The I-House Retreat – From Curiosity to Appreciation

As a resident of I-House since August 2023, the fall retreat had slipped through my fingers, with tickets selling out in the blink of an eye. Determined not to let this opportunity pass again, I eagerly awaited the spring retreat and signed up immediately after tickets became available. A semester in, having already formed connections with fellow residents, I found myself questioning the potential impact of the retreat on my already enriched social experience within the House.

However, I was intrigued, so I delved into the I-House blog to read four posts recounting experiences at previous retreats. Among the various narratives, Sanidhya’s recent post caught my attention, offering a glimpse into a mosaic of activities – coordinated outdoor escapades, a presentation by Shaun Carver, a cultural contest, movie nights, Pictionary, board games, and the unexpected inclusion of bead-making. Gabriella’s blog post from 2014 provided additional perspectives, emphasizing the retreat’s potential for bonding with new roommates, exploration of lesser-known Bay Area gems, initiation into intercultural education, and indulgence in s’mores (I learned that it means ‘some more’). Joel’s recounting of the retreat intrigued me further. He discovered that after a breakout session, his small group spoke a combination of about 50 languages! Joel’s mention of forging new friendships that led to planned trips added an extra layer of fascination. Juan’s perspective, as a student worker, introduced yet another facet. The initial activity of his retreat had them discover the meanings behind residents’ names and set an engaging tone.

My expectations were a tapestry of cross-cultural activities, a deep dive into I-House history, engaging indoor pursuits ranging from movies to bead-making, and the much-anticipated s’mores. Despite a bittersweet revelation – there were no s’mores this time – my readiness for surprises and an eagerness to discover the unknown propelled me forward.

The journey began promptly at 10:30 a.m. on January 19, 2024, a testament to the punctuality embedded in the International House ethos. Boarding the bus, I found myself amid a lively atmosphere. Resident Advisor (RA) Paige, with her charismatic self, initiated the proceedings by introducing herself and the other RAs and Program Leads. The introduction set a vibrant tone, with music and mini conversations between seat partners filling the air. A scan of the bus revealed a mix of familiar and unfamiliar faces. Despite recognizing many faces, I realized that I had not had meaningful conversations with most of these individuals.

The bus ride continued past Silicon Valley through a series of twists and turns as we headed to Los Gatos. The diverse and hilly scenery offered a distinct visual backdrop, a prelude to the enchanting experience that awaited us. All too soon, the ride ended as we disembarked onto the compound of the picturesque Green Mountain Retreat. The initial impression was nothing short of impressive – a surreal and meticulously maintained compound that beckoned us.

The subsequent events included a delectable lunch, room check-ins, and a much-anticipated history talk from Shaun Carver, our executive director. It was at this talk that I discovered that the institution’s origins started with a Sunday Supper and that the prestigious John D. Rockefeller Jr. was also intertwined in getting the vision off the ground. This revelation underscored how much more there was to learn. As RA Paige Lyles succinctly declared: “International House is not a dorm but a Mission.” 

Photo Credit: Picture A – Essenam Dorkenu, Picture B- Hawk Anderson

The transition to activities curated by the Robertson Center for Intercultural Leadership Programs (RCILP) team was seamless. These thoughtfully planned engagements sparked deep and enjoyable conversations with both familiar and new faces within I-House. The Bingo game, orchestrated by Manita, the manager of RCLIP, had us energetically discovering things about each other that we wouldn’t have otherwise known, sparking newfound interests. Case in point, sign language has become a new fascination of mine!

Additionally, Hawk, the Resident Support Manager, held group sessions for conversations on different topics. My team was able to speak in detail about Nationalism—exploring what it looks like for each of us, discussing the positives and negatives of some misconceptions, as well as exploring what drives us individually on the paths we are each on. These discussions unfolded in a safe and enlightening manner.

Photo Credit: Hawk Anderson

The rest of the evening unfolded as a tapestry of creative endeavors – slime-making, crochet, painting, henna, bead-making, chess, movie shows, and the crown jewel, karaoke. Despite the looming knowledge of a 7:30 a.m. check-out the next day, the karaoke session extended into the early morning hours, underscoring the collective agreement that the experience was worth sacrificing sleep for!

The morning after, group presentations took center stage, offering a platform for exciting revelations about misconceptions and fun facts that emerged from the preceding day’s conversations. As the retreat concluded, I found myself genuinely satisfied and grateful for the opportunity to participate.

Nayeli Vivanco, Vice president for RCILP standing in front of residents on the first day of the retreat laying down some housekeeping rules.

Manita Magar, Manager of RCILP, explaining the rules of the game before residents to start to play Bingo.

Hawk Anderson, the Resident Support Manager, explaining a discussion question for residents to talk through in their group.

I was curious if the program organizers comprehended the impact of the retreat for the collective attendees. What was their vision, what went into planning, and their overall satisfaction with how the event unfolded? I thus engaged with the Resident Life team the week after the event, seeking their insights and reflections about the event they had meticulously organized. Below is a summary of their perspectives.

Behind the scenes of our recent retreat, our RCILP team worked tirelessly to create a space where residents could go beyond surface interactions. From seamless registration to carefully curated activities, we aimed to foster intercultural understanding and meaningful conversations. The success of the retreat is not measured in logistics but in the genuine connections formed and stories shared by attendees – a testament to the power of creating spaces where people can authentically connect. 

The RCILP Team

For those who were part of this event, I extend an invitation to share your favorite moments in the comments. Personally, the speech by Shaun and the karaoke session left an indelible mark on my experience. If you find yourself yet to attend such a retreat, rest assured that while your experience may differ, the richness and enjoyment are inevitable!