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. In addition to a Resident Assistant, student Theme Associates live in each house and help plan theme programs. American Studies and EAST Houses also have Resident Fellows. Residents of theme houses must usually commit to take a class related to the theme and organize a theme project. American Studies has both University dining and custodial service.
Meals often feature foods related to the house theme.
Theme programs include in-house classes, film and lecture series, group discussions, drama productions, music recitals, and readings by noted authors. Members of the ethnic groups living in the houses have an opportunity to be a part of a supportive community because of the clustering of members of that ethnic group in the house and because the educational program emphasizes and values the cultural identity of the group. The theme programs enable members of the ethnic group and others in the house to learn about and appreciate the group's history and culture. For the houses to be successful, all residents need to participate in the range of house meetings and programs. The staffs are also committed to the houses' theme programs and work actively to encourage participation of all residents in theme activities.