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 premiere presenter of international arts and cultural
programs.
International
House Philadelphia is a multicultural residential center,
a source of distinctive programming, and the embodiment
of an ideal. Our critical three-fold mission: 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 international arts and
humanities programs and to encourage cooperation 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
20,000 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. Live @ International House seeks
to showcase seldom-seen and unique artists. Under the
Live @ banner, we also present scholars, authors and experts
in fields ranging from global conflict, economic development
and ethnic and social studies. Art @ International House
is our most recent programming addition emerging from
requests by local artists and organizations for space
to showcase their work. For
non-native English speakers of all ages and abilities,
the Spoken English Program advances conversational skills.
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 350-seat theater with state-of-the-art
projection and sound equipment 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; Women's Campaign International; 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. |