Tomball Sister City Organization Seeks Host Families for German Exchange Students: Celebrating 25 Years of International Friendship
As the Tomball Sister City Organization marks its 25th year of cultural exchange and international friendship with Telgte, Germany, the call is out for Tomball-area families to become host families for the 2025–2026 school year. The organization is currently seeking two welcoming households, ideally within the Tomball High School zone, to host incoming students from Telgte and help continue a cherished tradition that has brought more than 70 German teens to the community since the partnership began.
“Tomball Sister City will always be close to my heart, having had the chance to visit friends in Telgte who've become like family,” said Bruce Hillegeist, president and CEO of the Greater Tomball Area Chamber of Commerce. “Seeing exchange students grow into amazing adults over the years has been incredible. Be part of our 25-year tradition and have an experience you'll never forget!”
Why Student Exchange Programs Matter
Student exchange programs like the one between Tomball and Telgte offer more than just educational enrichment—they open doors to lifelong international friendships, deeper cultural understanding, and invaluable personal growth for both students and host families. These immersive experiences help students become more adaptable, globally aware, and independent, while also providing American families a firsthand look into life abroad—without ever leaving home.
For Tomball ISD students and parents, the program also deepens appreciation for the area’s rich German roots. Telgte, a picturesque town in northwestern Germany, shares much of the heritage that shaped Tomball’s early days—a connection the organization celebrates through the beloved Tomball German Festivals and periodic visits from Telgte delegations.
“The Tomball Sister City Organization is celebrating its 25-year relationship with our sister city, Telgte, Germany in April,” shared Amy Mason, Director of Communications at the Greater Tomball Area Chamber of Commerce. “During that time, the organization has brought over 70 exchange students from Telgte to spend a school year in Tomball.”
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Host Families Needed for 2025–2026
For the upcoming academic year, Mason is seeking two Tomball families willing to host male students from Telgte. Both students are active in different extracurriculars, and while placement would ideally be in Creekside (which aligns with Tomball High School), families within the Tomball Memorial High School zone are also welcome to inquire.
“Typically, there are three students per year, and they attend either Tomball High School or Tomball Memorial High School as juniors, giving them the chance to participate in senior activities and traditions,” Mason explained. “Should there be a family with interest, I would certainly share more information with them and would love to have a discussion.”
Host families are not only vital to the success of the program—they become part of a supportive network and can even connect with former host families to hear firsthand what the experience is like. Many describe the bonds formed as lasting long after the school year ends, often resulting in visits abroad and lifelong friendships.
“If anyone would like to speak with our current or former host families, we can certainly arrange that as well,” Mason added.
Get Involved
If you're a Tomball ISD family—or someone in the surrounding community—interested in opening your home to an exchange student and becoming part of an international tradition of learning and friendship, reach out to Amy Mason for more details at 281-351-7222 or amason@tomballchamber.org.
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Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.