Hosts and Students Dine at the Open Doors Potluck

International students and hosts enjoy the Open Doors potluck dinner

Wednesday night was the first event of this year’s Open Doors program.  Sponsored by the International Students and Scholars Office, the program matches up new international students with faculty, staff, and community members who are interested in supporting them during their first year on campus (and for many of them, their first time living in the United States).  Students from all over the world as well as hosts from a variety of campus departments choose to participate.

To lead off the program, SEVIS/PASS Coordinator Gillian Boulay met with first time hosts to discuss how best to aid students with their transition to American life.  As the students arrived, they met up with their hosts and selected from a delicious variety of appetizers, main dishes and desserts provided by the hosts.  The event was very informal, and provided the opportunity for students and hosts to not only get to know each other better, but to also chat with other students and community members.

I was very glad to meet my “guest” Yuewei from China: she is super-friendly and excited about all of the academic opportunities at Brandeis.  I also conversed with students from Turkey, Hong Kong, and Israel, to name a few.  It was wonderful to meet so many students from a diverse set of backgrounds, as well as getting to know some of my colleagues better.  I look forward to other events this year, and encourage others to join this program next year!