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:
- Nelson Mandela President of South Africa
- Eleanor Roosevelt First Lady of the United States
- Janet Yellen, Ben Bernanke, Alan Greenspan and Paul A. Volcker Federal Reserve Chairs
- Ellen Johnson Sirleaf President of Liberia, Nobel Peace Prize winner
- Isaac Stern Violinist
- Jelani Cobb Professor and contributor to The New Yorker magazine
- George Takei Actor and activist
- Dean Obeidallah Comedian and radio host
- Kike Arnal Photographer, videographer and climber
- Sheila Nevins Author, former President of HBO Documentary Films
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.
Film Series
Acclaimed documentaries on a wide variety of topics are shown, and attendees get a chance to hear from and interact with some of the people involved with the film. Recent films shown include Our Time Machine; Toni Morrison: The Pieces I Am; When Elephants Fight; Harvest of Empire; Salt of the Earth; America’s Diplomats; Almost Sunrise; and The Trials of Spring.
Sunday Suppers
The longest standing tradition at International House, Sunday Suppers are where the the I-House movement began. Our community members dress up and come together to share family-style meals as they hear from captivating visiting speakers and enjoy musical performances by talented Residents.
Resident Round Table Discussions
Organized and led by Residents, for Residents, these forums epitomize the spirit of open dialogue at International House. Recent discussions have included the Syrian refugee crisis; the Black Lives Matter movement and the US criminal justice system; diversity in the tech industry; and other timely topics.
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, and in the comfort of the House they call home.
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.
All Nations Celebration
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.
