Programs

The I-House Robertson Resident Life and Intercultural Development Office creates opportunities for residents to foster intercultural friendships and have fun through an array of programming, which has included signature I-House events, educational and cross-cultural programs, and resident-initiated events. Please see our Calendar of Community Events

I-House Year in Review

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I-House Year in Review 2025-26

Lodestar Speaker Series

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Lodestar Speaker Series: The Promise and Perils of AI

Sunday Supper "In Full Bloom"

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Sunday Supper April 07, 2024

Intercultural Programs and Community Events

DiversiTea and Coffee Hour  

The DiversiTea and Coffee Hours celebrate cultural diversity, foster community engagement, and promote cultural exchange among I-House residents. These weekly events feature food, music, games, and trivia from different cultures, providing a platform for residents to share their heritage and learn about others in a relaxed and enjoyable setting. Each event is organized by residents, showcasing cultural traditions from around the world. DiversiTEa and Coffee Hours aim to create an enriching and enjoyable cultural exchange experience for I-House residents, fostering a vibrant and inclusive community. For more information, visit DiversiTEA and Coffee Hour webpage. 

If you are interested in hosting a DiversiTEA and Coffee Hour, please fill out this form.

I-House Bridges to the Bay (Host Family Program)

Bridges to the Bay is designed to create meaningful cultural exchanges and global friendships. This program connects I-House residents with local alumni, friends, and community members for cultural exchange and friendship. Through these connections, you'll have the opportunity to experience local culture, build meaningful relationships, and share your own experiences and perspectives.

For more information and application details, please visit the I-House Bridges to the Bay Program webpage.

Festival of Cultures (IFC)

The annual International House Festival of Cultures is a celebration of our diverse student community and an opportunity to share and learn about different cultures from around the world. This FREE event showcases the rich traditions of our residents from 20+ countries across six continents – a vibrant cultural celebration united under the dome! One of the highlights of IFC is the opportunity to dress up in cultural attire.  This is a chance for you to showcase your own cultural heritage or to learn more about the unique traditions and customs of others. Learn more here.

Speaker Series

Our speaker series are organized to bring our community together for meaningful dialogue that sparks curiosity, inspiration, and intercultural understanding. Attendees will have the opportunity to network, learn, and engage in conversation with our panelists and other members of the I-House community and beyond. The Lodestar Speaker Series is open to current I-House residents, alumni, and the greater community.

*I-House residents can also propose & secure speakers for these events.

2026 Speaker Series:

  1. An Exploration of a High Dimensional Sphere with Grant Sanderson, February 18, 2026
  2. The Struggle for Freedom & Democracy with Bobi Wine, April 13, 2026
  3. AI Summit in Collaboration with SCET Berkeley, February 26, 2026

2025 Lodestar Speaker Series:

  1. Geopolitics of AI and International Cooperation Lodestar Speaker Series, February 26, 2025, Details here
  2. The Playbook for Global Entrepreneurs, March 18, 2025
  3. AI Summit in Collaboration with SCET Berkeley, April 16, 2025

2024 Lodestar Speaker Series

  1. Eric Schmidt: The Promise and Perils of AI, March 08, 2024
  2. AI and The Future of Work: Norway in Conversations with California, April 16, 2024
  3. After the Vote: Insights from Women Leaders Post-US Elections, November 07, 2024

2023 Lodestar Speaker Series

  1. Addressing Anti-Blackness and Colorism, February 16, 2023, Details here
  2. Paving the Way: A Celebration of Women's History Month, March 21, 2023, Details here
  3. China-US Futures: Pathways to Peaceful Coexistence, November 09, 2023

Resident Benefit Concert 

  • Once a year, residents of I-House put on a Benefit Concert where all proceeds from the ticket sales are donated to a charity chosen by the Resident Community Council.

  • In collaboration with the International House Berkeley Performers’ Collective, a diverse group of residents come together to perform a range of dances and musical genres. The concert is a celebration of the unique cultural heritage and talents of the residents and provides an opportunity for them to share their talent with the wider community. Admission is free; however, donations are highly encouraged and will be put towards supporting the charity.

Resident Retreat 

The Resident Retreat welcomes residents into I-House's unique global community through cultural exchange, group activities, and intercultural skill-building. This immersive experience brings together residents from diverse backgrounds to forge lasting connections, deepen understanding of I-House's mission and history, and build the foundation for lifelong friendships. Learn more about this year’s retreat here

Rotary trips 

In collaboration with the Livermore and Redding Rotary Clubs, cultural exchange community visits have been a longstanding annual tradition within I-House. The Rotary Foundation of Rotary International is a not-for-profit corporation that promotes world understanding through international humanitarian service programs and educational and cultural exchanges. It is supported solely by voluntary contributions from Rotarians and others who share its vision of a better world. Since 1947, the Foundation has awarded more than U.S. $1.1 billion in humanitarian and educational grants, which are initiated and administered by local Rotary clubs and districts.

Sunday Supper 

Sunday Supper is a tradition that inspired the founding of the first International House and continues forward at every I-House around the world. As one of I-House's oldest and most signature traditions, Sunday Supper is a chance for residents and alumni to come together as a community. Sunday Suppers are held quarterly and feature a shared sit-down dinner, resident performances, and distinguished guest speakers. Come join us for shared food, talent, and friendship! For more information, visit Sunday Supper webpage. 

Resident-Initiated Events

Have an idea you'd like to bring to the I-House community? Through our Resident-Initiated Events program, residents are encouraged to plan and host activities that reflect their interests while fostering connection, intercultural exchange, and community.

Contact Us

Email rio@ihouseberkeley.org