Matches are made based on the sign-up forms on this website. We will do our best to match you with someone who has similar interests, but we also ask that you keep an open mind about who your Friend is. You will receive information about your Friend during the summer, and will be asked to contact them via email.
No, but they may generously offer to do so. Participating ISSO Friends students live in university housing and will be instructed to time their arrival with the opening of the residence halls. ISSO Friends is not a homestay program. Rather, it is an opportunity to make a friend, gain insight into U.S. culture, and be introduced to Brandeis and the Waltham/Boston area.
Popular activities include cooking together, shopping, going to a cafe, and sightseeing in Boston. There is always a lot going on at Brandeis, so you can attend events on campus together as well. The ISSO also offers some programs and events throughout the semester.
After the semester begins, you may find yourself very busy with classes and making friends on campus. If you are unable to keep in touch with your Friend, or if the match does not work well, please contact the ISSO Friends Program Coordinator via email or by phone at 781-736-3480. The Coordinator will see if the situation can be resolved, or if necessary, can arrange an alternative match.
Brandeis only acts as a liaison and is not responsible for the conduct of the parties involved.
“Thanks to ISSO I have had a wonderful semester at Brandeis. I can always find a familiar smiling face. She is my Open Doors host. She is a caring and loving host. Her welcome reached me long before I arrived in Brandeis. Knowing that someone was there for me really meant a lot to me.”
Student Participant