International Student House Washington, DC

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ISH Participates in the Global Education Conference Hosted by the Washington Diplomat

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On Tuesday, November 12, at the Embassy of France, International Student House of Washington, DC (ISH-DC) joined over 40 embassy representatives and 25 educational institutions for the first Global Education Conference (GEC) hosted by The Washington Diplomat, an independent monthly newspaper that has served the diplomatic community in Washington for more than 20 years.

ISH-DC values its strong relationships with embassies in Washington, which enables it to provide residents with the opportunity to engage with diplomats from their respective countries. Our goal aligns well with the GEC purpose of providing opportunities for embassies, educational institutions, and other organizations supporting international students to come together, network, and learn from an impressive lineup of speakers on the latest trends in studying abroad.

Remarks by Caroline Casagrande, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Academic Programs in the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational Affairs, revealed that the number of international students in the U.S. are at all-time highs. Other speakers provided insights to visa issues, trends in education, immigrant success stories, leadership, women and STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math), global outreach, and the embassy perspective.

With ample time for networking, ISH-DC’s exhibitor booth attracted a significant number of intrigued participants. We had the pleasure of hosting Minister Counselor Xinyu Yang of Educational Affairs from the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China at our table, along with other embassy officials, including representatives from the Embassy of Portugal and the Embassy of Rwanda – both whom have had embassy interns reside at ISH-DC.

The conference also attracted participants interested in continuing their educations in international studies. A number of potential ISH-DC resident scholars visited to learn about residential opportunities. Coincidentally, one conference attendee representing the State Department stopped by and introduced herself as an ISH-DC alumna. She even pointed herself out in the ISH publication An Unforgettable Experience in International Living by former Executive Director, Paul Feys.

As global issues become more complex, the case for supporting international educational exchanges continues to grow. Events like this bring together organizations and leverage our collective strength in supporting student’s cultural understanding, leadership skills, and personal growth. ISH-DC was pleased to participate in the conference and would like to thank The Washington Diplomat for bringing together embassies, educational institutions, and other organizations supporting international students for a day of learning and networking.  

With ample time for networking, ISH-DC’s exhibitor booth attracted a significant number of intrigued participants. We had the pleasure of hosting Minister Counselor Xinyu Yang of Educational Affairs from the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China at our table, along with other embassy officials, including representatives from the Embassy of Portugal and the Embassy of Rwanda – both whom have had embassy interns reside at ISH-DC.

The conference also attracted participants interested in continuing their educations in international studies. A number of potential ISH-DC resident scholars visited to learn about residential opportunities. Coincidentally, one conference attendee representing the State Department stopped by and introduced herself as an ISH-DC alumna. She even pointed herself out in the ISH publication An Unforgettable Experience in International Living by former Executive Director, Paul Feys.

As global issues become more complex, the case for supporting international educational exchanges continues to grow. Events like this bring together organizations and leverage our collective strength in supporting student’s cultural understanding, leadership skills, and personal growth. ISH-DC was pleased to participate in the conference and would like to thank The Washington Diplomat for bringing together embassies, educational institutions, and other organizations supporting international students for a day of learning and networking.

Consular Corps of Washington, DC Luncheon at ISH

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Recently, the Consular Corps of Washington hosted its fall luncheon at the International Student House.  The event, attended by diplomats representing countries from throughout the world, featured the Department of State’s newly appointed Director of the Office of Foreign Missions, Ambassador Stephen Akard, discussing the relationship between “OFM” and the diplomatic corps.

Ambassador Stephen Akard and Stan Myck, President of the Consular Corps of Washington, DC

The Consular Corps is an association of career consular officers and other foreign diplomats, federal and local government officials and corporations which work directly with the diplomatic corps in Washington.  The organization brings consuls and other diplomats together with top level officials of the Federal and Local Government who make or implement policies critical for conducting consular duties, and sponsors superior training events to help consuls effectively execute their duties here in the United States.

2019 Spring Garden Party Highlights

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On the evening of May 30, the Board of Directors of International Student House of Washington, DC (ISH-DC) welcomed guests to our annual Spring Garden Party.  Despite the rainy afternoon, the House was filled with friends who joined us to celebrate the season and our mission of providing an exceptional residential experience for a highly diverse international community of graduate students and interns while here in Washington.

The Garden Party was once again a wonderful evening with our International Student House community as resident scholars from almost 40 countries had the opportunity to mingle with our many guests, including members of the diplomatic corps and prominent Washingtonians. This year the occasion coincided with a number of university graduations, giving our resident scholars who completed their studies another opportunity to celebrate their achievements.

We also welcomed back a number of ISH-DC alumni, all having gone on to exciting careers, and who are active in supporting our current residents in their professional pursuits.  We are delighted to have such a strong alumni presence join us every year at our Garden Party.

We remain grateful to our many advocates who help ensure our community is strong and vibrant, as well as a safe home for students from around the world to rely on for years to come.

Una Chapman Cox Foundation Launches Residential Scholarship Program at ISH-DC for Pickering and Rangel Fellows

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The Una Chapman Cox Foundation has partnered with ISH-DC to create the the Una Chapman Cox Residential Scholarship Program for Thomas Pickering and Charles Rangel Fellows. The Thomas Pickering and Charles Rangel Fellowship programs were established to encourage diversity and help young people from underrepresented groups become US Foreign Service Officers. Fellows are outstanding graduate students and the future of diplomacy for the United States.

Several Pickering and Rangel Fellows have called ISH-DC home, including current resident Zinna Senbetta. Our partnership with the Cox Foundation will award residential scholarships for 7 Pickering and Rangel Fellows to live at the House next year. Fellows will benefit from living within our unique community of students and interns from dozens of countries around the world.

We appreciate the Cox Foundation’s support of our mission and their commitment to US diplomacy around the world.

Pickering and Rangel Fellows may apply for a Una Chapman Cox Foundation Residential Scholarship by contacting Jill Holcomb, [email protected] or (202) 232-4007 ext. 204. Application deadline is April 16, 2019.

Tribute Dinner Hosted by His Excellency Gérard Araud, Ambassador of France

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“ International Student House lays a strong foundation for international cooperation. Residents come from all over the world and gathered around one goal: fostering global citizenship. By global citizenship, I mean a core of shared values: open-mindedness, freedom, tolerance, and also the promotion of inter-cultural dialogue which is necessary for addressing global challenges.” – Julien Maire, ISH-DC Resident Scholar from France addressing guests

2018 Global Leadership Awards Dinner Chair Rear Admiral Susan Blumenthal, MD; ISH-DC Resident Scholar Julien Maire; His Excellency Gerard Araud, Ambassador of Franch
Guests being welcomed to the Ambassador’s Residence

On the evening of February 25, our 2018 Global Leadership Awards Diplomatic Chair, Ambassador Gérard Araud of France graciously hosted an unforgettable evening at his residence.  The Ambassador and six of our students were joined by sponsors, Board members, Members of Congress, and friends to celebrate the mission of international education and the vital role the House plays in cultivating relationships among students from every corner of the globe. 

Kevin Chaffee, 2018 Global Leadership Awards Chair and ISH-DC Board Member Didi Cutler, ISH-DC Board Member Shaista Mahmood
Governor Jim Blanchard 

Ambassador Araud opened the evening by welcoming our guests and shared his long support of the House, having first joined ISH-DC when he addressed a room full of resident scholars over two years ago.  Our outstanding Dinner Chairs, Rear Admiral Susan Blumenthal and Isabel “Didi” Cutler, thanked the Ambassador and our sponsors, and shared about the importance of International Student House and their firm belief that our students are without a doubt future leaders in both the public and private sectors. 

ISH-DC Board Member Annette Aburdene speaking with ISH-DC Resident Scholars
Congressman Rick Larsen and Tiia Karlen, former Congressman John Tanner

International Student House resident scholar, Julien Maire from Véronnes, France had an opportunity to share about his time in the House.  Julien spoke about the meals and traditions that are shared among residents.  He emphasized that the House lays a strong foundation for international cooperation as students learn to engage with one another, and the friendships they begin here in Washington become more significant when they become leaders in all sectors around the world.  As they succeed professionally, friends become allies, and the relationships they begin as students have a profound impact.

We encourage you to read Julien’s full remarks here.

ISH-DC Board President Eric Melby giving a toast at the end of the evening
ISH-DC Board Member Lisa Barry, Eileen Shields-West, Robin West

We are grateful to Ambassador Araud for hosting this memorable evening, and we remain grateful to our generous sponsors who support our House and our mission of providing a unique cross-cultural experience to develop students and scholars into exemplary global citizens.

You can view more photos from the evening Here.

We are grateful to Ambassador Araud for hosting this memorable evening, and we remain grateful to our generous sponsors who support our House and our mission of providing a unique cross-cultural experience to develop students and scholars into exemplary global citizens.

You can view more photos from the evening Here.

International Student House of Washington, DC | 1825 R Street, NW | Washington, DC 20009

International Student House of Washington, DC is a private, non-profit 501(c)3 organization located near Dupont Circle in the heart of Washington, DC. Donations will help support our mission to provide an exceptional residential experience to a highly diverse international community of graduate students, interns and visiting scholars. The House promotes inter-cultural dialogue, encourages life-long connections, and fosters global citizenship.