A Message to the I-House Alumni Community

Hello, I-House alumni. As our newest residents begin arriving from around the world, I want to give you an update on the state of the House.

Many of you have questions about the state of international student education in the United States and its impact on I-House. On this front, I have some difficult news to share. The political climate has caught up with us, and we’re feeling the effects.

Since the U.S. presidential election in 2024, applications have dropped by 21 percent. Applications from China and India have fallen even more dramatically. We have also seen declines from Latin America, Sub-Saharan Africa, and the Middle East.

We are not alone. Universities and other institutions across this country are confronting similar trends.

I understand why. International students have been subjected to harsh rhetoric and policies that make them look at the United States and question whether they are welcome here.

That is the very opposite of what International House stands for.

As I have told you before, we have protocols in place to protect our residents in the event of immigration enforcement activity. We continue to provide access to legal support for residents should they face sudden and urgent visa issues. And this year, thanks to our donors, we increased our financial aid budget by over 10 percent.

That support matters. We know that our financial aid and fellowship support has helped many residents obtain their student visas.

But I know we have to do more.

Because sometimes, determination is not enough. One admitted applicant traveled to three different countries trying to secure an appointment to obtain a student visa. Three countries. And every time, the answer was no.

That should not happen. That is exactly the kind of person we should be welcoming to I-House this year.

So yes, I am very concerned by what we are seeing.

But I am not discouraged. I am trying to be optimistic. Because despite all of this, nearly 700 incredible residents from almost 90 countries will call I-House home this year. More than 80 percent come to us from outside the United States.

And I-House remains highly selective. Far more people applied than we have rooms available.

That tells me that what we offer here—a commitment to diversity and internationalism—is still in high demand despite the political headwinds.

I recently celebrated five years as President of I-House, and I was honored to accept the Board of Trustees’ invitation to serve for another five. I love this place. And after five years here, I believe more strongly than ever that the world needs I-House.

These are difficult times. Like many of you, I am concerned that our values are under threat in so many societies around the world. But I assure you that I-House will stay the course despite these challenges.

And we will do more to ensure that talented young people from around the world find their way to I-House. We will do more to fund full financial aid for more residents. We will do more to honor diversity and promote cross-cultural understanding.

Even with everything happening in the world, when I walk through the doors at 500 Riverside Drive, I am hopeful. This place works. This place makes a difference. Everyday.

My team and I will be in touch throughout the academic year to keep you updated on what is happening here at the House.

Thank you for listening, for being a part of our global community, and for standing with I-House and supporting our mission. We couldn’t do this without you.

That I-House may prevail!

Thank you.

Sincerely,

Sebastian Fries
President
International House