International Student House Washington DC

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What I’m Doing in DC: Winter/Spring Edition

March 3, 2021 by Stephen Frederico

Chinatown – One of DC’s Best Neighborhoods

In an effort to become more familiar with some of the neighborhoods in DC that are outside the Dupont Circle neighborhood, a small group of fellow International Student House residents, including myself, decided to check out Chinatown.  

On this visit we decided to visit Tony Cheng’s which serves both Mongolian and Chinese food, and our dining experience was incredible! I would definitely recommend checking this place out if you are ever in the Chinatown neighborhood!

Following dinner, we went to Chinatown’s friendship archway, which are traditionally referred to as paifangs. The friendship archway in Chinatown in Washington, DC is the largest ceremonial archway that is outside of China. While our visit may have been limited due to restrictions in place as a result of the pandemic, I am very excited to go back to once the pandemic is over so that I can truly take part in all this area has to offer!

A Trip to the International Spy Museum!

A few days later, we decided to take a trip to one of the most talked about museums in DC, the International Spy Museum! Not long before the pandemic, a group of resident scholars got to join a special behind-the-scenes tour, and while I couldn’t join then, I was excited to visit recently.

This place houses an impressive collection of cool gadgets and gear used by spies throughout the world. One of the most unique weapons in this museum had to be a tube of lipstick that was disguised as a handgun. Known as the “kiss of death” this weapon was used by KGB operatives during the Cold War and is a 4.5 mm single-shot firearm.

Another interesting item was the pigeon camera. Prior to the invention of hot air balloons, satellites and drones, spies would attach cameras to pigeons and then have these pigeons fly over military sites taking photographs of enemy equipment.  While the unique gadgets that are in this museum are definitely cool, my favorite exhibit had to be James Bond’s Aston Martin DB5. The car was absolutely stunning and looked as if it rolled right off the movie set!

A final artifact in this museum that you should definitely check out is George Washington’s letter to Nathaniel Sackett where he asks Sackett to create a spy network that would spy on the British. 

Overall, this museum was one of the best that I have visited, and I would highly recommend checking it out if you are ever in the DC area! I can’t wait to share more of what I am up to in the coming months; until then, be well!

When International Student House became International Student Home

November 27, 2020 by Gizem Torunlar

This is the story of how International Student House became International Student Home for me. It all started on a sunny July morning, one of those mornings your life changes greatly and you are so happy to wake up, like your wedding day or your graduation. For me, I was going to Turkey after a long time, to attend my best friend's wedding as maid of honor for a week, just to return back to the U.S. to start my new job in California. Everything in my life was going according to the great plan in my head; graduate, have a little vacation with my family and start my professional life in the U.S. I had no idea that in a few hours my life would turn upside down.
 
I remember how sad I was saying goodbye to my friends at the House, everyone helped me with my luggage. We cried, we hugged and I said goodbye to DC. I remember how excited I was waiting in the security line at Dulles Airport, as opposed to other frustrated passengers. I closed my phone to save some battery until the flight and started waiting. When boarding started, I opened my phone to talk to my parents briefly.
 
The minute I opened it, I received about 15 messages and calls from my mum and dad. 'DO NOT BOARD, CALL US IMMEDIATELY'. And did I. My mum was so anxious; 'Where are you!?' 'I am about to board mum, what is going on?' 'They have closed airports here, some soldiers also took over bridges and borders - that plane cannot land. They say it may be a terror attack. Do not board no matter what!' Little did she know that it was not a terror attack, but rather an attempted coup.
 
Meanwhile, everyone was boarded and I was the last passenger. I approached the counter with a shocked face. I said one of those movie lines 'Umm sorry but I cannot fly today!' The hostess looked at me worried and said 'What is the problem madam, why can't you fly?' 'Because, I cannot land! The airport I am aiming for has been taken over by soldiers!' The worried hostess picked up the phone, talked with someone in French for a couple of minutes, then returned to me and said 'You are right, it looks like Turkish airzone is closed as of now. Your luggage will be given back to you.'
 
I returned back to the departures lounge, waited for my luggage, and watched live on CNN our national assembly being bombed by airstrike with a couple of other important government places. I saw jet planes flying over Istanbul. I was scared for everyone I know back at home and had a hard time believing that all this was real. It all felt like a nightmare and my tears were running non-stop. I watched my country's fall on live TV, I was Tom Hanks from the movie Terminal.
 
My luggage arrived and I had nowhere to go. I already said goodbye to my friends at International Student House a couple of hours ago, however I called my roommate from the House. I needed help.
Gizem with fellow housemates celebrating her birthday, and Gizem with housemates at our annual Garden Party (2015)

We agreed that I should talk with Jen, the Resident Manager.  I believed my home for the last two years would not leave me alone in my darkest hour. So I dialed Jen and explained the situation. I could not even talk straight from crying at that point. She talked to me calmly and like the pro-problem solver that she always is. She said 'Get your luggage, come back home. You can stay as long as you need in this emergency'.

Without having a country to land at that moment, at least I was not homeless. A tiny bit of hope knowing that my parents were also safe in a smaller city, I grabbed my luggage and headed back downtown, which I had just arrived from with a big smile on my face and filled with hope only a couple of hours ago. Arriving back at International Student House, everyone welcomed me at the door, helped me resettle and gave me much needed emotional support. I was so grateful and love all of them.

Turkey did not have a coup that night. Lots of people died but soldiers who attempted to take over the government failed and the government restored the order a week later. Life turned back to normal at a shocking speed and I left the House a week later, as well, to visit. It was maybe still dangerous, but I needed to see and be with my family. The wedding was postponed to the next week and I could not go back to California for that new job, so I missed that opportunity, however, a better one came just a week later and I got a great offer from a Wall Street Capital Market firm in NYC and I moved to the International House in New York two weeks later.

Just like that, my entire life changed in a couple of hours. Thanks to International Student House and great people working there, I received help when I needed it most. That's what it means to have a family. That was the story of how International Student House became International Student Home to me. 

From Mooncakes to the Super Moon, We’ve Attracted Some Positive Energy

November 18, 2020 by Rempee Kalia

Rempee (myself) on a lawn of flowers

Samuel in a Japanese Garden

At ISH, there’s residents studying or working all day, all night, and all morning (we love books!). This is a usual sign that the Fall semester is in session. Today, you will find us reading, writing, attending class/meetings virtually throughout all hours of the day. A new normal in 2020 comes with new ways to study, new snacks/foods to try and various social distanced events that help us get through the semester strong (and happy!). DC’s weather is, of course, in unpredictable ways, but we love it because it gives us humans a chance to go outside to participate in some outdoor activities that are admirable. Samuel and I were lucky to enjoy some fresh air above as we headed to the Hillwood Estate (for my birthday) and appreciated the woodlands in Forest Hills. Only greens and flowers surrounded by the sound of nature, how refreshing!

On my way to pick up a laptop, during the lonely metro hour

Don’t get me wrong, October can get a little spooky, boo! Above, I traveled through the metro for a special laptop pick up and was pleased to see everything in covid-19 regulations. As you can see, no one was traveling that rainy day but me (smart choice world!), but I managed to pick up my item without attracting any ghosts on my way back. So, what’s the real autumn goal here? For starters, it must be pumpkin carving! In the U.S., this is one of the trendiest traditions where you choose the best pumpkin of your eye and carve a design into it. It was a unique first time for some residents, but fun without a doubt because we helped each other clean the hefty pumpkins. We were a little competitive with the happiest pumpkin face, but I think we all won here! 

Residents participate in Pumpkin Carving

Abdul and Francoise

(Note: All residents go through a two week quarantine period prior to shifting to the main building and participating in any small group activities that take place outdoors)

Hmm, is it hot? Cold? Is the heat on, yet? 😛 We continue to enjoy different cultures within the house as the weather is changing. Sometimes it's sunny, sometimes raining, but that doesn’t stop us from enjoying festivities, am I right? The Mid-Autumn Festival is something we observed at the house with our delighted resident, Tiger. Tiger took us through the importance of the festival while we enjoyed mooncakes and hot tea. Fun fact: A moon cake is essential for the Mid-Autumn Festival! (Thank you, Education Office of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the USA!) It was the yummiest part.

Tiger sharing knowledge, tea, and mooncakes with residents.

Colors are changing and better days are coming. There’s nothing more exciting than the holidays. While activities will be different from the past, I think we can conclude that we’re ready to try new things and give new traditions a chance? It can’t hurt! Below, Matthew, I, and some residents attended an outdoor game of croquet. It was new to me, different from the ordinary, but boy was it fun!! For myself, I feel like we are living in different years at times, but then I spend time with my fellow residents and I am reminded that the good times are just beginning to roll in! 

Matthew at The President Woodrow Wilson House

Embassy Row during Golden Hour

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

August 6, 2020 by ISHDC

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

June 26, 2020 by Rempee Kalia

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!).

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Inside Look at ISH | Resident Blog

  • What I’m Doing in DC: Winter/Spring EditionStephen Frederico
  • When International Student House became International Student HomeGizem Torunlar
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International Student House of Washington, DC | 1825 R Street, NW | Washington, DC 20009

International Student House of Washington, DC (ISH-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.

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