Dear I-House Community,
All News
January 7, 2026
Why Representation Matters for Understanding Peru and South America at I-House
Despite being in the same hemisphere, South America is heavily underrepresented in the United States. Regrettably, my friends and I often find ourselves projecting images of South Americans based on what we know about Mexico and its culture. A fourth-year Computer Science student from Peru, Leslie, pointed this out to me, highlighting that many Americans may view South America as merely an extension of Mexican culture rather than recognizing it as something distinct.
December 11, 2025
Dear I-House Community,
Last week, something happened on the Underhill soccer field that reminded me why I-House exists — and it had nothing to do with the final score.
December 10, 2025
One of the happiest moments in recent years was receiving my acceptance letter to Berkeley. The excitement came with countless questions: documentation, visas, travel, language, transportation, housing… All of these concerns appear as soon as one truly begins to consider studying at a university abroad. While searching for options online, as many of us likely did, we all reached the same conclusion: living in the Bay Area is incredibly expensive.
November 18, 2025
Strategic reorganization positions I-House for centennial campaign and next phase of growth
International House Berkeley (I-House Berkeley), the multicultural residential center promoting a more just and peaceful world, today announced key leadership promotions designed to strengthen operational excellence and elevate the student experience. Nayeli Vivanco has been promoted to Chief Student Experience Officer, and Ernie Costello has been promoted to Chief Financial Officer & Chief Operating Officer.
November 14, 2025
Dear I-House Community,
Every Wednesday night this semester, something special happens at I-House. Residents gather for DiversiTEA & Coffee Hour, a tradition that dates to the 1970s when resident leaders helped launch evening gatherings to break down cliques and build genuine connections across cultures.
The concept was simple then, and it remains powerful today: bring people together, share food, share cultures, and discover what connects us.
November 13, 2025
How I-House Fosters Community and Creates Lifelong Friendships Through Special Dinners
October 30, 2025
Dear I-House Community,
Since our first Global Perspectives newsletter, the world has not stood still. Much has happened – on campus, in the US, and across the globe – reminding us how valuable open dialogue becomes when tensions rise. In moments of division, spaces that foster listening and understanding matter more than ever.
October 9, 2025
September 11, 2025
August 18, 2025
Dear I-House Community,
Today is a special day: International House opened its doors 95 years ago on August 18, 1930. We're celebrating this milestone while welcoming a new group of residents who will join our vibrant community.
On the occasion of our 95th Anniversary, we are sharing a piece of I-House history in the letter from our benefactor, John D. Rockefeller, Jr. to UC President Robert G. Sproul. Written on September 29, 1930, the year International House Berkeley opened its doors, this letter outlines the vision and purpose behind the establishment of International House on the West Coast.
My dear President Sproul:
July 24, 2025
I-House Berkeley, the multicultural residential center promoting a more just and peaceful world, today announced leadership changes to its Board of Directors for the 2025–2026 term. The board welcomes Hon. Laurel D. Beeler, Rick Dishnica, Alex Mehran Jr., and Ron Silva as new and returning directors. Additionally, Dorothy Militar has been appointed Treasurer, succeeding Eugene Yano, who is retiring from the officer role but will remain on the board. UC Berkeley Chancellor Rich Lyons continues in his role as Honorary Chair, providing strategic counsel and support to the board and executive leadership.
July 9, 2025
As we start our final summer school session this week, you can feel the shift happening around International House. Students are arriving early to squeeze in one last class, and the familiar rhythms of campus life are returning. The Great Hall is filling with residents settling in for study sessions or a chess game while excited conversations flow around the tables in the Dining Commons.
Next month will bring another wave of energy as we welcome our academic year cohort. Our team has been busy preparing — planning a resident retreat in the Sierra Nevada mountains and putting together something special for I-House's 95th Anniversary celebration.
We're also looking forward to August 10 for our Annual Alumni Reunion Brunch from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. It will be wonderful to see familiar faces back in these halls and catch up with old friends over stories about your time here. I hope to see you then!
June 24, 2025
Dear I-House Community,
Many International House alumni and friends have reached out with concerns about I-House and our international residents. With ongoing visa delays, travel restrictions, and increased scrutiny due to recent U.S. policy changes, this is an especially challenging time for students hoping to join our community from abroad.
June 12, 2025
The past month has been eventful for International House with news about the ban on international students at Harvard and the delay in interviews for student visas. These actions have created uncertainty, fear and confusion for international students across campuses nationwide.
I see the toll this is taking on international students here at UC Berkeley and across campuses nationwide. These students are not only learners, but also researchers, entrepreneurs, and future leaders. Ensuring international students feel welcome and supported is not just good policy — it's essential for strengthening our communities and maintaining America's leadership in research and education.
Welcoming and supporting international students is at the core of I-House's mission. Our team is working hard this summer, preparing to welcome our new residents for the coming academic year. We stay committed to ensuring international students always have a home at I-House.
June 6, 2025
Dear I-House Community,
When I lived at I-House over 30 years ago, I often shared meals with friends like Balázs from Hungary, Fatema from Iran, Martha from Mexico, and Jumi from Korea. Experiencing such diversity every day truly opened my eyes to the world.
May 29, 2025
Dear I-House Community,
Diversity has been at the core of the International House community since we opened our doors almost a century ago—and never before has it been under attack like it is today.
May 8, 2025
Now is the time of year at I-House when the joyful energy of graduation and new beginnings is mixed with bittersweet feelings of departure and change. This year, we are also aware of the added challenges many I-House residents are facing due to recent policy decisions by the shifting landscape of international education. Please know that I-House remains committed to fostering a supportive, inclusive community for all our residents.
April 10, 2025
Explore how International House Berkeley continues to champion global understanding and intercultural leadership in today's complex world.
- Executive Director Shaun Carver featured in Forbes, sharing insights on the importance of supporting international students in U.S. higher education.
- VP Nayeli Vivanco speaks at SXSW EDU, highlighting the role of free speech and giving everyone a voice in polarized times.
- Discover recent I-House events, alumni updates, and new additions to our swag store!
Read the full newsletter