International House offers programs and events designed to bring together the thought leaders of today and tomorrow. Residents gain insights from national and international policy makers and diplomats; engage in meaningful discussions with leaders and innovators in business and tech; explore social issues with filmmakers and journalists; and delve into the creative process with acclaimed musicians, actors, and artists.
For generations, I-House Residents have had the opportunity to hear from and engage with global leaders and influencers including:
- 1941 Paul Robeson Singer, Actor, Activist
- 1949 Eleanor Roosevelt, Former First Lady of the U.S.
- 1960 Robert Oppenheimer, Nuclear Physicist
- 1960 Margaret Mead, Cultural Anthropologist
- 1966 Aaron Copeland, Composer
- 1971 Shirley Chisholm, U.S. Congresswoman
- 1975 Buckminster Fuller, Architect
- 1980 Isaac Asimov, Science Fiction Writer
- 1984 Han Xu, Chinese Ambassador to the U.S.
- 1984 Bishop Desmond Tutu, Human Rights Activist
- 1986 Sandra Day O’Connor, U.S. Supreme Court Justice
- 1994 Hanan Ashrawi, Palestinian Spokesperson
- 2000 Nelson Mandela, Former President of South Africa
- 2002 Madeleine Albright, Former U.S. Secretary of State
- 2004 Mary Robinson, Former President of Ireland
- 2004 Cory Booker, U.S. Senator
- 2006 Colin Powell, Former U.S. Secretary of State
- 2014 Carl Bernstein, Journalist
- 2016 Jelani Cobb, Writer, The New Yorker
- 2016 Samantha Power, U.S. Ambassador to the U.N.
- 2016 George Takei, Actor, LGBTQIA Activist
- 2016 Janet Yellen, Chair, U.S. Federal Reserve
- 2017 Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Nobel Prize Winner, Former President of Liberia
- 2019 Abigail Disney, Philanthropist
The events offered throughout the academic year include:
Visiting Speakers
Distinguished speakers representing a wide variety of leadership styles and fields including business, government, arts, science, and journalism.
Page Turners
Notable authors addressing issues of culture, identity, international relations and a broad range of other topics discuss their recent works with residents.
Sunday Suppers
The longest standing tradition at International House, Sunday Suppers are where the I-House movement began. Our community members come together to share a formal meal as they hear from captivating visiting speakers and enjoy musical performances by talented residents.
Cultural Hours
Residents produce monthly celebrations of traditional and contemporary life, the arts and the cuisine of various countries and regions.
Fall Fiesta
A community-wide festival of words, music, and dance from around the world.
Language Exchange Program
Residents can learn or practice a new language with native speakers or teach their language to other residents, all at no cost, at their own pace.
Salon Nights
Residents studying music at Manhattan School of Music, The Juilliard School, and the Mannes School of Music collaborate and share the spotlight with talented amateurs in the House in exciting performances of classical, jazz, world, R&B, pop, and spoken word.
Night of Nations
The biggest party of the year, this annual spring fling is filled with resident music and dance performances, cuisine from around the world, cultural exhibits, and more.
