Frequently Asked Questions
How many times can I use the HOST program?
We ask that you limit use of the program to five times so that we are able to accommodate as many students as possible.
Is my spouse able to stay with me?
Many volunteer hosts welcome spouses.
Can I stay with a host for more than one day?
Absolutely. Some of our hosts are willing to have students arrive early in order to take advantage of better travel rates.
Who are the host volunteers?
All hosts are U-M Health System alumni - they have attended the University of Michigan for their medical education and/or for their residencies, fellowships or Ph.D.s.
Where are host's available?
We have coordinated hosts from Maine to Hawaii and Alaska to Florida. There are 18,000 U-M Health System alumni throughout the country, so there are potential host's anywhere you want to travel.
What can I expect from the host?
We simply ask the alumni host's to provide overnight accommodations in their home for you, although many host's have indicated they would be available to help with transportation to and from the airports and interviews, home-cooked meals, guided tours of the area and invaluable professional insight into the regional medical community.
How do I sign up to utilize the HOST program?
Fill out and submit the Student Participation Form indicating when and where you will be traveling.
Do I contact the alumni host?
After you have completed the online Student Participation Form, the Alumni Relations staff will contact the alumni host and secure their interest and availability. We will then provide you with contact information. It is up to you to contact your host. If there are any changes in your plans, you must let the host know. The host will have been given your name, and will be expecting to hear from you.
How far in advance should I contact my host?
Contact your host as soon as we give you the contact information. If you are matched early, contact your host right away and again closer to the date of your travel.
What do I do if my travel or interview plans change or get cancelled?
Contact your host as soon as possible and let them know about the change in plans. Also, please inform the Alumni Relations staff so that we can reassign the host to another student if needed.
Do I need to do anything after using the HOST program?
Yes, we ask that you send a thank-you note to the alumnus/a who hosted your stay, and we will be in contact with you to follow up on your experience.
Who do I contact if I have questions about the HOST program?
Please contact the Alumni Relations staff at (734) 998-7584.