Host Family of the Month: Bea and Annika

For Bea, becoming a host parent was never just an idea. It was a dream she carried with her since her own exchange experience years ago. This year, that dream became reality. Together with her partner Annika, she decided the moment was right to open their home and welcome a student into their lives.

As they describe it themselves, they felt “ready enough.”

At 33 and 29, Bea and Annika initially wondered if they might be too young to be a host family. Without previous parenting experience, they questioned whether they could offer what a student might need. But in the end, what matters is openness, willingness, and the space to welcome someone into your life.

A year of laughter, sports and creativity

When Štefánia from Slovakia arrived in Germany through YFU Czech Republic, the connection formed quickly. What followed was a year filled with laughter, creativity, and a lot of sports. From soccer games to trips, from creative evenings to cozy moments during the Christmas season, their time together was shaped by shared experiences and everyday life.

Growing together

Hosting is never a one way experience. Bea and Annika shared that they learned how important it is to stay open to new people and perspectives. Through their time together, they were reminded to appreciate the small things and even rediscovered their own passion for sports.

Štefánia, in turn, found a home where she could feel comfortable, supported, and truly part of the family. Their connection became so strong that what was originally planned as a semester turned into a full school year.

Meeting each other with openness

Like any shared living experience, there were also challenges along the way. What made the difference was how they approached them. They met each other at eye level, with honesty, respect, and openness. This created space for communication and allowed them to grow not only individually, but also together as a family.

A story that inspires

We are deeply grateful to Bea and Annika for opening not only their home, but also their hearts. Their story shows that being a host family is not about age or experience. It is about connection, openness, and the willingness to share everyday life. And sometimes, being “ready enough” is exactly what makes all the difference.