Hosts Sign Up Below
Open Doors Host Program FAQs
How are matches made?
Matches are made based on the sign-up forms on this website and are made on a first-come, first-serve basis. You will be asked if you have any preferences about your student, but we cannot guarantee they will be met. We try to match up students and hosts with common interests based on the information provided on the questionnaires, but we ask that you keep an open mind about who they are. As a host, you would receive information about your student during the summer, and would be asked to contact him or her via email. While not required, many program participants offer to meet their students at the airport when they first arrive in the summer.
Will it cost me money to be a host?
You have no financial obligation whatsoever to your student. All that is asked of the host is your time and your interest in helping a Brandeis international student feel welcome and supported during their first year at Brandeis. However, since students have different financial situations, you cannot assume that your host student has plenty of pocket money to pay for dinners out or events. If you invite your host student out for an event that costs money, we suggest that you pay for them, unless your student tells you otherwise.
Am I expected to drive my student around or invite them home for the holidays?
No, but you may generously offer to do so. Open Doors is not a homestay program. Rather, it is an opportunity to gain some insight into another culture.
What types of activities do participants do together?
Popular activities are cooking together, shopping, meeting at a cafe, or even sightseeing in Boston. Alternatively, there is always a lot going on at Brandeis, so you can attend on campus events together as well.
What happens if the host/student relationship is not working well?
Sometimes students arrive at Brandeis and find themselves very busy with classes, settling in, and making friends on campus. If your host student makes no effort to be in touch, or if the match does not work well, please contact Emily Stewart via email (estewart@brandeis.edu) or by phone at 781-736-3480. Emily will see if the situation can be resolved, or if necessary, she can arrange an alternative match.