Is the Host Program right for me?
Ask any student who has used the Host Program and they will tell you that the experience is way more than just a free place to stay.  The hosts who volunteer for this program are a welcoming face to a place you may not be familiar with; who are more than happy to offer information about the area, and residency programs they may know about; and of course if there’s time, I’m sure they’d love to talk about UVA and the School of Medicine.  So, if you’d like to save money and connect with fellow UVA School of Medicine constituents, this program is for you!

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 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/stay an extra day 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 14,000 UVA School of Medicine alumni throughout the country ‐ so there are potential hosts anywhere you want to travel. Review our participating cities or contact Jill McKinley 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 contact information. If you are matched early, contact your host right away and once again when it gets closer to the date of your travel.  Although the host has agreed have you, it is best they hear from you as soon as possible so they have an idea of your travel plans and can plan their schedule accordingly.

What if my plans change and I have to cancel?
We understand other interviews may arise, and/or you may decide to cancel an interview or a host visit.  However, please be respectful of the MAA and the host volunteer’s time and schedule and let them know immediately if your plans have changed.