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
Lodestar Speaker Series
Sunday Supper "In Full Bloom"
Intercultural Programs and Community Events
Critical Conversations
The series of Critical Conversations aims to bring our community together for meaningful dialogue that sparks curiosity, inspiration, and intercultural understanding. Attendees have the opportunity to engage in conversation about taboo topics.
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(link is external).
I-House Host Family Program
The International House Host Family Program is designed to create meaningful cultural exchanges and foster global friendships. This program pairs I-House residents with local host families, providing students with a welcoming environment and a taste of local culture, and their hostswith a unique opportunity to learn about different cultures and perspectives.
The program connects I-House residents with a family (including families of I-House alumni, I-House Board members, and families of recent alumni) from the San Francisco Bay Area. Our hope is to create the most suitable matches for all participants with the end goal of providing opportunities to foster intercultural respect and understanding.
For more information and application details, please visit the I-House Host Family Program webpage.
I-House Orientation Program
The Orientation Program is offered by the Robertson Resident Life andIntercultural Development Office at International House, UC Berkeley. This program is designed to welcome and support new I-House residents as they transition into the I-Housecommunity. Orientation Leaders play a vital role in fostering connections, sharing resources,and promoting an inclusive environment. The program includes activities to help newresidents adapt to their new reality, as well as opportunities to meet people and have newexperiences Participants will develop leadership and interpersonal skills while contributingto a positive and memorable onboarding experience for new residents.
For more information and application details, please visit the Orientation Program webpage.
International Culture Festival (ICF)
The annual International Culture Festival 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 ICF 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
Lodestar Speaker Series
The aim of the Lodestar Speaker Series, a program of the Robertson Center for Intercultural Leadership & Programs (CILP), is 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.
2024 Lodestar Speaker Series
2023 Lodestar Speaker Series
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Addressing Anti-Blackness and Colorism, Thursday, February 16, 2023, Details here(link is external)
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Paving the Way: A Celebration of Women's History Month, Tuesday, March 21, 2023, Details here(link is external)
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 Council.
A diverse group of residents come together to perform a range of dances and musical genres, including classical, jazz, folk, and contemporary music. 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
Resident Retreats are overnight retreats designed to welcome residents into I-House's unique global community through cultural exchange, group activities and intercultural skill-building. More information will be provided in pre-arrival newsletters. For more information, visit Resident Retreat webpage.
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.
Plan your own event
We encourage and support our residents to take the initiative in planning and hosting their own events through our Resident-Initiated Events program. Our Resident-Initiated Events program empowers our residents to create and organize events that reflect their unique interests and passions. From game nights and movie screenings to cultural exchange events and community service initiatives, our residents have the opportunity to design events that foster a sense of community and promote cross-cultural understanding.
Submit your idea in this form(link is external) or contact rio@ihouseberkeley.org(link sends e-mail).