before you start your studies at the university!
For those Students and Teaching Assistants participating in a Homestay at the beginning of their time in Germany, the host family can offer assistance with basic needs like searching for an apartment to the more complex issues of navigating Germany bureaucracy including banking and obtaining a residence permit. More than anything however, the Homestay will help with adjusting to life in Germany by immediately providing an opportunity to become familiar with the city where you will spend your year abroad. An additional benefit of the program is the opportunity to take part in regional Experiment e.V. meetings with other German participants of the program, further extending your social network in Germany.
Dates Participation in the Homestay Program is possible all year around. Students and Teaching Assistants can choose to sign up for a 2 or a 3-week homestay.
Location of the homestay The homestay usually takes place in the city or nearby the city where the grantee will study or work as a teaching assistant. Please note that the distance between the family’s home and university or school can be about 45-60 minutes by public transportation, especially in larger cities like Berlin, Munich and Hamburg. It is also possible to request another city or region but a placement in one of these cities or regions cannot be guaranteed.
Program costs (for Teaching Assistants not covered by the Fulbright Commission) 2 weeks: 250.00 Euro 3 weeks: 360.00 Euro
For Fulbright Students: The Fulbright Commission supports the homestay if it takes place during the period of the scholarship and covers 100% of the programs expenses.
Cancellation fees (applies for Students and Teaching Assistants) Cancellation before placement: 15% of the total program costs Cancellation after placement: 50% of the total program costs
How to apply The application deadline is 8 weeks prior to the start of Homestay. Please send the application form including a photo and a “dear-host-family-letter” either email or by mail to Experiment e.V. (see address above).
Please note that the homestay dates you applied for cannot be changed, as the host families are accommodating to welcome you in this specific period of time.
If you have any further questions, please contact Miriam Mentel at: . It is also possible to speak with former Homestay participants about their experiences if you wish.
We look forward to hearing from you!!
Here is what two former participants had to say: “Most importantly my host family provided a support structure as I struggled to find myself in a new country with unfamiliar traditions and confusing bureaucratic requirements. I knew no matter what happened over the next ten months, I could call them and move back in if I needed to.” (participant in Freiburg, Grantee ’07-‘08)
“Knowing that I would land in Germany with a family to stay with was of great mental relief. To be able to stay with a family helped ease the transition.” (Rob Scholz, Grantee ‘07-‘08)
