Host family selection

Each host family is selected and monitored according to strict criteria laid down by OISE: Houses must be comfortable, the hosts welcoming and genuinely interested in receiving students and helping them to develop fluency in German.

Potential host families are interviewed by a trained accommodation officer and their homes inspected. All information about the host family such as special diets, domestic animals, interests etc. will be managed in a special list. As guidance they receive an OISE host family brochure.

Regular visits to families together with a careful analysis of students’ comments ensure that the high standards demanded by OISE are being maintained.

Life with a OISE host family

Homestay accommodation is a great opportunity for students to live everyday life in Heidelberg. Our carefully chosen families are experienced with kids and do really enjoy welcoming them into their homes. Many of them have been working for us for years. We usually place two students with each family, where they stay in a comfortable twin room. We ensure that they are always placed with a student of a different nationality, affording them yet more opportunities to practise their German. Our families are mainly based in the attractive suburbs of Heidelberg, easily accessible by bus or tram. Homestay accommodation for young learners is offered on a full-board basis.