Help A Family In Germany Learn English
Live like a local with a screened host family and receive free room and board.
More information
Who can participate right now? Anyone living in the EU and anyone living in Algeria, Australia, Canada, China, Georgia, Japan, Montenegro, Morocco, New Zealand, Rwanda, Serbia, South Korea, Thailand, Tunisia, Uruguay.
We will continue to update this program page.
Homestay Tutor In Germany
This is an immersion opportunity to learn German and enjoy the German culture and food for 2, or 3 months. You'll live like a local with a carefully screened host family and you'll become a part of the community.
When your host family learns English, you're leaving a lifetime skill that they (and you) will never forget.
Overview
Teach English abroad in Germany for up to 15 hours each week and live like a local for up to 3 months when you help a family in Germany learn English. Don’t worry if you’ve never done this before! Your new host family is more interested in learning conversational English than they are grammar. You'll have so much fun living in Germany by simply speaking English the way you normally do at home. Also, you also have a unique opportunity to learn or improve your German!
In a matter of hours, you're walking around your new community like a real German citizen. It won’t take long for the locals to start recognizing you and for you to consider your host community your new, temporary home. It’s real and authentic. Get to know the locals. Wake up each day and feel a connection.
Eligibility And Fees
The program fee is $899 for 2 months, or $999 for 3 months.
- Be between 18 and 70 years of age.
- Native English speakers are preferred. If you are not a native English speaker and you have a clear accent, we may be able to place you.
- Have at least a high school diploma.
Included in the program fee:
- Personalized placement with a carefully screened host family. In other words, a place to call home in Germany.
- A comfortable private bedroom for the duration of the program.
- Tutor resources.
- Meals each day except when you’re not at the host home.
- Local support in Germany, 24/7.
- Pre-departure materials.
- German language immersion through your host family.
Not included in the program fee:
- Airfare to and from Germany.
- Meals when you're away from the host family and traveling on your own.
- Spending money.
- International insurance
How does GeoVisions choose host families?
Host families contact us because they want to provide room and board to an English speaker who will help them with their conversational English. When there are children in the family, mostly they need help with their English homework, but many times the adults want to join in as well.
Families are screened. They have to show a need and a desire to host an English tutor. And they have to pass a background check, an interview by in-country staff and agree to a home inspection and provide photos of the home (inside and out). Tutors are promised their own private room but there are times a bathroom might be shared. Families provide meals except when the tutor is traveling.
We take our time making a match because it is impossible to change a host family based on location, for example. However, once you are on the program and if issues arise, we maintain emergency families and can step in and help. This is extremely rare.
Can I choose my location?
For the most authentic experience of living each day in Germany, you cannot choose your exact location.
What you can do is tell us the area where you’d like to be and whether or not you’d like a large city, a small town, or rural placement. And we’ll try our best.
Remember … the host families choose us when they need a live-in tutor and so timing is everything. There are many locations that you may not have considered prior to applying that are fantastic places in Germany. (We can tell you about many tutors that have loved their locations!)
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to get a visa?
For most homestay tutors, you'll enter the country on a tourist visa and you can stay 90-days. If you have concerns, check with the embassy of your destination.
When can I book my flights?
DO NOT book any flights until you are matched with your host family. They will go over several arrival dates with you. We'll tell you when it's safe to book your airfare.
How long can I stay on the program?
For Germany, you can stay up to 90-days. Then you must depart the entire Schengen Zone (all of the EU) for 180-days before you can return to any country.
If you're going to do any travel, don't accept a 3 -month position as a tutor. You won't have time to travel around at the end or before your program.
Also, don't surprise your host family. They might not be able to host you past the agreed-upon dates.
Do I need to speak the local language?
Nope! Although if you arrive with a little knowledge of the local language, it is going to be a little easier for you.
Do I have to have the classes prepared in advance?
Remember, your host family wants to learn conversational English. Most of what you have to do is just speaking as you normally would.
Our own tutoring book with lesson plans and games is provided to you before you depart.
I've heard bringing a gift for the host family is a good thing?
Who doesn't like a present? We recommend bringing something that represents where you are from. Maple syrup, pancake mix, a coffee mug are a few ideas.
Do I have free time?
We are asking you to tutor the family 15 hours a week. Outside of that commitment, you're free to explore. In fact, we hope you will!
Will my host family speak English?
Count on them knowing basic English. That's why you're there!
Can I be placed with a travel companion?
Host families for the most part have room for one tutor. If you want to travel with someone, we can try to find a family who would like a tutor and who lives nearby your host family. Or at least where you could see each other a few times during the week.
This is something you want to mention right from the start. Think of it as a puzzle. We can put it together, but it might take a little time.
How long does it take to be placed with a family?
If you can give us 90-days, we will succeed in an awesome placement. Some tutors want a last-minute placement. We charge extra for that. The longer we have to make the match, the better program you're going to have.
What can I do in my free time?
Outside of the 15 hours a week, the time is really yours to do what you like.
As you read the Blog posts from former tutors, here are a few things they've done:
- Take language courses
- Visit museums
- Take cooking classes
- Museum tours
- A long weekend traveling around
- Meeting new friends
What is the application process like?
Application Process
After you make sure that you meet the Homestay Tutor qualifications, the next step is to apply.
Click this button:
1. Submit the online application along with the $350, non-refundable deposit. This amount comes off your program fee.
2. You'll receive a link for a supplemental form and additional materials to submit.
3. We begin to match you with a well-screened host family.
4. We'll email you the host family information. Set up a Zoom call with the host family for your interview.
5. Once you and the host family agree that it's a good match, you and the family arrange the exact arrival and departure date.
6. Now you'll pay your 2nd $350 payment. You will have now paid a total of $700.
7. Find and purchase your flights.
8. Arrange your international health insurance.
9. If you need a visa, please arrange for your visa.
10. Make your final payment on your program fee 60-days before your departure. Remember, you will have already paid $700 by now.
11. Fly overseas and begin your Homestay Tutor program and cultural experience!
"I have been in Germany for just over a month. GeoVisions was extremely helpful in the time before I came. This is my first time living abroad, so of course, I was a bit anxious in the time before I left.
I had a person with GeoVisions assigned to me, so I had someone to answer any questions, both over phone and email. This definitely made me feel more comfortable about leaving.
Since arriving, my local agent has checked in with me several times and is always available for questions. I would recommend this trip to anyone. It's a great way to experience a new country!
"
Beth Enslee
September 8, 2019
"So far, my experience in Germany has been great. GeoVisions has been extremely helpful, especially in the time leading up to my trip.
I was paired with a great family, with many similar interests. Since being here, GeoVisions has checked up on me several times. I would suggest this experience to anyone.
"
Elizabeth Hurst
September 16, 2019
"The people in Germany are so friendly. When they find out I'm from Seattle, I get lots of questions and comments about the rock scene!
I came over to Germany with the goal of learning the language and learning more about the culture. My goals haven’t changed, I’ve just added a few! I am totally learning German thanks to being immersed in it. I recommend this experience.
"
Stephanie Vollbrecht
November 2, 2019
Request More Information - Opportunities For You
This experience will look great on your CV or Resume. Learn German in an immersion setting. Contribute a skill that will last a lifetime.
There are no official "start dates." You can set your dates up with your host family in advance. Age range is 18-70+ and if you have a clear accent, you don't have to be a native-English speaker. Take the iTEP Conversation test and find out about your English level and accent.
Become A Homestay Tutor In Germany
Learn German While Teaching English
We would love to talk to you when you're ready!