Tentative Itinerary
June 2023
Sunday, June 4th: German students arrive in the evening. Dinner and evening with host family.
Monday, June 5th: Downers Grove Village Welcome and Outdoor Concert.
Tuesday, June 6th: Chicago day with D99 Staff. Host family packs a lunch and snacks. Students go on an architecture tour and visit either the art museum or the sky deck.
Wednesday, June 7th: Morning clinic w/North Central College, afternoon soccer game, and celebration dinner (potluck style).
Thursday, June 8th: Morning with host family. Final Concert in the evening.
Friday, June 9th: Morning with host family & afternoon departure of German students.
FAQs
Do the German students speak English?
Yes. Communication with your guest will not be challenging.
Do the German exchange students bring their own money?
Yes, students will have their own spending money. It has already been changed into US dollars, and they often have credit/debit cards. They bring it to spend on souvenirs, gifts, and on snacks or lunch when they are out with the German group. We hope that host families will provide all other meals for the students, as they would for their own children. If your family decides to go out for dinner, you should expect to pay for your guest student. If your family decides to go on an outing during your free time, we would expect you to pay for your exchange student’s admission (as you would do for any other member of your family). Obviously a trip to Great America would cost more than if your family decided to go to a movie or the zoo. You may want to take this into account when deciding what to do. If sometime during the visit your student goes somewhere with a group of students, (as opposed to your family) it may be appropriate for the student to pay their own way. For example, if students (American and German) get together to go as a group to a movie, the mall, etc. Each situation will require you to use your judgment in deciding what is appropriate. It is generally not advisable to simply hand the student money and tell them this is what you will be giving them for the week. We are providing meals and family experiences – not an allowance.
Will I have to make special meals?
No, just feed your exchange student what you would feed your own family, while understanding that some students may not feel comfortable eating all foods. When you are asked to send a packed lunch, most students prefer to pack it themselves from whatever you choose to offer. Your student will indicate in a survey if they have any allergies or are vegetarian.
What sort of room arrangement should I have to host an exchange student?
German students seem quite willing to share a room with another exchange student, or a host student. The guests do not require that you have a bathroom dedicated to their use only. Most students would prefer not to share a bed, however. As the students are only in your home for a few days, a good air mattress or an extra mattress you may have set up on the floor can act as a second bed. Many families have found hosting two students can seem easier than one, as the students can help one another communicate with the host family. Also, some younger students seem more comfortable having the support of someone from home with them. We generally do not place German chaperones and directors with the students. If you take an adult (which we are always very appreciative of) we would not place a student in your home also.
What should we do during our free time?
Most of your guest’s time in our community will be planned and coordinated by District 99. However there will be one “free day” in which your family may plan an activity for your guest. Often the Germans appreciate a chance to go shopping at malls or discount stores. Activities like laser tag, bowling, movies, or mini-golf are always fun. Families also have the option to coordinate with other host families. Sometimes it is nice to meet up with other families; you will be provided with a list of all the exchange students and the host families they will be staying with. It is not necessary to schedule every waking moment for your German guest. The students will need some down time of their own.
How will my exchange student get back and forth from school?
Your exchange student will travel back and forth with your District 99 student. If your child rides the bus, so will your exchange student.
