For all the fresh students that came to study in Groningen and want a place to encouter God, build friendships and have fun with fellow students: there is HOST-IFES students. To enable everybody to know what HOST really is we have introduction activities.

You see them on the left side of the website.
We do a fun tour through Groningen to explore the city a bit and relax afterwards on saturday the 4th of september starting at 4pm at the Academiebuilding stairs. We have a movienight coming up on tuesday the 7th of september, the location is to be announced, pizza will be provided. We also have a potluck party on friday the 10th of september. This evening will also be the kick-off for coming season, we will tell something about HOST and you will be able to meet other students who participate in HOST. 

We hope we'll meet you soon!

HOST IFES-students enjoys a new Board of Advisory. This new commity will strengthen HOST in their role as a growing student organisation. HOST has a facilitating role in make an international student comfortabel Groningen. So they are able to encouter God and built friendships. In order to operate in a better way, HOST introduce the Board of Advisory to obtain a sharper, stronger vision and strategy. This board will give HOST more continuity and effectiveness.

We are contented with the five persons who joins this Board for their own background:
Bram van Putten, he is senior-staffworker for IFES Netherlands, local staffworker in Groningen and coordinator of the Mark-project. He is passionated about international students.
Esther Katterberg, she is a former Chairman of HOST. From that point of view she is able to share a lot of her own experiences. At this moment she works for Open Doors.
Dirk Bezemer, he works at the University of Groningen. For a long time he is working in a international environment. He works as a university lecturer at the faculty of Economics, department International Economics and Business. He sees the value of HOST IFES-students in Groningen.
Jan Willem Harwig is the former Chairman of the biggest christian student association in Groningen, Navigators Groningen. From his knowledge of leading a union of 400 students, he joins this Board. Futhermore, he studied for one year abroad in Copenhagen and London and is enthusiastic about international students in Groningen.
Geert de Jong was the former Chairman of HOST IFES-students 2009-2010. Because of the new start HOST IFES-students has made, his experiences and vision he joins this board. He is studying International Relations. He is passionated about HOST because its relevance for international students.

HOST is growing. Today we have heared that we are may join the OCSG! OCSG is the umbrella of the all christian student associations in Groningen. This organisation is the place of discussion among these associations. Their aim is to consolidate the relationship among the associations and to promote the interests of the christian associations (for example at the university). In short, reach students in Groningen with Christ. HOST will have a hearer position for maximum one year, this will be a bid. After that period OCSG have to make a definitive decision.

HOST (Hospitality for Overseas Students) is a place where international (and dutch) students meet together. A place where students are able to build strong relationships, dear friendships and grow in their faith. As an organization we've grown, we hope that is expansion can be consolidated next year! But we need fresh people with the energy to continue the growth. 

We are looking for people who want to be member of a new board. Do you have experience abroad? Are you enthousiastic about international students, different cultures, Groningen and Christ? Are you willing to work with your team members to establish a place where internationals have a great, inspiring time in Groningen? Are you a christian with leadership qualities and are you willing to commit your time to HOST? E-mail of call us to: dejong.geert@gmail.com of 06- 425 22 505