How many times can I use the HOST program?
We ask that you limit the use of the program to five requests so that we are able to accommodate as many students as possible. If you do have more than five requests, please submit them all and we will work with you to try to accommodate, but will do so with other students in mind.
Is my spouse able to stay with me?
Many hosts welcome spouses. Please note on your registration form that you will be traveling with your spouse.
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 UVA medical alumni – they have attended the University of Virginia for their medical education and/or for their residencies and fellowships.
Where are HOSTs available?
We have alumni volunteers in numerous cities. There are over 6,000 UVA School of Medicine alumni throughout the country ‐ so there are potential hosts anywhere you want to travel. Review our participating cities or contact the Medical Alumni Office (434)924‐9997 to find a host in your area of interest.
What can I expect from the host?
We simply ask the alumni hosts to provide overnight accommodations in their home for you. Although many hosts go above and beyond by offering transportation to and from interviews and airports, home cooked meals, guided tours of the area and invaluable professional insight on the regional medical community and your prospective medical center. Every HOST experience will be different and you will benefit every time you use the program.
How do I sign up to utilize the HOST program?
Fill out the Student Registration Form to let us know when and where you will be traveling. We ask that you let us know about your travels as soon as possible so we can have time to contact and find a host for you. Seven business days advance notice is appreciated, but we understand that interviews change frequently and we will try to accommodate requests that do not have the one‐week advance notice.
Do I contact the alumni host?
After you have completed the online Student Registration Form, we will contact the alumni host and secure their interest and availability. We will then provide you with the alumnus’ information. It is then up to you to promptly contact your host and share the details of your travel and interview plans and arrange your stay. The host will have been given your name, and will be expecting to hear from you. We ask that you contact them as soon as we give you their information so they know that you are definitely staying with them. If plans change, you can always contact them again.
How far in advance should I contact my host?
Contact your host as soon as we give you their information. If you are matched early, contact your host right away and once again when it gets closer to the date of your travel. THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT!