International Houses Worldwide is an affiliation of
International Houses from across the continents,
united by one mission:
To provide students of different nationalities and
diverse cultures with the opportunity to live and
learn together in a community of mutual respect,
understanding and international friendship.
The 15 International Houses spread across the world are
separate, independent, non-profit making institutions united
by one mission. All I Houses provide long and short term
accommodation offering great value, a fun and friendly
atmosphere and a safe environment.
All I Houses give young people the opportunity to live and
learn in a multicultural environment. An ambiance that nurtures
understanding, dialogue and friendship enables cultural gaps
to be bridged. At every I House worldwide, people with vastly
divergent beliefs learn to accept differences in thought and
tradition. Here they acquire intercultural skills that enhance
their capacity as future leaders in the global community.
The International House movement was founded back in
the early 1900s due to the plight of international students,
be that inadequate housing or simply loneliness, being
highlighted by some chance meetings.
In Philadelphia Dr. Waldo Stevenson (a missionary), began
entertaining foreign students in his modest apartment and
by 1910, the work had expanded so much that he took the
case to the Christian Association, the project grew further
and International House Philadelphia was born.
Harry Edmonds decided to investigate the situation of foreign
students having bumped into a Chinese student in New York City
and with the funding and support of John D. Rockefeller, Jr., the
first purpose built International House opened in New York in 1924.
