Resident Programs
The Office of Programs and External Relations, assisted by resident program assistants, sponsors a wide variety of activities to promote intercultural exchange, professional development and social interaction. Each of the programs and activities, along with the daily interaction that is a natural part of community life, contribute to the International House goal of fostering better understanding through person-to-person contact - one that is still going strong after 75 years. Residents are not only welcomed to participate in these events, but are also encouraged to plan their own.
Sunday Supper 
Sunday Supper is one of the oldest traditions at International House. It dates back to the very early 20th century before the first International House in New York was established in 1924. The idea of Sunday Supper began with Harry Edmonds, a YMCA official in New York and founder of the International House idea, who often invited international students to his house for supper.
The Meaning of the Candle Lighting Ceremony
A Candle Lighting Ceremony is held in conjunction with Sunday Supper to bring to a close a period of living together and sharing experiences and knowledge with friends from many parts of the world.
International House Pledge
The International House pledge is recited at each Sunday Supper:
"As light begets light, so love, friendship and goodwill are passed from one to another. We who have come from many nations to live in one fellowship at International House promise one another to pass the light wherever we go."
This year, the Spring Candlelight Supper will be held on Tuesday, May 25, 2010 to honor of all graduating residents.
You can click the following links to watch clips of residents reciting the pledge in their native languages at the past Candlelight Supper. (Part 1, Part 2)
Weekly Resident Social Hour
International House hosts a weekly social gathering for its residents every Sunday from 9:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. in the Main Lounge. Take a break from studying and meet fellow residents.
Graduate and Collegiate Residential Fellowships
Each year International House seeks to assemble a highly qualified and diverse community committed to international exchange. The admissions process seeks to identify individuals who will participate in community life and the ideals of the House. As a part of this process and through the generous support of corporations, foundations and individuals such as International House alumni and friends, grants are made available to qualified residents and new applicants to assist with housing and living expenses. These grants help ensure that International House remains a financially viable option to as many students as possible, maintaining the exceptional geographic, cultural and economic diversity that is central to our mission. More info»
Puttkammer Resident of the Year Award
Standing up, left to right: Yael Vidan, Jennie Phelps, Mary Geiger, Melissa Minogue, Lydia Roll, Ruth-Anne Whitfield
Front row: George Vassilev, John Horner, Adam Beitman
The Residents' Council was awarded the 2009 Helen Puttkammer Resident of the Year Award. Nominated by current residents and presented by Mrs. Ernst W. Puttkammer's daughter, Lorna P. Straus, SM'60, PhD'62, this award honors a resident or group of residents who have been outstanding leaders and have made a significant contribution to the life of International House. The award was presented at the traditional Candlelight Supper held on May 31, 2009. The IHRC sponsors a large number of cultural, social, and advocacy programs throughout the year. This year's program highlights included the Annual Festival of Nations celebration, a traditional Thanksgiving Dinner, the Oscar Ceremony Party, I-Chef cooking demonstrations, the I-Green Environmental Initiative, and a memorial to former resident, Amadou Cisse.
Festival of Nations
A joyous celebration of our multicultural community held each May. The Festival includes food, films, music and dance from over 20 nations. Across many art forms, the stories, rhythms, tastes and colors of our international community come to life at the Festival of Nations. This year's Festival of Nations will be held on Sunday, May 23, 2010.
Plan Your Own Event
Residents may reserve private meeting rooms free of charge for small meetings and receptions with friends and other events involving I-House residents. Rooms available to residents for such events include the Home Room and National Room located on the second floor, Coulter Lounge and Tiffin Boardroom on the first floor, and the conference room and Resident TV Lounge in the basement. Applications for meeting rooms can be obtained in the Office of Programs & External Relations which is located in the administrative office suites or on our web site. Completed applications should be returned to the Office of Programs & External Relations at least two weeks of advance of an event. They may also be faxed to (773) 753-1227.
Once an application has been received, a brief meeting will be scheduled between the resident applicant and a staff member to review the application and sign the Terms and Conditions for use of I-House facilities. During this meeting, all arrangements and special instructions including setups of tables and chairs, access to room keys, curfews, food preparation and/or catering services, and adherence to all University policies including the alcohol policy, posting policy, smoking, etc. will be discussed.
All reservations are dependent upon room availability. International House residents are not eligible to reserve space free of charge for outside organizations, University departments or Recognized Student Organizations. However, residents are encouraged to consider International House as a venue for programs sponsored by RSOs. A discounted room rental rate would apply. Such events may also be eligible for co-sponsorship.
Please contact the Office of Programs & External Relations at (773) 753-2274 or i-house-programs@uchicago.edu to learn more about co-sponsorship opportunities for Recognized Student Organizations (RSOs).