Accommodation

Accommodation

Host Families:

The host families are an integral part of the CSSG program. Many students feel they learn as much German from their host family as in the classroom. Our host families are chosen and matched with great care. Most of our families stay with the program for many years. Each potential new host family is interviewed and the home is inspected. If our criteria are met, the family will receive a student. The host families enjoy interacting with the students, learning about Canada, and discussing intercultural issues. The host families often say they learn a lot about what it means to be German from their Canadian guests. 

Each student will have their own room with a family. Some of our families provide rooms for more than one student. 

Upon your arrival in Kassel, your host family will show you how to find the university and the best transit route. You will be provided a comfortable room with a bed and desk as well as breakfast and supper on school days and all meals on weekends. On school days, you will purchase your own lunch at the university cafeteria, which offers a wide selection of food at very reasonable prices. As a new member of the family it is nice when you pitch in and help with the dishes, tidy up, or do other small tasks. You can expect your host family to do (or help you do) your laundry.

You will want to spend time with your host family. Chatting with them will be one of your favourite memories. 

All CSSG students write an evaluation of their host family at the end of the program. These evaluations determine whether the family will host a student in subsequent years.

Host Family Matching Process:

The CSSG Director takes the information gathered on the application form and in the interview and matches students with a host family, taking into account such things as allergies, special dietary needs, hobbies, and other interests.

Once a student is matched to a host family, information and photos (if available) are exchanged. The student can also obtain the email address of the student or students who have previously stayed with that particular host family from the CSSG Director. 

Youth Hostels:

We stay in three different youth hostels during our orientation and excursions. We expect you to respect all the regulations, including noise and lights-out policies, in each of the youth hostels. All CSSG excursions are official CSSG functions and the student code of behaviour applies here as well.