Frank Islam, entrepreneur, philanthropist, civic leader and thought leader, joined International Student House of Washington, DC (ISH-DC) the evening of October 30 to share about his experiences building his company and engaging in his many philanthropic endeavors.

Graduate students from over 20 countries enjoyed the opportunity to learn from Mr. Islam’s astute advice, given his highly successful career building his business from a single employee to over 3,000 employees and revenues of approximately $300M before its sale.  He encouraged our young professionals to be entrepreneurs in whatever profession they choose, show up and be the best they can be, and always seek to be better.  Mr. Islam’s inspiring and compelling remarks were well received by the many international students who are studying at universities in Washington, preparing to embark on their own careers in the public and private sectors.

Mr. Islam was introduced by resident scholar Ashish Kakar from Mumbai, who is here in DC studying at Johns Hopkins University.  ISH-DC Board members also attended the evening, and enjoyed dinner and lively discussion following Mr. Islam’s address.

We are grateful to Mr. Islam for joining us at the House and engaging with our resident scholars from around the world.  We firmly believe that our young international students are our future leaders and they greatly appreciate the ability to learn from those in Washington who have successfully navigated their own career paths.  We appreciate Mr. Islam’s willingness to share about his experiences and accomplishments with the next generation.

International Student House of Washington, DC (ISH-DC) resident scholars and alumni from around the world had an incredible evening hosted by His Excellency Kurt Jaeger, the Ambassador of the Principality of Liechtenstein. Ambassador Jaeger, along with his wife, Laurette, graciously welcomed us to their residence in mid-June for a summer “Happy Hour” to enjoy wonderful conversation and learn about Ambassador Jaeger’s work representing his country here in Washington.  Our resident scholars also learned many new facts about the incredible country of Liechtenstein as they spent the evening conversing with Ambassador and Mrs. Jaeger, as well at representatives from the Embassy.

International Student House actively promotes inter-cultural dialogue and building an international community, therefore we highly encourage our resident scholars to engage in the exciting networking opportunities that are often uniquely found in Washington.  We are immensely grateful to Ambassador Jaeger and the Embassy for such a kind welcome and giving our residents a perfect opportunity to engage in substantive conversation.  Not only were they able to hone their networking skills, but they also learned from the Ambassador’s expertise in both the public and private sectors.

What a wonderful evening to remember!

On May 22 not even torrential rain could stop nearly 250 guests from celebrating spring and ISH-DC’s mission.  Foreign Ambassadors, Members of Congress, alumni, Board members, and friends joined our resident scholars from 28 countries for our annual Garden Party.  This year, we were especially pleased to welcome leaders from International Houses across the United States, Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, and Romania who were here for the International Houses Worldwide Director’s Conference, which you can learn all about here.

Guests, including Laurette Jaeger, wife of His Excellency Kurt Jaeger, Ambassador of Liechtenstein; Isabel Vital, wife of His Excellency Domingos Fezas Vital, Ambassador of Portugal; and His Excellency Mninwa Johannes Mahlangu, Ambassador of South Africa.

Guests were able to see firsthand the community we have built and our strong focus on cross-cultural understanding.  This was also an amazing opportunity for our alumni to share the long lasting impact that living at the House has had on their careers as well as their personal lives.

ISH-DC Resident Scholars Rose Twagirumukiza from Rwanda, Boban Markovic from Serbia (alumnus), Maria Tilander from Sweden, and Tamara Schranz from Austria.

Our residents were able to connect and have inspiring conversations with our guests that are extremely successful in their career fields. This opportunity to network with various Washingtonians and diplomats is a vital part of their experience living at the House that prepares them for the future.

The Garden Party was a wonderfully successful event. It may have been dark and storming outside, but residents, alumni and guests alike lit up the house as they shared their love for International Student House of Washington, DC.

ISH-DC Executive Director Tom O’Coin, Congressman Alan Lowenthal, Deborah Malumed, ISH-DC Board President Cynthia Bunton

International Student House of Washington, DC (ISH-DC) recently had the privilege of hosting the Executive Directors from Alberta, Bucharest, Chicago, London, Melbourne, New York City, and many more cities around the world for the annual International Houses Worldwide (IHWW) Directors Conference.

IHWW is a consortium of 17 International Houses (“I-Houses”) unified by a common mission: To provide students of different nationalities and diverse cultures with the opportunity to live and learn together in a community of mutual respect, understanding, and international friendship. This mission is achieved by daily interaction among our resident scholars through programs and community life designed to foster diversity of thought and experience. This dynamic flow of ideas elevates our communities as places where students and scholars from around the world can all share discoveries, approaches, and points of view.  I-Houses are home to 9,500 residents annually, graduate and undergraduate, from more than 125 countries.  Collectively, almost 350,000 individuals are alumni of an I-House, creating an unparalleled alumni network.  Many alumni have lived in more than one International House, and the friendships that they have made during their stays last a lifetime.

The Executive Directors from around the world spent the week engaging in a number of substantive conference sessions focused on shared opportunities, during which the Directors had the opportunity to participate in extensive dialogue to critically and constructively address common issues and practices.  This annual conference is an important time for International House leadership to come together and support one another as they look toward a strong future of a growing, robust, and diverse community of resident scholars and alumni.

During their time with us, the Directors also had the opportunity to enjoy a modest number of cultural activities unique to Washington, including a tour of Mount Vernon, the Smithsonian Museum of African American History and Culture, and the Diplomatic Reception Rooms at the U.S. Department of State.  They also had the privilege of joining His Excellency Geir Haarde, Ambassador of Iceland, for an evening reception at his residence.  Ambassador Haarde graciously welcomed the group into his home and spoke eloquently of his time as resident scholar at ISH-DC, and the strong life-long bonds he established here in the 1970’s that remain to this very day.  Ambassador Walter Cutler, former U.S. Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, and Zaire, and Mrs. Didi Cutler, ISH-DC Board Member, also warmly welcomed our IHWW leadership to their Georgetown home for an evening reception following a substantive day of conference sessions.

These International Houses around the world promote dialogue and understanding through shared spaces and experiences, and the exceptional leadership of each individual I-House ensures the mission thrives and remains strong.  ISH-DC was honored to host this year’s Directors Conference, and we look forward to the coming years as we continue to work together and support each other in our shared mission.