Program Information
The ISSO knows that international students may have many things to adjust to - new people, a new university, and a different culture. This is exciting, but also sometimes confusing and overwhelming. That's where hosts come in.
To help international students make a smooth transition into life as an undergraduate student at Brandeis, the International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO) is happy to offer the Open Doors Host Program. The goal of the program is to help international undergraduate students feel welcome and supported as they enter Brandeis University.
What is the Program?
The Open Doors Host Program matches participating incoming international undergraduate students with a member of the Brandies community who serves as a "host" for the student's first year at Brandeis. It is our hope that participants will so enjoy their relationship with each other, that they will continue to stay in contact after the first year.
Who are the Participants?
Hosts are members of the Brandeis community: upperclassman students, staff, or faculty. The majority of them have lived in the Brandeis area for at least a year, and are an excellent source of information for making preparations for life at Brandeis. They also serve as a wealth of knowledge for you after you come here, as far as New England weather, how to dress for it, shopping, entertainment, and anything else related to life around Boston. Open Doors hosts are more than sources of information though. They offer a great opportunity to gain some insight into the U.S. culture.
Students are Brandeis international first-years, coming from a wide range of countries. A first-year could be a transfer student, a student who has participated in the Gateway ESL program at Brandeis, or a brand new student. In the case of transfer students or Gateway students, they have been in the U.S. longer than a brand new student. However, what they all have in common is that it will be their first year in the Brandeis undergraduate program.
Expectations
- After you receive your host's name and email, you should email them. Please make sure you are in contact before the semester begins.
- The commitment is at least for your first year at Brandeis, but it is our hope that you will continue to stay in contact with each other. Basically all that is required is your time and interest in your host.
- In order to get the most out of the experience, we advise participants to invite one another to get together twice (or more) per semester. Enjoy getting to know your host!
- Please remember that it is not appropriate to ask your hosts to provide housing, pick you up from the airport, drive you around, or invite you home for the holidays. However, you host may generously decide to do so.