OVERVIEW

Founded almost 100 years ago in 1910, International House Philadelphia is an independent, non-profit organization housing nearly 400 students, scholars and interns from over 65 countries.  We provide a unique residential experience that supports their development as future leaders by offering a full spectrum of programs that create individuals able to work and interact successfully with people from all backgrounds.  To support both our residents and the Greater Philadelphia community, International House Philadelphia has long been the premier presenter of international arts and cultural programs. 

International House Philadelphia’s mission is three-fold: to maintain a diverse and welcoming community for scholars from around the world, while introducing them to the American experience; to broaden the horizons of its residents and the larger community through high quality programs that promote international friendship, and business and professional opportunities; and to encourage the growth of mutual tolerance and respect among the peoples of all nations.

CULTURAL, EDUCATIONAL AND SOCIAL PROGRAMS

When it was founded nearly 100 years ago, International House provided a nurturing and supportive place for a small community of international students to meet and develop friendships with one another and with Americans.  Today, International House provides more than 150 cultural, educational and social programs that assist its residents, and other international students and scholars, with their adjustment to American society and life in Philadelphia, while encouraging the cross-cultural understanding and leadership skills necessary to succeed in today's global economy. Resident programs include extensive orientations, trips to regional attractions, opportunities to meet business executives, language assistance, ethnic dance and music performances, host family programs as well as seminars on current topics like the latest post-9/11 regulations for foreign students. Many International House residents major in fields that are vital to the “new economy.”  A number of these students successfully secure professional positions in this region after graduation.

International House also presents hundreds of public programs to over 30,000 Philadelphia area residents throughout the year, fostering a global community by celebrating the world’s cultural diversity and probing issues from an international perspective. The acclaimed Film @ International House showcases the best in international repertory, avant garde and pop films, and often features directors and panelists that enhance the cinematic experience by encouraging dialogue on complex themes. The Jubilee International Education Initiative provides inner-city students with summer educational experiences in the United Kingdom and the chance to meet once a month with international students from around the world. For non-native English speakers of all ages and abilities, the Spoken English Program advances conversational skills. The Visiting Author Series, dance performances, art exhibits, concerts and cultural festivals also enable area audiences to explore their own roots and learn about the heritage of others. 

Click here to view our principal public and community-based programs.

THE BUILDING AND ITS TECHNOLOGY

In additional to its residential facilities, the building features a conference center available for rent, including several meeting rooms and a 400-seat theater with state-of-the-art projection and sound equipment (16mm, 35mm, BetaSP and DigiBeta, MiniDV, DVD, SVHS and VHS playback, a 10,000 lumen video projector,

24 input mixer, digital processor, and Turbo Sound speakers) and teleconferencing capabilities. High-speed, wireless Internet hookups in both public and residential spaces make connecting to the world fast and easy. Limited office space is also available. Current tenants include the UPenn’s Office of International Programs; Center for Greater Philadelphia; Research for Action; CampusPhilly; and Global Interdependence Center.

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An independent 501 (c) 3 organization, International House is located in the heart of University City, adjacent to the University of Pennsylvania and Drexel University, which together enroll two-thirds of all international students studying in Philadelphia.