International Student House Washington, DC

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Welcome to International Student House – by Tiger Li, Guest Resident Blogger

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Welcome to International Student House! The most vibrant and enthusiastic community you can ever dream of.

 My name is Tiger, originally from China and a graduate student at George Washington University majoring in Legislative Affairs. I have a strong passion for American congressional politics and presidential studies. I worked in China, Indonesia, and Nigeria for 10 years and traveled to more than 30 countries across the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. I served as a Director of International Relations in 26th Summer Universiade, and Chief Government Liaison in Nigeria United Resource Cooperation and Abaldeen Farms Company.

I love reading and watching politics, spirituality, and extraterrestrials. They are always prompting me to search the panacea for society amelioration as well as to understand the deep meaning of life itself. 

I have been at ISH for eight months, and it is undoubtedly my best experience in the United States. Our residents, in DC and now all over the world, have become a genuinely loving family. Our library, great hall, dining hall, basement, and gym are full of laughter, joy, and love sharing.

In the midst of a pandemic, ISH turns into the oasis of tranquility and serenity, the intimacy and bond between our residents become more robust: we share our dreams, we encourage each other, and honestly we realize:  we are the oneness, we are each other, and a friend in need is a friend indeed.  

If I can only use one word to express my genuine appreciation for ISH, it would be “Serendipitous.”  Thus, I am expecting to meet you at ISH as part of our dynamic community, and all together, we will share the stories of life and the world. I am waiting for you to déjà vu your serendipity here.

Sincerely,
Tiger

Let’s Talk Future Goals

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Firstly, to the many students who have graduated this semester, your hard work and determination of completing your studies has finally paid off. Take the time to reward yourself for overcoming academic challenges while enriching the knowledge of your studies and appreciating the friendships you have gained from your journey. 

“Do all the other things, the ambitious things—travel, get rich, get famous, innovate, lead, fall in love, make and lose fortunes…but as you do, to the extent that you can, err in the direction of kindness.” —George Saunders

Congratulations Class of 2020!

Varsha Thebo, ISH Deputy Resident Manager from Pakistan

Varsha Thebo is one of our graduates who shared some inspiration with fellow resident scholars at the virtual ISH Graduation Celebration (via Zoom). She identifies the one moment that was the beginning of her journey: “I first entered the House, early morning, on August 18th, 2018, threw my bags in my room, and eager to meet the fellow residents, joined everyone in the dining hall for breakfast. To my utter surprise and delight, I was sharing a table with people from Italy, Germany, South Korea, Brazil, and Russia. I recognized immediately that I was embarking on a very special experience.” Today, Varsha is a graduate from Georgetown University with a masters degree from the School of Foreign Service.

Sofía L., Resident Scholars from Argentina and recent graduate

I would say it’s a fantastic time to self-reflect. As the summer approaches us at ISH, we are preparing to enjoy things a little differently this year. If you ask me, the pandemic does not put a damper on our graduates, interns, and students in the house who are working hard each day to succeed in their goals. Sofia Liendro who was the ISH Valedictorian Scholar for the Graduation Celebration says: “Although some of our plans have been compromised by the pandemic, I am hopeful that we will learn from this experience and improve as citizens of the world.” Sofía is a graduate from Escuela de Negocios Formato Educativo and Universidad de Cádiz in which she has received her Masters in Business Administration.

Önder Y.,  Resident Scholars from Turkey and recent graduate

One thing I have noticed with many ISH residents is that the compelling force to further succeed is always present in mind. Önder Yalçın recently graduated as well, and his compelling story is one of the many historical ones as he is a graduate of the Covid-19 times. He is a recent graduate from two different programs, Fulbright’s Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program, which allowed him to join American University’s Washington College of Law 2020, and a professional affiliation at German Marshall Fund. He also completed the UNA-NCA Graduate Fellows Program. With a successful completion and an optimistic mind, he is looking forward to the start of summer! “I do hope the pandemic will recede and the world will feel safer in summer time.” Later, Önder will return to his home country, Turkey, where he will work in the city of Gaziantep, working with refugees. When asked, What is your down time activity to do? Önder shared: “I love walking around DC! Walking to Georgetown Waterfront, watching sunset, enjoying nice weather and of course DC’s trails close to the center are places to breathe for me.”

Meong A., Resident Scholar from the Philippines

There are many explanations on how ISH is a significant place during this time. As we residents experience changes that affect the whole world, we appreciate and love the community that ISH brings together. It’s a home to the future explorers, scientists, and intellects. Meong Arahan is a bold example of one of the students in the house who is applying his excellent work to his studies and keeping a healthy balance. When asked what he has in mind for the future: “I look forward to the reopening of DC as it would allow me to enjoy DC without worrying too much about my classes. During my down time, I like to walk, sometimes without even knowing where to go.” Meong attends Georgetown University where he currently studies in the Masters program of Global Human Development (December 2020).

The group of individuals who are living through the pandemic at ISH have creative minds about the future. They are willing to work hard and strive for the best. Whether we are enjoying dinner outside (with proper distance of course!) or a quick conversation in the hallway, we are on our way to continuing our work to make a difference.

So yes, reach out to that friend, aunt, uncle, or say hi to your friend’s puppy through the webcam – we all need each other’s words of wisdom during this time. The point is to keep a healthy mind and heart until we reach the end of the pandemic (we will be closer than you think!).

Firstly, to the many students who have graduated this semester, your hard work and determination of completing your studies has finally paid off. Take the time to reward yourself for overcoming academic challenges while enriching the knowledge of your studies and appreciating the friendships you have gained from your journey. 

“Do all the other things, the ambitious things—travel, get rich, get famous, innovate, lead, fall in love, make and lose fortunes…but as you do, to the extent that you can, err in the direction of kindness.” —George Saunders

Congratulations Class of 2020!

Varsha Thebo, ISH Deputy Resident Manager from Pakistan

Varsha Thebo is one of our graduates who shared some inspiration with fellow resident scholars at the virtual ISH Graduation Celebration (via Zoom). She identifies the one moment that was the beginning of her journey: “I first entered the House, early morning, on August 18th, 2018, threw my bags in my room, and eager to meet the fellow residents, joined everyone in the dining hall for breakfast. To my utter surprise and delight, I was sharing a table with people from Italy, Germany, South Korea, Brazil, and Russia. I recognized immediately that I was embarking on a very special experience.” Today, Varsha is a graduate from Georgetown University with a masters degree from the School of Foreign Service.

Sofía L., Resident Scholars from Argentina and recent graduate

I would say it’s a fantastic time to self-reflect. As the summer approaches us at ISH, we are preparing to enjoy things a little differently this year. If you ask me, the pandemic does not put a damper on our graduates, interns, and students in the house who are working hard each day to succeed in their goals. Sofia Liendro who was the ISH Valedictorian Scholar for the Graduation Celebration says: “Although some of our plans have been compromised by the pandemic, I am hopeful that we will learn from this experience and improve as citizens of the world.” Sofía is a graduate from Escuela de Negocios Formato Educativo and Universidad de Cádiz in which she has received her Masters in Business Administration.

Önder Y.,  Resident Scholars from Turkey and recent graduate

One thing I have noticed with many ISH residents is that the compelling force to further succeed is always present in mind. Önder Yalçın recently graduated as well, and his compelling story is one of the many historical ones as he is a graduate of the Covid-19 times. He is a recent graduate from two different programs, Fulbright’s Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program, which allowed him to join American University’s Washington College of Law 2020, and a professional affiliation at German Marshall Fund. He also completed the UNA-NCA Graduate Fellows Program. With a successful completion and an optimistic mind, he is looking forward to the start of summer! “I do hope the pandemic will recede and the world will feel safer in summer time.” Later, Önder will return to his home country, Turkey, where he will work in the city of Gaziantep, working with refugees. When asked, What is your down time activity to do? Önder shared: “I love walking around DC! Walking to Georgetown Waterfront, watching sunset, enjoying nice weather and of course DC’s trails close to the center are places to breathe for me.”

Meong A., Resident Scholar from the Philippines

There are many explanations on how ISH is a significant place during this time. As we residents experience changes that affect the whole world, we appreciate and love the community that ISH brings together. It’s a home to the future explorers, scientists, and intellects. Meong Arahan is a bold example of one of the students in the house who is applying his excellent work to his studies and keeping a healthy balance. When asked what he has in mind for the future: “I look forward to the reopening of DC as it would allow me to enjoy DC without worrying too much about my classes. During my down time, I like to walk, sometimes without even knowing where to go.” Meong attends Georgetown University where he currently studies in the Masters program of Global Human Development (December 2020).

The group of individuals who are living through the pandemic at ISH have creative minds about the future. They are willing to work hard and strive for the best. Whether we are enjoying dinner outside (with proper distance of course!) or a quick conversation in the hallway, we are on our way to continuing our work to make a difference.

So yes, reach out to that friend, aunt, uncle, or say hi to your friend’s puppy through the webcam – we all need each other’s words of wisdom during this time. The point is to keep a healthy mind and heart until we reach the end of the pandemic (we will be closer than you think!).

A Day in the Life at ISH: Quarantine Edition

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While we expect the unexpected, the International Student House is living through  this challenging time along with the rest of the world. A time where social distancing is vital and washing hands is compulsory. It’s certain that our grand of grandchildren will ask us questions like, “What happened in 2020?”.

I like a good routine. I wake up, have breakfast, enjoy a warm cup of coffee or tea, and proceed to work or go to university for the day. Perhaps joining a museum or embassy meetup nearby, or even visiting a local coffee shop. These were some of the things I made sure I accomplished in an average week. Little did I know that such a routine would need major altering.

Now everything has become “…from home” or virtual, which does have its perks! There are times where I will have a lazy Sunday, but overall, I am a bit more productive and as ambitious as ever before. I am even enlightened to see my fellow ISH friends feel the same.

Sofía, resident scholar from Argentina, practicing yoga in the garden as the weekend comes.

Even in this time, the spirit of ISH still inspires our community of students and interns to continue to do the best in their respective fields. From virtual yoga to working out, residents are taking advantage of this time by enjoying the sunlight in the garden or simply catching up on a healthy lifestyle. I know I have visited my pantry of teas and did a major upgrade (there’s so many flavors!).

The quarantine and lock down in place has also outlined some of the finest spots in the house to study or work from home. Jorrit, Hideyuki, and Sofía have uniquely set up their home offices with their personal tastes. It’s almost as if you were walking through an office building during some hours of the day.

Hideyuki, resident scholar from Japan

Jorrit, resident scholars from the Netherlands

Sofía once again

Not all our days are about working though, we take breaks too! The best breaks are pizza nights. A most appreciative thank you goes to Board members and alumni who generously throw a pizza and cupcake nights (best recipe for a happy resident).   

Gerardo, resident scholars from Mexico

Anastasia, resident scholar from the United States/Russia

Quarantine isn’t something we all expected. Some say it’s a time to find yourself and some feel as if it’s a break from reality. I didn’t expect for something like this to freeze the world. A little more than a month ago, I was living the extreme student-intern life. Waking up early and having breakfast with friends before our days began, going to my internship on the Hill, shifting midday into university, and then returning home after a long day to enjoy dinner in the dining hall with the most random (yet joyful) stories. I was busy with a capital B.

Things are a little different now, but that’s where you must make the best of it! While we are hopeful for things to get better, we must enjoy and adapt to these changes. For myself, I have found the time to learn the piano, enjoy relaxing yoga, and catch up on reading! What is something new you’d like to learn?

Yuhan, resident scholar from China

Well, if you don’t believe my perspective, just ask Yuhan. Whenever I go to the garden for a break between my studies, I always ask Yuhan which podcast she is listening to. Her simple routine and my break routine cross paths (at least six feet apart) and we both end up learning about each other’s hobbies. 

The reality of it is, quarantine is what you make of it. Things happen in the world, but we must stay optimistic, be thankful of health, and continue to strive towards our goals and ambitions. I’m happy to see my ISH friends at their happy moments with the little things in life. We hope for the world to get better, and while that happens, for ourselves build our own knowledge. Remember that Johann Wolfgang von Goethe once said, “Everything is hard before it is easy”.

Home

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When I first decided to come to ISH, I feverishly poured over the student blog, seeking any insight I could into what life on the other side of the world in this old mansion would be like.

I was particularly comforted by Katherine’s blog, who spoke in joyful, vivid terms of her time at the house. She recounted one moment where she and her fellow residents were gathered around the piano singing and she felt this moment of pure joy.

I had that moment yesterday, under very different circumstances. A handful of us were out in the garden, soaking up the new spring sunshine. Someone suggested music, and then the Beatles and then we were all singing along to ‘Let it Be’. I smiled and laughed and felt at peace. Then reality hit, and I almost cried.

As you’ve probably heard, the world is shutting down. Everyone is retreating to their home countries to ride out the wave. I’ve had to make the heart-breaking decision to do the same. My final days at ISH were supposed to be a celebration in May. Warm weather, my family visiting me, trips to the Mall to marvel at the colours.

None of that will happen now, but I don’t want my time blogging to end on a similarly sad note. ISH has been the greatest decision I ever made. Mundane things – breakfast, brushing my teeth, going to the grocery store, studying – have been made into incredible memories because of the people around me. Even now, my fellow residents are the ones holding me together and making me smile.

So what will I remember? Not the uncertainty of these last few days.

I’ll remember the walks around the neighbourhood, usually to the local dog park to spy on puppies.

I’ll remember the smell of Sunday dinner cooking at the house and the jokes we would make week in and week out about the menu options that Sunday (“Could it be salmon today?”)

I’ll remember the movie nights, particularly singing along to Mamma Mia or loudly correcting the inaccuracies in National Treasure (“No that’s not where the Washington Monument would be in the background if you drove South-West from the Mall, listen to me, I’m a local.”)

I’ll remember mornings working on the front desk, greeting each person as they left for their day and trying to see if I could remember every name and every place they were heading (“School, embassy, non-profit, embassy, World Bank, embassy.”)

I’ll remember sitting in the Great Hall, sometimes alone and just soaking in the incredibly rich history of the place we are all so privileged to call home.

ISH is an experience I will carry with me for the rest of my life. In these uncertain times I find myself thinking how privileged I was to travel and live abroad and to connect with people from all around the world.

To the ISH staff, I will never forget your generosity and diligent care.

To my fellow ISH residents, you never knew how much you made each day for me better than the previous one. You are family.

To future ISH residents – I hope when you arrive, the world is a little less chaotic. But if things remain uncertain, know that you are in the best possible place. You are home.

Tales from the Library

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I will now interrupt my regular style of blog post (events) to bring you a little snapshot of life at ISH. This month, I am writing about the library – bear with me, I promise this will be as informative and entertaining as my posts about DC events.

The main building of ISH (we have three: Main, Van Slyck and Marpat) houses most of our communal rooms, including the Library. It is my favourite room in the house, and yes that means in my mind it beats out the gorgeous Great Hall, and even the dining hall where you can find good conversation and if you’re lucky, crispy American bacon.

So, why the library?

Well firstly, it’s the books. I am a book worm, a book nerd, a book fiend, whatever title you like. I love the smell of an old bookstore and could spend hours browsing the shelves down at Kramerbooks and Afterwords or Second Story books. Our library has books stacked to the ceilings and then some. It is a treasure trove of memories of residents who have come before and left a piece of themselves behind. Here is just a selection I found from a quick lap of the room: “For Love of Country: The National Heroes of Barbados”; “Treasures from the Kremlin”; “The Complete Plays of William Shakespeare”; “Facts About Alaska”; “The Fangirl’s Guide to the Galaxy”; and “Rival Views on Market Society.” That’s not to mention the John Grisham novels, encyclopedias and almanacs and the myriad of books in languages other than English. I often go looking for the perfect next bedtime reading book but find myself lost in a sea of choices. Sure, I could pick an easy-going romance but perhaps I should educate myself about macroeconomics in South-East Asia?

The library is also the designated movie room. Here we have watched many classics: from Les Miserables and Forrest Gump to using it as an excuse to rediscover our inner child with Hercules and Shrek. On any given day at any given time you will find someone watching sport: American football, basketball, soccer, rugby, the odd boxing match and, of course, the best sport of all – Democratic debates. I am sorely disappointed that I will not be in the House for the Olympics which I am sure will mean the television is never off!

Of course, it’s also a place for a quiet moment. A spot to catch up on your readings, write a blog post, perhaps sneak in a nap on the ridiculously comfortable couches. It’s often the scene of late-night chats over a cup of tea, as residents confide in each other their stresses and failures but also their hopes and dreams.

Every day I walk through the library to and from the way from my room and it makes me smile. It occurs to me that while I still have over three months left in the House, I have already begun to miss it.

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.