Freqently Asked Questions

International Guests for the New Year’s Season?

Who can become a host?

Anyone – it doesn’t matter if you are a student or a senior citizen or where in Japan you are from. What matters is that you are curious, open minded and willing to invite the guest(s) as a member of your family for a certain time.

Who are the guests?

The program is targeted to sociable students of Heidelberg University , who are enrolled at a university in Japan and who would like to participate in Japanese New Year’s traditions.

How long would the students stay?

The length of the stay can be set individually: For a meal, a joint activity or even for several days.

What are the benefits for the host?

Giving international guests the chance to experience traditions in your family will be a valuable intercultural experience for both the guests and the host. Broaden your horizon, communicate in different language and learn from each other!

Who covers the cost?

The HUOK establishes the contact between the host and the students only. The guests will bring their own pocket money. Accommodation, meals and participation in the daily life of the host will be provided by the host to such a degree, as agreed to individually.

What about safety?

When matching the host and the guest(s) the HUOK takes into consideration language abilities, interests and requests of both sides, but the HUOK establishes the contact only. Hosts and guests participate in the program at their own risk. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have questions!