The International House

Upon hearing the name "The International House" some of you might ask yourself, “What does that mean exactly? This is an understandable reaction as the title is vague and The International House is many things. Also known as the “I House” for short, this multipurpose building has been around for about 90 years. Located at 500 Riverside Drive in New York City The International House was an idea constructed into action by a YMCA official by the name of Harry Edmonds. Harry Edmonds encountered a a Chinese graduate in 1909 who felt isolated and alone. Because of this chance encounter Harry was inspired to bring about a place in which students from around the world could come together and create a sense of community. Perhaps with the establishment of such an institution there would be less multicultural students living in solitude. With Harry Edmonds idea set in place it was with the generous donations of John D. Rockefeller Jr. and the Cleveland H. Dodge family that gradually built the International House which was completed in 1924.

According to the International House website the facility's goal and focus is to inspire it’s residents to become the newest generation of leaders across the globe based on values of “respect, empathy, and moral courage as members of a diverse and inclusive lifelong community.”

The website goes on to comment that this is a mission that is taken steps towards every day as residents experience the building of new relationships and partnerships, facilities designed with the soul purpose of inspiring diversity, and a variety of other unique classes and activities. The International House recognizes that this is not a goal that can be achieved over night, however they believe that overtime global leadership skills can be improved through its efforts. For your convenience I listed my favorite part of the website below “Since our founding in 1924, International House has transformed the lives of more than 65,000 alumni, including individuals who went on to become Nobel Prize winners, heads of state, award winning authors, singers, and CEO’s.”

Tatiyanna, an intern from BYU currently living at The International House has found her experience to be enjoyable. She notes that in general the other inhabitants and workers are very nice. She mentions that just the other day one of the Cafeteria workers went out of their way to welcome her and make Tatiyanna feel comfortable and less nervous. Tatiyanna says that she has enjoyed the food so far, but the place is not without flaws. She recommends purchasing a fan if you are planning on staying in the hotter months, as the rooms don’t come with an ac. She also cautions that the dryers don’t always work very well, so be prepared to dry them twice or bring a drying rack of your own.