COD Seeking Host Families for German Exchange Students

College of DuPage is seeking school-year hosts for German participants of the Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange for Young Professionals (CBYX).

"This program is a wonderful cultural experience for our German participants, as well as an exciting opportunity for our hosts," said CBYX program coordinator Bårbel Thoens -Masghati. "Participants and hosts can learn a lot about each other both culturally and personally and develop lifelong friendships."

Now in its 33nd year, CBYX is a reciprocal, public-diplomacy fellowship program funded by the German Parliament and the U.S. Congress that annually provides 75 American and 75 German young professionals the opportunity to spend one year living, studying and serving professional internships in each other's countries. Each year, College of DuPage sponsors two German students through this program.

The CBYX program offers exceptional young professionals from Germany the opportunity to study and gain valuable work experience through classes and internships while immersed in American culture. Available to students aged 18 to 24, this program not only provides a valuable cultural experience for the students, it also provides hosts the opportunity for an enriching cross-cultural experience.

Hosts are asked to provide the students a private bedroom and two meals per day. Individual costs such as car insurance, phone or special foods will be the responsibility of the participant. Participants will have their own transportation and medical insurance. Hosts can request a monthly stipend of up to $225 to cover costs. Students are expected to stay with a host family from August 6, 2016 until the end of June 2017.

For more information about hosting a German exchange student, contact Bårbel Thoens-Masghati at (630) 942-3323 or thoens@cod.edu.