On Saturday, November 22, 2025, I-House DC welcomed Residents, university students, partners, Alumni, and friends to our second annual International Expo — an immersive cultural showcase rooted in our mission to foster international understanding and community. The Expo was held in recognition of International Education Week, underscoring the value of global learning and cross-cultural connection within Washington, DC’s academic and professional networks.
Throughout the afternoon, the House’s common spaces and garden became a living museum of culture and story. Fourteen Resident-led country booths invited guests into interactive explorations of tradition, research, and lived experience. Residents added new hands-on features this year, including booths with cultural attire for guests to try on and live henna painting. These elements sparked easy conversation and joyful exchange, turning curiosity into personal connection.
The program also featured Mexican Folk and K-Pop dance performances, traditional games like Yutnori, and multiple script-writing activities where guests received their names or greetings in global writing systems. Tea tastings, bite-sized foods, and an international bar rounded out the experience, reflecting the warmth and hospitality that define life at I-House DC.
More than 150 guests joined us, “traveling the world” in just over two hours. By engaging directly with Residents about their home countries and academic journeys, visitors deepened their appreciation for the global perspectives that shape our community. The 2025 International Expo celebrated the diverse identities that make I-House DC an international home — and reaffirmed our commitment to cultural exchange, global citizenship, and meaningful dialogue.
Some Photos from “Around the World”
The Expo featured visual exhibits, research displays, musical and dance performances, and international cuisine, and more. These photos capture a few highlights from this exciting “trip around the world”! (In order): I-House DC Resident, Musah from Ghana, serving Kosua ne Meko (Ghanaian deviled eggs); Guest participating in a “Write Your Name in Arabic” activity; I-House DC Alum, Natalie from Mexico, presents a traditional Mexican dance; I-House DC Resident, Muhammad Abdullah from Pakistan, and a close friend of the House, Dr. Yasmeen Haider, posing with artifacts lent from the Embassy of Pakistan; I-House DC Resident, Safae from Morocco, shared her Kaftans for guests to try on. View the full photo gallery here!
For sponsorship or exhibiting inquiries at the 2026 International Expo, reach out to us.
