Our Work – Our Mission

The International House Association (IHA) represents a collection of historic International Houses and centers around the world. IHA members are inspired by the pioneering spirit that led to the establishment of the historic International Houses in New York (1924), Berkeley (1930), Chicago (1932), Paris (1936), Tokyo (1952), India International Centre (1962), and London (1965. Our mission is to carry forward the visionary legacy of founders John D. Rockefeller, Jr., Harry and Florence Edmonds, and others by fostering a global community committed to peacebuilding, cultural exchange, and intellectual collaboration.

Our Aspirations – Our Vision

Our vision is for a world united by mutual understanding and respect – where all cultures are celebrated and conflicts are resolved through peaceful dialogue.

What We Believe – Our Values

Our values inform all our work, shaping the environment we create for the many communities we serve on university campuses, in our metropolitan communities, and around the world.

• Free and Open Discourse: Members of IHA create intentional, diverse, and inclusive global communities that foster intercultural awareness. IHA members are notable institutions that invest in people-to-people dialogue and collaboration across countries.
• Respect, Trust, and Integrity: We promote a culture of transparency and accountability, where fairness, honesty, and respect are foundational. Our community members are empowered to act with integrity, knowing they can rely on each other to uphold the highest ethical standards in all our interactions.
• Support for Our Community: We contribute to educating the next generation of global leaders by helping students and scholars develop critical thinking, interpersonal communication, and other transferable skills that ensure success beyond the academic experience. We serve as relationship incubators, creating an environment for spontaneous and organic interactions that develop into globally minded personal and professional relationships with far-reaching effect.
• Impact: We are passionate about our work of creating a more open and promising world for all. IHA members play an important role as convenors, sources of analysis of current events, curators of cultural content, as educators, and as institutions committed to furthering understanding across the broad set of communities we serve around the world.

Who We Are – Our Legacy

The IHA mission to promote peace through cross-cultural understanding grew out of the aftermath of World War I when countries started to look inward. Our mission has never changed, and our community remains committed to this important work. As globalization brings new opportunities and complexities – and as crises continue to arise – our work to prepare leaders for a global future and to educate our broader communities resonates today with renewed urgency. Building on our legacy of over 100 years of contributing to peace in the world, we aspire to create new pathways to knowledge by strengthening collaborations across the worldwide members of the International House Association.

What We Will Do – Our Commitments

• Engage Communities: IHA celebrates the richness of the broad range of human experiences and creates opportunities for individuals from all backgrounds to learn from one another, fostering deep appreciation for the value that each person brings to our global community. Our individual International Houses serve as venues for intellectual dialogue, performing arts, and cultural programs.
• Promote Peacebuilding and Conflict Resolution: We provide a platform for constructive debate and collaborative action, enabling people to explore pathways towards resolving conflicts, addressing social injustices, and championing peace on both local and global scales.
• Cultivate Resilient Leaders: The role and mission of the IHA are more important than ever, as students and scholars must actively engage with perspectives and approaches from around the world to make their greatest impact in the international marketplace of ideas. The work of the IHA helps make that possible while also contributing to the intellectual and cultural fabric of our global communities. As such, we aspire to foster enlightened international relations, a globally engaged citizenry, and a more peaceful and just world.
• Harness Technological Advancements: IHA embraces the opportunities presented by modern technology, utilizing virtual platforms and digital tools to connect and engage our communities across continents, transcend geographical limitations, and foster a truly global network.
• Collaborate for Impact: IHA actively collaborates among its members and with other international organizations, academic institutions, and visionary individuals who share our commitment to fostering cross-cultural understanding, allowing us to amplify our mission and extend our reach.

Where We Are Focused – Our Current Initiatives

• Fostering Connections – Community Outreach: We engage, inspire, and steward a broad set of constituents – including International House leaders, students and scholars, alumni and supporters around the world – to build a powerful network of International Houses.
• Engaging the World – Globally Focused Programs: We plan and implement a wide range of events on our campuses and around the world; to connect our international community through programs and partnerships; and to support our mission and strategic vision by hosting innovative, globally focused community outreach programs.
• Looking to the Future – Establishing New International Houses: We advise and support universities and other organizations in establishing new International Houses in the tradition of Rockefeller and Edmonds, thereby expanding our global presence and impact.