The Experience
What do you do if you’ve come to Philadelphia from a land far away? Or what do you do if you’re from here and want to learn more about lands far away? International House (I-House) satisfies the needs of both kinds of people. Located near the University of Pennsylvania and Drexel University on Chestnut Street in West Philadelphia, I-House is also the place where many professionals and students from around the world live and socialize. Building a global community based on mutual understanding, tolerance and respect for all peoples and cultures remains the essence of International House.
Here, more that 350 residents live together in harmony in a true global village where differences are celebrated and bridged. Through their cultural, social and educational programs for residents and the greater community – the acclaimed Film @ International House, acts as diverse as Senegal’s Baaba Maal, Cuba’s Ban Rarra, Huun-Huur-Tu from Tuva, and Beausoleil from Louisiana, along with events like their annual Global Gala – International House has achieved an unparalleled mosaic of people, culture, and perspectives.
History
The motivation for International House's founding over 90 years ago was to provide a nurturing and supportive place for the region^s growing community of international residents. After nine decades of facilitating relationships between international and American cultures, and three buildings later, International House remains Philadelphia^s center for Internationalism.