# Host Family Program

**Source**: https://dso.college.harvard.edu/host-family-program
**Parent**: https://dso.college.harvard.edu/student-activities

## Form connections with a local family

The purpose of the Host Family Program is to facilitate informal friendships between alumni, faculty, administrators, other friends of Harvard College, and first-year students. To accomplish this goal, the program matches a member of the Harvard community with a student (or two) and encourages periodic communication, interaction, and meetings. The Host Family Program offers four events throughout the academic year for hosts and their students, but what happens beyond these activities is up to the pair. Examples of activities shared by hosts and students include attending Harvard and professional athletic events, apple picking, visiting a museum in Boston, or enjoying dinner at a local restaurant.

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/)

### How Do I Apply for the Host Family Program?

Incoming students in the Class of 2029 can now access the [application](https://harvard.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_1YoGjqT28IyYgaq). Please submit it by 11:59 PM on Monday, June 30. Applications submitted after the deadline will be accepted for the program waitlist.

If you are a Harvard community member interested in serving as a host, we welcome your application at any time. Please email [firstyearhostfamily@fas.harvard.edu](mailto:firstyearhostfamily@fas.harvard.edu) to learn more and receive the host application.

> ## I found a home away from home.
>
> #### International Student
>
> *People's Republic of China*

## 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 [fghamentoring@gmail.com](mailto:fghamentoring@gmail.com))
- [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/)

## Host Family Program

Connect with a local family

#### [Explore the Host Family Program](/host-family-program)