Thanksgiving Host Program
Unfortunately, due to health and safety concerns, we will not be holding our Thanksgiving Host Program in 2021. We look forward to resuming this program in the future.
Each fall semester, the ISSO connects current Brandeis international students with Brandeis community members (faculty, staff, alumni, and friends of the Brandeis community) who are willing to open up their homes to international students during their family's Thanksgiving celebrations. Celebrations may include Thanksgiving meals, events and/or family gatherings. Don't miss out on this great opportunity to experience an American Thanksgiving!
READ what Past participants have to say
Information for Students
Spending Thanksgiving with a host is a great opportunity for you to learn about how the Thanksgiving holiday is celebrated in the U.S., develop rewarding friendships, and share your culture.
Thanksgiving is celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November; however, hosts may not hold their Thanksgiving meal on the day that the holiday is officially observed. For example, a Thanksgiving host may invite students to join their family Thanksgiving dinner the Wednesday before, the Friday after, or on the weekend.
If you are interested in having a Thanksgiving host this year, please take a few moments to fill out the online student sign-up form. The sign-up deadline will be Friday, November 15th.
Note: Signing up for the Thanksgiving Host Program does not necessarily guarantee you a host. Student-Host matches will be made on a rolling first-come, first-serve basis.
The ISSO will be in touch with you within two weeks of signing up regarding contact information of the host who will be inviting you to their Thanksgiving holiday celebrations.
Information for Hosts
Participating as a Thanksgiving Holiday Host is a great opportunity to learn about the cultural traditions of Brandeis' wonderful international students, develop rewarding friendships with them, and share your own Thanksgiving traditions.
This year the holiday is celebrated on Thursday, November 28, 2019; however, hosts that participate in this program do not have to plan their meal or Thanksgiving event on the day that the holiday is officially observed. For example, a Thanksgiving Holiday Host may invite student guests to join their Thanksgiving dinner the Wednesday before, the Friday after, or on the weekend.
If you are interested in sharing your family's Thanksgiving traditions with an international student or two this year, please take a few moments to fill out the online host sign-up form. The sign-up deadline to be a Thanksgiving Holiday Host is Friday, November 15th.
Note: Signing up for the Thanksgiving Host Program does not necessarily guarantee you a student match. Student-Host matches will be made on a rolling first-come, first-serve basis.
The ISSO will be in touch with you within two weeks of signing up regarding contact information for the international student guest(s) who will be joining your Thanksgiving holiday celebrations.
Brandeis only acts as a liaison and is not responsible for the conduct of the parties involved.
“One of the best Thanksgivings we've had. This is a wonderful program, so glad I was able to participate.”
Thanksgiving Host