Host experience: Two international students & fourteen grandchildren

Hospi Housing visited Wim, Monique & Zoë, an example of a perfect Hospi Housing match. They welcomed us with open arms into their home. Wim & Monique tell us more about their host experience

Wim & Monique gave us the unique opportunity to have a glimpse into their house and tell us about their host experience. We didn't know beforehand that an afternoon with them would touch our hearts so deeply. We were welcomed with open arms by two friendly hosts and their guest student from Spain.

Let’s introduce…

First, let’s introduce the hosts... Sitting in front of us is Monique, mother of four children and grandmother of fourteen grandchildren. She is a physiotherapist and until recently she had a practice at home, now she works as a physiotherapist at a gym. In addition, Monique is a 'Saar aan Huis', where she helps elderly people with activities such as going to the swimming pool or doing groceries. Monique has been married to Wim for 55 years. With a smile on her face, she says, 'I still like him'.

Wim used to work in the music instrument business. After that, he started making stained glass windows, which he currently still enjoys doing. He likes to play tennis, table tennis, and various other sports.

How did you come across Hospi Housing?

Monique tells us that her sister, who lives a few houses down the street, offered temporary accommodation to two Italian students at the time. She told Wim & Monique about her host experience. Wim & Monique found this very interesting because they live in a similar house. They decided to give it a try for two months. They filled out their preferences on the website and Zoë was the first candidate they were matched with. Wim & Monique knew right away that they didn't need to look any further.

Unexpected visit

To our surprise, two of Wim & Monique's fourteen grandchildren are knocking on the garden door. One of the grandchildren has just taken his final exam, and they cheer together. They jump arm in arm through the kitchen. It's a heartwarming moment where we are witnessing the close relationship of this family, including the hosts, the student and the grandchildren.

Getting used to new sounds

I ask Monique if they had to make any adjustments to their house before their host experience. She says it was very easy, and there were plenty of empty rooms in the house. The only concern Monique had was how it would affect her privacy. When Zoë came for the first time home late, Monique woke up from the sounds. It reminded her of her own children, who are now in their fifties. Now she is used to the sounds. 'Zoë feels like family; she makes us feel young', says Monique.

Three-months trial period

Monique mentions that the registration process was very easy. Hospi Housing provided excellent assistance with the contracts and administrative procedures. An important aspect for Monique was the three-month trial period, in case one of the parties didn't find it suitable. That was reassuring for Monique. 'You never know how it will develop when you have a person that you’ve never met in your home; they might bring all their friends', says Monique.

Daily conversations

The contact between the hosts and the student is very good. They always have a chat with each other when they come home. Wim says that everyone just does their own thing, but they always ask each other how they're doing and how their day was.

Sharing a house with international students

I ask Monique about her host experience living with international students. She says she likes that there's something happening in the house. Wim & Monique were used to having a big family at home, so this is a wonderful experience for them. Wim adds that they are happy they can do this and that they really enjoy it. 'It is a bit selfish to live alone as a couple in such a big house; this is a sustainable solution', says Wim.

Wim and Monique enthusiastically share their host experience with neighbors, family, and friends who also have large houses with empty rooms. They aim to encourage more potential hosts to rent a room to a student.

Future plans

Hosts Monique and Wim plan to continue hosting students for as long as possible. As long as there is room, the door will remain open.

Advice from Monique to potential hosts

'Just give it a try. Sign up and evaluate after two months if you still feel a match and want to continue. I can recommend everyone to try this unique experience', says Monique.

If you want to know if you qualify to become a host, read about the requirements to become a host.

Perspective of the new generation

Wim & Monique's grandchildren listen to the stories and confirm the warm atmosphere in the house. I ask them if it has changed their perspective on living in student accommodations. They say they think it's a fantastic solution. They never thought that students could also live with their grandparents.

'My grandpa told me they are teaching him English,' says Madelief, one of the grandchildren. Living with a host has many positive aspects. Soon, Wim & Monique's grandchildren will also move into student accommodations.

Authentic Dutch traditions

My final question to the hosts is to share a memorable moment with Zoë. Monique tells us that they attended Zoë's graduation ceremony, where Zoë gave a beautiful emotional speech.

The grandchildren remember the moment when they were celebrating Sinterklaas together and Pedro (the other international student) almost fell off his chair when he heard someone banging on the door. Authentic Dutch traditions.

It was a wonderful experience that these amazing hosts and their student opened their doors for us. The stories and genuine connection reminded us of the power of cultural exchange and how important it is for (international) students to feel at home.

Are you excited about becoming a host and would like to have an unique experience like Wim & Monique, sign up to become a host at Hospi Housing.