Residents of the International Student House (ISH) are among the thousands of eager young men and women who annually descend
upon Washington for graduate work, scholarly research, professional training, internships, and the America experience. Residents
are primarily graduate students at area universities (George, Johns Hopkins SAIS, George Washington, American, Maryland), or
doing research at some of Washington's more prestigious government and private organizations, including the White House,
US Congress, Smithsonian, World Bank, Library of Congress, National Gallery of Art, and several law firms, think tanks, and
embassies.
ISH Residents in front of the White House
In 2004, 95% of the 320 individuals residing at ISH had at least a Bachelor's degree, with an average age of 27. About 10% of
residents are Americans, who make a major contribution to the success of ISH's programs. U.S. residents have several
opportunities to explain the American ways of doing things to their international friends, who are grateful for their help. In
return, they practice languages, sample other cultures, and gain insights into new ways of thinking.
For those living at ISH, the experience is uniquely enriching. They arrive as strangers, and leave as members of a vibrant
international community, sharing the common bond of the excitement of living together in a new country. Upon
leaving ISH, residents take with them a greater respect for cultural diversity, the appreciation of forming
lifelong relationships, and the ability to celebrate their differences.
In the warm and supportive environment that is ISH, residents form friendships quickly. They dine together daily at breakfast
and dinner. They explore Washington together, and travel to other cities and towns as well. They share country nights,
international dinners, special events, lectures and discussions as part of an active series of programs organized by ISH
staff ad residents. They interact with the Board of Directors through the Embassy Liaison Committee, special events and
dinners, at Board meetings, and at social events and dinners at homes of the Board. The weekly Sunday afternoon tea has
drawn residents, alumni, Board members, and the local community for more than 50 years.
