News

Dear I-House Community,

With 2026 well underway, higher education in the United States continues to operate in a changing policy landscape that shapes who feels able to travel, study, and participate fully in academic life. Discussions around expanding travel restrictions understandably raise concerns for international students and scholars whose work depends on mobility and access. At the same time, they sharpen the importance of institutions that remain committed to openness, exchange, and connection.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

How I-House Fosters Community and Creates Lifelong Friendships Through Special Dinners

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.

Dear I-House Community,

Dear I-House Community,

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.

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.  

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.