Host Family Program: The World Comes to Visit
Every time, it’s exciting to wonder: Who will be coming to stay with us? At first glance, it’s only four weekends over the course of two years—but we already know that eight days can become a remarkably intense experience. Especially when our time with RBC students goes beyond getting to know one another and becomes an opportunity to step into the perspectives of other countries and cultures.
“I am standing on water, please take a photo!” That was one of those unforgettable moments, many years ago, when we took our first RBC student to the frozen Waldsee lake. It was his first time seeing ice. While he discovered a frozen lake, I discovered that his home country of Nepal is not only mountains and snow—mangoes grow there too.
Two years later, my son decided to apply to RBC himself and was accepted. Through him, I came to experience the College from the inside as well.
“Would you be willing to host two boys?” came the next question from RBC.
Of course! They could keep each other company—they would simply have to share a room.
The next pair had already met online before arriving at RBC and quickly became best friends. Together we talked about Germany’s responsibility towards Israel, the war in Lebanon, and found ourselves reflecting on whether we, too, continue to bear a particular responsibility. With them, Ramadan became part of our family life, and we celebrated the breaking of the fast with a delicious dish from Niger. Saying goodbye after two years was difficult, but the connection has remained and continues to mean a great deal to us.
“Can you cook?” I asked our next guests, only half seriously.
They answered with broad smiles and two enthusiastic thumbs up.
Once again, two young men—both with Asian roots, but from different continents: one from the United States, the other from China. Soon our kitchen was filled with the aromas of Asian cooking, and every shared meal became a celebration. They were both musicians as well, so we were treated to impromptu performances—and happily looked forward to many more.
After telling another couple in our village about our experiences, they decided to apply as host family too. The following spring, the four RBC students all met up with us at our village café. I don’t think that café had heard so much laughter in a very long time.
The world arrives with the students of RBC. It is a wonderful experience, and at times, it also carries weight. But every single time, it is a gift.
— Sibylle Huerta Krefft, Host Family from Staufen
