Orientation Programs

Orientation Programs for International Students

The Slater International Center coordinates two special program for entering international students: the International Student Orientation, and the Host Family Program. Registration and participation in the International Student Orientation Program is required for all non-immigrant students coming to Wellesley College. The Host Family Program is an optional program for international students travelling alone to the United States.

Orientation

Orientation starts with the arrival of international students on Sunday, August 25th, 2019. The International Student Orientation Program runs for two days before the arrival of domestic students. This allows international students to arrive early, get over jet lag and get settled. Domestic students arrive for Orientation on Tuesday, August 27th, 2019. A draft of the International Student OrientationSchedule will be available later in the spring and gives a general idea of the topic areas of the program. A final International Student Orientation schedule will be available upon arrival.

The Host Family Program

The Wellesley College International Student Host Family Program is an optional program jointly coordinated by the local area Wellesley College Alumnae Clubs and the Slater International Center. It is designed to match Wellesley alumnae, faculty, and staff with incoming international students for cultural exchange, support and community building. The Host Family Program is not a “live-in” program although it does offer incoming international students the opportunity to arrive early and stay with a host family for one or two nights before the Orientation program begins. Host Families and international students often develop close relationships and remain connected throughout the students’ time at Wellesley and beyond.

International Students are eligible to participate in the Host Family Program each fall semester if:

• They are traveling Wellesley College alone. (Because of a limited number of host families, students who are traveling with family members or who have family members in the area are not eligible for this program.)
• They have an arrival date no more than two days before the start of the Orientation Program.
• They maintain regular communication with both the Slater International Center staff and the designated host families.

How Does the Host Family Program Work?

During the Summer:

• Newly admitted and eligible international students may register for the Host Family Program through their MyWellesley portal.
• Students will be matched with a Host Family and receive a match letter by the end of July.
• Upon being matched, students must contact their host family via the contact information provided in their match letter to confirm their arrival information and open a channel of communication.
• Students must begin a dialogue with their Host Family prior to their arrival to the U.S.
• Host Families will arrange to pick up their student from the airport one to two days before the Orientation program.

At the Start of the First Year:

• Students will be invited to stay in the Host Family’s home until the start of the Orientation program.
• Host Families will bring their student to campus to move into her Residence Hall on the first day of the Orientation Program.

During the School Year:

• Students and Host Families can stay in touch and maintain their relationships during the school year by communicating by email, attending college activities together, celebrating holidays together and or spending time casual time together.

For more information about the Host Family Program please contact: