# Host Family Program ![one host and four students sit around a dining room table smiling](/sites/g/files/omnuum7076/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2026-04/HFP%201.jpeg?h=8b0c0b8f&itok=PYz7P2DQ) ## expand\_more ## Mission The mission of the Host Family Program is to foster a sense of belonging and community for first-year students by building warm, informal friendships with alumni, faculty, administrators, and other friends of Harvard College. ## Form Connections The program pairs a member of the Harvard community with student(s) and encourages organic communication, shared activities, and genuine connection throughout the year. Please note that this is not a professional mentorship program, it is much more. It is an opportunity to open your home and heart to a student who may be building their support network far from home. [ Apply for the Host Family Program arrow\_circle\_right ](https://harvard.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6YiOziBWLP7c7oW) Open all sections Close all sections ### Expectations of Hosts expand\_more Expectations of Hosts The immediate post-arrival time (August - September) is when students need and enjoy their host's attention the most. The knowledge and hospitality that you can offer as a host is highly appreciated by students during this period. Hosts are expected to meet with their students at least monthly during the year. Students appreciate the opportunity to explore New England with a local. Events do not have to be elaborate or costly. The following are several activities past HFP students have suggested: - Family dinners at home - Attend local music festival - See a movie in theaters - Attend Harvard sporting event - Eat a meal at at Cambridge staple like Bartley's - Attend the Boston Ballet - Watch the Regatta - Explore New England: hike, ski, visit the beach - Celebrate Thanksgiving - Watch the Boston Marathon - Attend Harvard Museum at Night event ### Host Application expand\_more Be part of a group of special people who help make Harvard a friendlier place for newly arrived international students. By participating in the Harvard Host Family Program, you will join hundreds of volunteers who have enriched the lives of countless students. Hosts make a huge impact on undergraduate students during the most transformative years of young adulthood. [Host applications](https://qualtricsxm58z2pnz3w.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9NwGgP3I1A1Tg10) are considered on a rolling basis. Priority deadline is Monday, June 1. ### HFP Events expand\_more The Host Family Program will organize optional outings such as Harvard sporting events, local festivals, or campus art events. Attendance is encouraged but not mandatory. ![A student sits on University Hall steps with their host parent, Dean Sheila Thimba, as they laugh over a book.](/sites/g/files/omnuum7076/files/styles/hwp_3_4__480x640/public/dso/files/121824_host_family_program_194.jpg?itok=er5asVQ5) It’s like a second family here in the United States. Reisa is like a mother to us, and the other members of the host family are like brothers and sisters to me. Kwame Boateng ’28 [Read about our host family program](https://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2025/02/a-family-at-school-when-home-is-far-away/) ## Student Testimonials > #### "I found a home away from home." > > #### "My host always had a listening ear and gave me great advice from his time at Harvard!" > > #### "Just hearing biweekly updates from my family on what they were doing in the area was really nice. I like just hearing about people's lives and traditions outside of the Harvard bubble." > > #### "My experience with the Host Family Program has been amazing. My hosts are the sweetest people ever, and it always makes me smile when they text to check in or when we go out and do something together. You can tell they are deeply invested in the program and keep in contact with all of the students they've hosted; I even got to meet the student they hosted last year. It has been an amazing experience overall!" ## Additional Mentoring Programs Not sure if the Host Family Program is right for you, but interested in connecting with members of the Harvard community? Below are additional opportunities you may wish to explore: - [First Generation Harvard Alumni Mentor Program](https://firstgeneration.sigs.harvard.edu/) (contact ) - [Making Connections](https://careerservices.fas.harvard.edu/channels/expand-your-network/) with resources from the Office of Career Services - [Radcliffe Research Partnership](https://www.radcliffe.harvard.edu/opportunities-for-students/radcliffe-research-partnerships) - [The Roosevelt Scholars Program](https://fdrfoundation.org/the-roosevelt-scholars-program/) ![four women stand together smiling ](/sites/g/files/omnuum7076/files/styles/hwp_1_1__960x960_scale/public/2026-04/HFP%202.jpeg?itok=W6aszDOZ) ## Staff [### Stephanie Macaris Alusow ](/people/stephanie-macaris-alusow)Executive Assistant and Program Coordinator I have worked for almost 20 years in a variety of different roles at Harvard College. This includes the Office of Admissions and Financial Aid and the Office of Special Concentrations. I have also been a first-year academic adviser for the past 6 years... ![Photo of Stephanie Macaris Alusow](/sites/g/files/omnuum7076/files/styles/hwp_4_5__690x865/public/dso/files/sma_headshot_2_blurred_1.jpg?itok=L0PKwNbq)