In addition to offering the social and educational opportunities available in any Stanford residence, the Cross-Cultural Houses feature theme programs exploring each community’s history and culture. Students living in the houses have an opportunity to be a part of a supportive community whose educational experience is enriched by the cross-cultural activities.

Academic and Language Houses enable both majors and non-majors with an active interest in a field to live together and explore a theme in a fun and comfortable residential setting. Most houses maintain active contact with faculty in the relevant academic departments and often host noted scholars, cultural figures, and political leaders. For students preparing for or returning from overseas study, the houses with a language theme provide opportunities to use the language on a daily basis.

Focus Houses feature special house programs that focus on a specific area in depth. Student Focus Assistants who live in each house help to plan focus programs. The houses serve as relaxed forums for both residents and nonresidents to come together to discuss issues related to the house focus and to meet with faculty members from the focus area.

For further details about a particular program, please visit Special Programs at Residential Education.