Diversity of Thought and Experience
The mission of International House is to enable students and scholars from around the world to live and learn together in a diverse community that builds lifelong qualities of leadership, respect, and friendship.
This mission is achieved through globally focused public programs on campus and around the world, community outreach and engagement activities designed to foster diversity of thought and experience, and as active members of the International Houses Worldwide organization.
A History of International Cultural Exchange
International House was conceived by a YMCA official Harry Edmonds following a chance encounter with a Chinese graduate student in 1909. The philanthropy of John D. Rockefeller Jr. and the Cleveland H. Dodge family led to the construction of the first International House in New York City in 1924.
Founded in 1932 by John D. Rockefeller Jr., International House of Chicago is today one of 16 members of the International Houses Worldwide network. Since that time, the International House of Chicago experience of international cultural exchange in a diverse community has transformed the lives of more than 42,000 people.
Host to the World
In addition to supporting our students, International House also serves the greater Chicago community as a cultural and intellectual center for a wide array of programs. Over 100 public programs are held each year at International House. These include music and cultural performances, outreach programs with Chicago-area international organizations, collaborations with foreign consulates, language exchanges and discussions, and forums and debates led by distinguished guest speakers through the Global Voices Performing Arts and Lecture Series. Each year, International House provides attendees with meaningful opportunities for discussion and engagement in community, national, and world affairs.
The Graduate Commons Program offers fellowships and internships to UChicago graduate students, and sponsors programs to help ensure the exceptional diversity of the graduate community connected to International House. Programming includes language and culture tables and related dining activities, professional development opportunities, health and wellness programs, and social programs that promote interpersonal and intercultural understanding and friendship among all UChicago graduate students.
The role and mission of International House of Chicago and International Houses Worldwide is more important than ever: in order to make the greatest possible impact in the international marketplace of ideas, students and scholars must be engaged with ideas and approaches from around the world. International House helps them do that, while also contributing to the intellectual and cultural fabric of the greater Chicago community.
Visit I-House’s Photographic Archive
The International House Photographic Archive documents the design, construction, and early life of the House. Explore these photos to learn about International House’s transformation throughout the years.
Explore the University of Chicago’s Global Programs
For more than a century, University of Chicago faculty and students have worked in other countries and in collaboration with scholars from around the world. Today, that reach extends further than ever with hundreds of programs, initiatives, and partnerships in over 31 nations and on every continent.