International House

“With the fall, 1970 dedication and opening of the International House at Illinois State University begins a unique experiment in international education. International House will be open to American and International students – men and women, graduates and undergraduates – who possess a sincere commitment to global education and a desire for international understanding. The International House will provide an opportunity for students to meet contemporaries from other nations and to participate and learn through informal social, cultural, and educational programs.”

Robert V. Murley
Director of International Student Services
March 5, 1970

What is International House?

In a broad sense, International House, or I-House, is a collective term for the international student community at Illinois State University as well as the facilities and programs developed for this community by the Office of International Studies and Programs. For over 40 years, International House has served its mission to promote international education and cross-cultural understanding on a wide scale throughout the campus, and continues to seek new and innovative ways to engage American and International students in a global dialogue. The main components of International House at Illinois State University are:

The Marilyn M. Boyd International House Lounge (International Community Center)
The International House TLLC Floors in Manchester Hall (International Student Accommodations)
The United International Association (International Student and Community Organizations)
The I-House and OISP Alumni Association (International Alumni Association)

The International House Mission

International House at Illinois State University is committed to four basic objectives:

To provide opportunities to develop friendships and understanding and encourage mutual respect among students of diverse backgrounds and cultures through the experience of living and learning with their fellow students;
To provide international students with greater opportunities to experience American life, increase their understanding of the United States, and provide them opportunities to contribute to discussions relating to their geographic areas;
To provide special opportunities to study other cultures through simulation, role-playing, gaming, lectures, seminars, and cultural activities;
To help every student fulfill his or her educational and professional goals.