Host students provide friendship to international GSAS students as they make the transition to life in the United States and to graduate studies in GSAS.   

In 2008 Dudley House and GSAS are sponsoring the twentieth annual Host Student Program for incoming international students.  Hosts students are continuing GSAS students who provide friendship to incoming international GSAS students as they make the transition to life in the United States and to graduate studies in GSAS.  Host students are available to answer general questions and to share their Harvard experiences.  While not intended to be a counselor or academic advisor, a host student is someone to whom a new international student can turn for support and informal advice.  It is very important to the incoming students to have a warm welcome by a peer at Harvard.  For the many current GSAS students who may have benefited from this program, becoming a host is a chance to give something back.  For incoming international students this is an opportunity to make contact with fellow students before they arrive at Harvard.  After being matched, the host student is asked to contact the "match" over the summer and everyone meets in early September.  The social highlight of the Program is the amazing Host Student Dinner, to be held at Dudley House this year on Monday, September 8.  This has become one of the most enjoyable events held during the year at Dudley House.  It is a great celebratory start to the academic year and a wonderful year at Dudley House.  It introduces the incoming students to all the resources that our Graduate Student Center at Dudley House has to offer.  GSAS students provide the music and entertainment, everyone enjoys a fine catered dinner, and, as we know from past experience, we all have a marvelous time.

If you would like to participate in the Host Student Program this year you can do so online.  If you have comments or questions you can email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it