International House Events

View photos from I-Fair 2008!

For more information, please contact I-House Coordinator Sarah Jome at 438-3363, or any of the International Assistants:

Montree from Thailand
Frannie from the U.S.A.
Wooram from Korea

International House

What is International House?

International House, or I-House, is the international living and learning center at ISU. For 38 years, International House has provided an amazing array of social, educational, and cultural programs with international and American students working together to promote cross-cultural understanding. Take a virtual tour!

I-House is committed to four basic objectives:

To provide opportunities to develop friendships and understanding and encourage mutual respect among students of diverse backgrounds and cultures through the experience of living and learning with their fellow students;
To provide international students with greater opportunities to experience American life, increase their understanding of the United States, and provide them opportunities to contribute to discussions relating to their geographic areas;
To provide special opportunities to study other cultures through simulation, role-playing, gaming, lectures, seminars, and cultural activities; and
To help every student fulfill his or her educational and professional goals.

Living in International House

Facilities

International House is currently located on the 8th, 9th and 10th floors of Atkin-Colby Residence Halls. We hope to have a new space next year!
I-House offers 9-month housing (so it stays open during holidays when other halls are closed) and is located very close to the center of campus. Male and female students live in I-House, so it is called a "Co-educational Residence Hall." Most students live in " double" rooms which means two students share one room. For example, two females would live together, or two males. There are also a few single rooms and suites available. Rooms are furnished with built-in desks, non-bunkable beds, closets and small set of bureau drawers.
It is wheelchair accessible, offers a computer lab, air conditioning, a fitness center, laundry facilities, two elevators, a kitchenette, Subway Restaurant, and the Southside Feeney Dining Center.
Read more about I-House and what it offers!

Who Lives There

International House is open to American and international undergraduate and graduate students who have a sincere commitment to live and learn together in a multicultural environment. I-House residents share Atkin-Colby with other special lifestyle residents including Foreign Languages, Graduate, History, Honors, Political Science, Speech Pathology and Audiology, Student Nursing, and Transfer/Continuing Students.

Staff

International House activities are organized by an International House Program staff:

Sarah Jome is the I-House Coordinator. You may find her in 302 Fell Hall or call her at 438-3363.

Three International Assistants live in I-House and are ready to help you any time of the day or night. You may call them at 436-1651 or send emails to:

Montree from Thailand

Frannie from the U.S.A.

Wooram from Korea

Events

International House offers some of the university's most interesting social, cultural and educational events. You are encouraged to participate in Gala Night and International Fair which are annual events sponsored by International House, and Global Review which happens every week.

Gala Night is a talent/variety show in which students perform international songs, dances, style shows, readings, and other cultural and educational exhibits.
International Fair is a spring showcase with entertainment, food and educational booths from various country and ethnic groups as well as community organizations. View photos from I-Fair 2008!
Global Review is a forum where international current events are discussed.
I-House also arranges volunteer outtings and trips to Chicago, Springfield and local events. Watch for upcoming events!

There are also well over 100 Student Organizations at Illinois State who sponsor events and activities. We encourage you to get involved, have fun, meet people, make friends, and develop your leadership skills!

Alumni Connection

The I-House Alumni Association is an active group of international and American students who have now left ISU but remember I-House as a meaningful part of their academic experience. This group holds a reunion every 2-3 years. Over 80 people attended the last reunion held in August 2007. To be added to the I-House Alumni Listserv coordinated by Sarah Jome in the International Studies Office, please email Sarah and put "I-House Alumni" in the subject line. I-House Alumni are also encouraged to update their contact information with the University's Alumni Office.

Applying to Live in International House

Incoming International Students

All international students entering the University are encouraged to live in International House for at least one year. You can indicate this on an Enrollment/Housing/Transportation Form (which is part of the welcome packet that International Studies sends you).

On the housing portion of the form, you should indicate if you would like to be placed in a residence hall (which will automatically be International House), want to be put on a waiting list for a single room, will apply directly to University Housing Services for a campus-run unfurnished apartment, or will find your own housing.

American Students

American students will be selected to live in International House on the basis of individual merit, interest in the purpose of International House, and a sincere desire to participate in its special programs - based on room availability.

Newly admitted and returning American students apply to live in International House on the I-House Application Form. You should then give this form to I-House Coordinator Sarah Jome in 308 Fell Hall. Students must also complete a housing contract with the University Housing Office and request "Atkin-Colby Halls."