Spreading Holiday Cheer to International Students
Once again, the Studierendenwerk Hamburg is connecting students from around the world with local hosts who are eager to share their Christmas traditions. On Tuesday, the organization announced that they are currently seeking hosts for the upcoming holiday season.
As Sven Lorenz, the Managing Director of Studierendenwerk Hamburg, put it, "Anyone who has ever spent Christmas away from home can attest to the feelings of homesickness and loneliness." This initiative, titled "International Christmas Guest," aims to create happy holidays filled with shared traditions and intercultural bonding.
Participating hosts and guests can look forward to activities such as visiting Christmas markets and sharing festive meals. There are no strict time limitations, making this experience truly flexible. A pre-holiday meeting is also organized to help everyone get acquainted. Those interested in hosting an international student can register with the program until November 28.
Last year, the Studierendenwerk managed to connect 69 students from 27 countries with welcoming hosts in Hamburg [1][2]. Universities play a pivotal role in uniting students from various backgrounds, and many of these international students are likely to participate in this festive exchange.
If you are passionate about sharing your holidays and building bridges between cultures, here are some tips for finding an international student to host:
- Contact Local Universities: Reach out to the international offices of universities in Hamburg. They often have programs or initiatives to host international students during holidays.
- Look for Volunteer Programs: Websites like VolunteerMatch or local volunteer centers might have information on initiatives that involve hosting international students.
- Check with Local NGOs: Organizations like AMPO International, which focuses on humanitarian aid and community projects, might have similar initiatives or know of others that do.
- Search Online: Utilize search engines to look for holiday programs or initiatives specifically in Hamburg that align with your desire to host an international student.
- Contact Local Community Centers: Community centers or cultural organizations in Hamburg might also have information on hosting international students.
By following these steps, you can ensure that you are doing your part in spreading the holiday cheer, fostering intercultural relationships, and creating unforgettable experiences for students away from home [3].
