Yesterday was incredible and will go down in the International House history books for many years to come. Current residents, alumni from all over the world, staff members, and friends from Berkeley and the surrounding areas came together for the International House Berkeley Gala.
I-House residents sit on the front steps with Shaun Carver at the purple carpet entrance to the Gala. Photo by Bill Howley
The lovely evening began with stand-up networking, mingling between attendees, and a purple-carpet photo shoot. Sharing life stories and experiences with people from all generations and cultures while residing at the International House was a lovely experience.
Gala reception in the Great Hall. Photo by Laurel Anderson-MalinovskyContinue reading →
On March 8th, International House’s signature annual Lodestar Speaker Series was held in the Chevron Auditorium. This year, I-House’s executive director Shaun Carver hosted Eric Schmidt, the former CEO & Chairman of Google and they discussed ‘The Promises and Perils of AI’ in the context of the I-House mission. We had the pleasure of attending this fruitful and compelling event!
Schmidt is an I-House alumnus, he spent four years in the house from 1976-80 and this is where he met his wife! He shared with us how I-House had inspired him in terms of cultural diversity, encouraged him to engage in deep conversations that foster better understanding between people from different cultures and backgrounds. In particular, he described the interactions between him and his I-House mates in the dining hall to be the most unforgettable moments during his time at I-House. We believe many of the I-House residents can relate to the magic in our dining hall, right?
Get ready to show your blue and gold spirit, because UC Berkeley’s Big Give starts tonight! This annual 24-hour fundraising marathon unites our entire campus community – students, faculty, staff, and alumni – in a wave of generosity. It’s a day to celebrate all the incredible things that make Cal such a special place, and to fuel the initiatives that shape the Golden Bear experience.
International House has been an integral part of the Cal community since 1930, fostering global understanding and enriching lives of students and scholars from every corner of the world. Each year at Big Give, we’ve welcomed the opportunity to participate and have been grateful for the enthusiasm of the I-House community. This year we’re raising funds to support the I-House Scholarship Fund so we can make an even greater impact on the community at I-House. We hope you’ll unleash your inner Bear spirit and get ready to make a difference – together!
At UC Berkeley, the International House (I-House) serves as a focal point for promoting global leadership and intercultural understanding. As part of its purpose, I-House recently welcomed former Google CEO and I-House alumni Eric Schmidt (IH 1976-80) to speak at the Lodestar Executive Director’s Speaker Series. The topic of discussion during the event, “The Promise and Perils of AI,” was the intricate connection between Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the I-House goal of fostering a more just and peaceful world.
Current residents, graduates, board members, faculty, staff, and even some of Eric’s I-House friends packed the Chevron Auditorium, which was buzzing with enthusiasm. Chancellor Carol Christ kicked off the conversation with some thought-provoking words.
Given how quickly AI is changing the world, the discussion focused on how this might affect world peace and the principles of I-House. After four years of proudly living in I-House, Eric reflected on his experience here. He talked about how living at I-House made him aware of the world outside of America, influenced his career at Google, and even brought him and his future spouse together!
Living the Global Dream: My Journey at Berkeley’s International House
Imagine stepping onto a campus where breakfast is reminiscent of Tokyo, lunch plans involve a Brazilian friend, and evenings are spent swapping stories with your Kenyan neighbor. That’s not just a daydream; it’s everyday life at the International House (I-House) at UC Berkeley, and it’s where my Mastercard Foundation Scholarship adventure truly took flight.
I wasn’t just signing up for a dorm; I was joining a vibrant community of over 600 students from 70+ countries. The Fall of 2023 brought together a tapestry of cultures and perspectives, weaving a unique experience unlike any other.
I-House isn’t just a place to rest your head; it’s a cultural melting pot. Imagine yourself immersed in different traditions, languages, and viewpoints, soaking up the richness of the world right from your doorstep. This isn’t just about proximity but forging lifelong friendships and connections that transcend borders.
What truly sets I-House apart is its people. As a fresh Global Community Ambassador, I have had the privilege of sharing this beautiful space with the world. From managing social media to blogging and video production, my days are filled with promoting diversity and intercultural understanding.
But my most impactful project yet? Highlighting Black History Month through the lens of I-House residents and alumni. Interviewing current and former residents, I delved into their stories, exploring how the African diaspora has shaped their culture, identity, and even the very fabric of I-House itself.
From remarkable leaders from Africa to inspiring African Americans, each story revealed the transformative power of I-House. It’s not just about sharing meals or living under one roof; it’s about building lasting connections and fostering a space where understanding and unity flourish.
Chan’Cellore Makanjuola (IH 2019-20), of African American and Nigerian descent, shared how her experience at I-House led to her current job, highlighting the impact of the relationships and conversations nurtured within these walls.
As the UC Berkeley Mastercard Foundation Scholars Representative, one of my duties is to represent the scholars at UC Berkeley at any Mastercard Foundation meetings across the globe. This time, this year’s meeting took place in Kigali, the capital of Rwanda, from January 26th to 29th, 2024. It’s always been a dream to travel to East Africa and this presented a great opportunity. The annual meeting brings together scholars from all Mastercard Foundation partners around the world. The objectives included fostering transformative leadership mindsets and skills among the members; promoting a sense of community; providing a platform for the Scholar Reps to collaborate; sharing knowledge; strengthening connections; and enhancing the brand and ethos of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program among the scholars’ community. More important is the opportunity given to me to serve, to impact positively on others, and to be a role model for youth around the globe. I hold that dear to my heart.
Mastercard Foundation: Scholar Reps during one of the sessionsContinue reading →
As a resident of I-House since August 2023, the fall retreat had slipped through my fingers, with tickets selling out in the blink of an eye. Determined not to let this opportunity pass again, I eagerly awaited the spring retreat and signed up immediately after tickets became available. A semester in, having already formed connections with fellow residents, I found myself questioning the potential impact of the retreat on my already enriched social experience within the House.
However, I was intrigued, so I delved into the I-House blog to read four posts recounting experiences at previous retreats. Among the various narratives, Sanidhya’s recent post caught my attention, offering a glimpse into a mosaic of activities – coordinated outdoor escapades, a presentation by Shaun Carver, a cultural contest, movie nights, Pictionary, board games, and the unexpected inclusion of bead-making. Gabriella’s blog post from 2014 provided additional perspectives, emphasizing the retreat’s potential for bonding with new roommates, exploration of lesser-known Bay Area gems, initiation into intercultural education, and indulgence in s’mores (I learned that it means ‘some more’). Joel’s recounting of the retreat intrigued me further. He discovered that after a breakout session, his small group spoke a combination of about 50 languages! Joel’s mention of forging new friendships that led to planned trips added an extra layer of fascination. Juan’s perspective, as a student worker, introduced yet another facet. The initial activity of his retreat had them discover the meanings behind residents’ names and set an engaging tone.
My expectations were a tapestry of cross-cultural activities, a deep dive into I-House history, engaging indoor pursuits ranging from movies to bead-making, and the much-anticipated s’mores. Despite a bittersweet revelation – there were no s’mores this time – my readiness for surprises and an eagerness to discover the unknown propelled me forward.
Founded in 1924 by the visionary Harry Edmonds, International House (I-House) in New York City stands as a beacon of cross-cultural exchange and understanding. The institution, constructed and completed in 1924, officially opened its doors in 1925, becoming a haven for international students and young professionals seeking a dynamic and diverse living and learning environment. Harry Edmonds, the charismatic and forward-thinking educator behind a long line of International Houses, conceived the idea of International House as a response to the challenges of a post-World War I world. The horrors of war had underscored the critical need for fostering global understanding and collaboration. Edmonds envisioned a space where individuals from different cultures, backgrounds, and nationalities could come together to live, learn, and exchange ideas, transcending boundaries and biases. The first International House, often referred to as I-House (though each subsequent I-House has co-opted the name since), was strategically located near Columbia University in Morningside Heights. The Gothic architecture of the building not only provided a distinctive physical presence but also symbolized the enduring values of education, community, and enlightenment. From its inception, the house embodied the belief that meaningful cross-cultural interactions could contribute to peace and unity on a global scale.
I’ll watch the sunset over the Campanile once more
I’ll pay attention to nature’s symphony—seagulls and breeze,
Close my eyes and take a deep, deeper breath
This beacon of hope—and this little light and voice of mine
I’ll let it shine and sing, wherever, whenever, I’ll remember where it all started
Now the greatest symphony is hearing diverse tongues
And the greatest view is seeing different cultures living together
—Oke Iroegbu
Dear Friends and International House Family,
Congratulations on making it to the end of the year! I know it was a long flight, but the storm is over. Not too long ago the semester started when we were all introducing ourselves to each other, but now we say our goodbyes. Now the sounds of clanging kitchenware and laughter in the dining commons can’t be heard anymore from my window. I sit reflecting on it all—better is the end of a thing than the beginning. Such a nostalgic feeling—how time flies!
As the crisp autumn air settled over the West Coast, Thanksgiving heralded a time of gratitude and reflection, tracing its roots back to the early 17th century when Pilgrims and Native Americans joined in a feast to celebrate a bountiful harvest. Fast forward to the 21st century, and Thanksgiving has evolved into a cherished American tradition, where families gather around tables laden with turkey and pumpkin pie. However, for college students, this holiday signifies more than just a time for family reunions. It’s a golden opportunity to break free from the rigors of academia, as campuses empty out and friends embark on adventures together. This year, Thanksgiving took three of my fellow I-House residents and me through the picturesque charm of Santa Barbara, the sun-kissed landscapes of San Diego, and the vibrant streets of Los Angeles.
I-House: Where UC Berkeley Meets the World 