Living in busy cities, international students rarely can dive fully into German culture and see the day-to-day life of the vibrant countryside. The DAAD-Freundeskreis  family weekend-stay program will allow you to do just that: to learn about the different side of Germany from the locals.

When I received an email from the DAAD Freundeskreis RG Munich about the weekend with a German family, I immediately knew: “A perfect opportunity to immerse myself into the German way of living!”  Just in a few hours I was already in touch with my host mother Frau Schmieder, whose family lives in the picturesque area near the Bodensee/Lake Constance. The organizational side of the program was pretty simple: With the Deutschland ticket, you can get anywhere across the country with regional transport for a set cost of 49€.

So, one Saturday morning, I left Munich central station toward Salem, Baden-Württemberg. Upon arrival, I was greeted by Herr and Frau Schmieder and their two wonderful daughters. The family and its youngest members greeted me with exceptional hospitality, generosity and curiosity about my culture. During the weekend, we enjoyed a wonderful panorama-view hike of the Bodensee, delicious home-cooked meals, exciting family board games, and long discussions and conversations. In addition, we visited Überlingen – a historic city directly bordering the turquoise water of the Bodensee. I was guided by Frau Schmieder and received all the most exciting tips and insights about the city.

A weekend with a German family is a unique experience, a chance to learn about communities from its active members. Apart from practicing language skills, you will make new friendships, share your culture, and learn something new.

Mariia Lesiv, Ukraine