Host FAQs

Host companies pay for team members' airfare and lodging. Students are required to pay for all other expenses they incur, including food, transportation, evening and weekend tourism, visas, vaccinations, and immunizations, and communication expenses, such as phone calls and FedEx before, during, and after the trip. 

NOTE: In a small number of cases, the Action Learning program may agree to subsidize some travel costs. If this is the case for your team, we will discuss it with you directly. 

This depends on the lab. Those who work with Greater Boston area host companies expect students to work for several hours a week remotely and/or in-person throughout the semester. Labs that involve domestic and international travel require students to work several hours a week remotely with the host company throughout the semester, then full time (40 hours a week) on site either in January or March.  Please see individual lab pages for more information.

Company recruiting takes place through multiple channels, including faculty networks, the Endeavor Global entrepreneur network, and connections with MIT Sloan and MIT alumni. The strong relationships built with former host companies and repeat clients - as well as positive word-of-mouth- are also important resources. 

Recruiting for fall labs begins in June. Spring lab recruiting begins in October. 

Each lab requires students to spend a specific number of consecutive business days on site at a host organization. Hosts and Action Learning lab team members work out the exact length and dates of the on-site residence with the host company, based on mutual availability. The Action Learning program will inform students of any local holidays (New Year's Day, Chinese New Year, Epiphany, Carnival, etc.) that may affect their travel plans due to work closures. 

Host companies can expect students to be ready to work on their first day there. 

Host companies will pay for economy-class round-trip tickets from Boston to the company and back, as well as for modest, clean, and safe lodging that is readily accessible to the workplace. The Action Learning program will obtain estimates of reasonable economy airfare for all team destinations and provide them to you as guidelines for how much your company should expect to spend. 

Plane tickets: Either your company buys tickets for students directly, or students buy them and you reimburse them. Students and hosts will discuss travel itineraries ahead of time. 

Lodging: Host companies arrange accommodations for students. Please communicate clearly to students as to where they will be staying before they leave Boston. Students should be housed in professional lodging, such as a hotel, guesthouse, or rented apartment.