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.

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.