FAQS
Q: Who is eligible to take part in the exchange program?
A: Oak Hills students may apply to take part in the Oak Hills Dingolfing Exchange Program at the end of their freshman, sophomore, or junior year. Prospective students must have completed three or more years of German, with at least the last of these taking place at the high school. 25 students will be chosen to host a German exchange student in September of the following school year. Generally, Oak Hills students will then stay with that student's family for a period of three weeks the following summer.
Q: Why must students wait until they have completed their sophomore year/German III to go to Germany?
A: To ensure that students can get around in Germany, they must have the basic knowledge of German that comes with completing German III. To try to ensure a good match between Oak Hills students and the German students, who are juniors, students of relatively equal ages must be matched. Also, students must be mature enough to handle relatively well the cultural differences between Germany and the US.
Q: Do the Americans participate in field trips while the Germans are here?
A: The Americans go on one of the trips with their exchange student. We take the whole group downtown and see some of the sights that were inspired by German-Americans.
Q: Who is responsible for all of the Germans' transportation needs while they are here?
A: We ask that you make sure that they can get to and from school every day. We know that many of you are very busy so we hope that you share transportation duties with other parents. We will create a host-guest list with phone numbers and addresses that will make it easy for you to see who else is hosting and lives near you.
Q: Are we responsible for paying for everything while the German students are here?
A: No. The students come with spending money. You may certainly "treat" them from time to time, but stick to what you feel comfortable with. The families here and in Dingolfing all differ as to how much they can do and you will find a large range. Of course, you need to make sure that they get 3 meals a day, but beyond that, it is up to you.
Q: Are we expected to take them on side trips on the weekends?
A: Not necessarily. Certainly, there have been families who take their exchange students to surrounding attractions, but not all do. We want the students to have a good time, but you do not need to do anything extravagant.
Q: Does the exchange student need his or her own room during the stay?
A: No, sharing a room is fine. We have even had many American students give up their beds for their exchange students. There are space issues in Dingolfing, too, and everybody can adjust for a 3-week period.
Q: What if there are personality problems and the students do not get along?
A: Sometimes there are indeed personality issues. We always say that 99% of the time it works out, but there are, of course, exceptions. We hope that when problems arise, we can work them out by having the students talk about what is bothering them. In extreme cases we have moved students to other homes, but that is a last resort.
Q: Will my student be allowed to go to Germany after hosting?
A: Yes, provided no red flags are raised (discipline issues, etc.), most students go to Dingolfing and experience life in Germany. We usually go around the middle of June and come back at the beginning of July.
Q: Does hosting obligate my student to go to Germany?
A: No, certainly we hope that hosting will make all of our students really excited about taking part in such an exciting experience. We know, however, that there are also many commitments that students have in the summer. If you think there is no way that your student will ever be able to take part in the Dingolfing part of the trip, hosting is the perfect way to get half of the experience.
Q: With whom will my student stay while in Germany?
A: Most of the time, students stay with the person who stayed with them during the previous fall. If there were personality problems, we can switch hosts before the trip to Germany. Also, if the American goes to Germany before hosting then he or she will host someone new the next fall.
Q: Is it a problem if we smoke or have animals?
A: On the profile sheet we ask the students if they have allergies or a problem with smoking. This usually solves any problems before they even arrive.
Q: Should the student go to church with us?
A: You should certainly invite the student to go to church if you go every week, but we do not suggest forcing the student to go along.
Q: What are the rules for the German students when they are here?
A: Basically, they should follow the rules you have set for your family as well as all school rules. They are not allowed to drive, drink, or smoke under any circumstances, even though they might be allowed to do so in Germany.
Q: Are there rules for going to Germany?
A: To ensure that the exchange runs smoothly, a set of very reasonable rules and expectations will be in effect during the students' three-week stay in Europe. Before traveling to Germany, all students and at least one parent or guardian must sign and have notarized a set of forms in which they accept the conditions of the Oak Hills Dingolfing Exchange Program. Students who violate these rules may have administered onto them consequences, up to and including a return flight home (at their own expense) and/or immediate release to their parents. As such, parents should discuss with their students the importance of engaging in mature, courteous, and thoughtful behavior, and in conduct of highest quality. All rules and regulations of the Oak Hills Dingolfing Exchange Program are determined solely by the program coordinator and the chaperones and are governed by the laws of the State of Ohio.
Q: Can the student stay at home alone if we need to go to practices, family events, etc., that the exchange student does not want to attend?
A: Certainly, for short periods of time, they can stay alone and in some cases might enjoy some much-needed down time. If you feel like it will be an excessive amount of time, however, please use the host-guest list we provide to try to arrange something with another family. Help each other!
Q: What if we don't have enough room?
A: Where there's a will, there's a way. Be creative!
Q: What if we're always busy?
A: Everyone is in the same boat. Use the host/guest list to help arrange activities, rides, etc. The Germans are aware of our lifestyle and know what to expect.
Q: What if my child is in football/soccer/band/etc.?
A: Don't let this be a barrier. Maybe the exchange student will want to go to some practices. You’ll be surprised how quickly they are arranging their own activities and make plans with each other. It always seems to work out.
Q: What if my spouse is reluctant to host?
A: We've had many families tell us they are shocked they were so hesitant at first. It ends up being such a positive, enriching experience for so many that you should take the plunge!
Q: We're not made of money - how can we afford to host?
A: Hosting does not have to be expensive. Sure, you have to provide food and some transportation, but you do not have to do many extras if you do not feel comfortable doing so. The German students do come with spending money.
Q: What if I'm divorced and my kids spend part of the week with me and part of the week with my ex?
A: This is not a problem as long as both parents are willing to share in hosting responsibilities and arrangements are made in advance concerning transportation, etc.
Q: What if we are unable to host part of the time (we're going out of town for Labor Day, a wedding, etc.)?
A: In the past, we've simply made arrangements so that the student can stay with someone else in the program who is hosting at the same time.
Q: How do I make a phone call direct to Germany from America?
A: Simply dial 011 + 49 + (City Code) + (NUMBER). For Dingolfing, the city code is 08731, but DO NOT dial the "0" when calling from the US. Also, don't call direct unless you want to spend a lot of money - use a calling card or an international dialing number instead! Also, don't forget about Skype and email!
Q: What if I get homesick when I'm in Germany - how do I call mom and dad?
A: To make a phone call from Germany to the USA, simply dial 001 + (AREA CODE 513) + (NUMBER). Once again, though, it is often cheaper to use a calling card or an international dialing number (and Skype and email are free)!
