International House at UC Berkeley

In this inspiring episode of @This Anthro Life Podcast, I-House Berkeley’s Executive Director, @Shaun Carver chats with @Adam Gamwell and shares his vision for building truly inclusive university communities. Shaun explores how universities can bridge divides, foster intercultural understanding, and empower students to thrive in diverse environments. As we look toward shaping an inclusive future, his insights remind us of the critical role of community, especially as today marks the final day to vote in the election. Let’s make our voices count and foster the change we wish to see! 🌍 https://lnkd.in/gaT8iQia

Join Us for a Powerful Lodestar Executive Speaker Series Event 🌍 On Thursday, November 7, 2024, we’re honored to host a dynamic conversation with women leaders sharing their insights and perspectives in the wake of the US elections. This event promises thought-provoking dialogue with: ● Lateefah Simon, candidate for California’s 12th Congressional District ● Maria Echaveste, former White House Deputy Chief of Staff ● Kate Harrison, candidate for Mayor of Berkeley In a neutral platform for open discussion, we’ll explore leadership, cultural understanding, and the power of diverse perspectives. While the world has changed dramatically since I-House was founded in 1930, the ideals it embodies—understanding other cultures and seeing one's own through others' perspectives—are as essential as ever. Register at: https://lnkd.in/gYauDkUG We look forward to welcoming you to this enriching event! 🌍 #LodestarSeries #Leadership #CulturalUnderstanding #IHouse

🌍 Alumni Spotlight: Kenneth Taylor 🌍 As we approach the anniversary of the Iran Hostage Crisis on November 4th, we honor the remarkable legacy of Kenneth Taylor, the former Canadian Ambassador to Iran and a proud #Ihouse at UC Berkeley alumnus. Ambassador Taylor played a critical role in the extraction of hostages during this crisis, demonstrating bravery, diplomacy, and an unwavering commitment to international collaboration. See below for a commemorative spotlight flyer on Ambassador Taylor, crafted by @Eryn Su ihouse.berkeley.edu/alumni. #IHouseAlumni #KennethTaylor #Diplomacy #IranHostageCrisis #Canadianhistory

In today’s highly polarized world, fostering open dialogue across differences has never been more critical. We’re thrilled to announce that Nayeli Vivanco will be speaking at SXSW EDU on Free Speech in a Polarized World: Giving Everyone a Voice. This important session tackles the challenges of nurturing inclusive, respectful discussions amidst today’s complex geopolitical and social issues—a mission that Nayeli and UC Berkeley's International House champion. With nearly a century of experience managing diverse perspectives, from civil rights movements to global conflicts, I-House provides a powerful model for creating spaces where cultural divides are bridged and free speech is encouraged in safe, respectful ways. At SXSW, Nayeli will share invaluable insights on how we can all work toward environments that welcome global voices, foster understanding, and pave the way for progress. https://lnkd.in/gHctns_q #SXSW2024 #FreeSpeech #CulturalExchange #DiversityandInclusion #UCInternationalHouse

🌍 We love seeing I-House connections that continue to thrive long after leaving Berkeley! Recently, I-House alumna Della Peretti (IH Summer 1967) shared a heartwarming story of a reunion in Paris with six fellow alumni from their time at International House. On October 4, 2024, Della and her friends from the 1967+ I-House group gathered for dinner at a Montmartre restaurant. The group included Rosmarie Rippka (Germany), Beverly Bevis (USA), Alain Poix (France), Tom Cooch (USA), and Paolo Barletta (Italy). Their shared memories are as vibrant as ever, flowing between French, English, German, Spanish, and Italian—beautiful reminders of the multilingual and multicultural bonds formed at I-House. 🌐 Even after 56 years, the connections they built remain strong, proving that the I-House spirit endures wherever in the world we go. 💫 If you're planning an international I-House alumni gathering, we’d love to hear from you. Reach out to our alumni relations team at alumni@ihouseberkeley.org, and be sure to check out Della's full story on our Stories Page! https://lnkd.in/giCwr_fg #IHouseAlumni #GlobalConnections #IHouseBerkeley #LifelongFriendships

🌍 Resident spotlight: Harini Voruganit -- empowering tomorrow’s global leaders at I-House Berkeley 🌍 International House is committed to fostering cross-cultural understanding and respect, creating a unique environment where students cultivate the leadership skills necessary for our interconnected world. Meet Harini Voruganti, a fourth-year Neurobiology student and one of this year’s Global Community Ambassadors at I-House. In her recent blog post, Unity in Motion: Bridging Cultures Through Dance at International House, Harini describes how I-House residents come together to celebrate diversity, with traditional dance steps and cultural traditions creating unforgettable experiences. Her story captures the essence of I-House’s mission—to bring together people from different backgrounds and create a community that values inclusivity and global exchange. Read more about Harini’s inspiring experience and how she brings the vibrant I-House community to life through her role as an Ambassador: https://lnkd.in/gKdnpnNJ #IHouseBerkeley #GlobalLeadership #CulturalExchange #Diversityandinclusion #InternationalHouseBerkeley

How can higher education institutions foster critical thinking while avoiding indoctrination? Our CEO, @shauncarver believes it begins with encouraging healthy and civil discussion. As Shaun puts it, "We cannot teach people to be critical thinkers if we do not allow for different opinions, views, and belief systems on campus and in classrooms." In his latest piece on @Minding the Campus, Shaun explores why embracing diverse perspectives is essential for developing true critical thinking skills. You can read more of his insights here: https://lnkd.in/gMSVA-XG #HigherEd #FreeSpeech #DiversityAndInclusion #UCBerkeley #CriticalThinking

🌟 I-House Alumna Spotlight: Dr Urvashi Sahni (IH 1994), a trailblazer in education policy and women's rights! 🌟 Urvashi Sahni is globally recognized for her contributions in empowering underprivileged girls and rural youth in India with quality education. She has received the UC Berkeley International Haas Award and United Nations Global Citizen Award, among others! At I-House, Urvashi found a supportive and diverse community that made her feel at home despite being thousands of miles away from her family. This experience brought her great joy and created lasting memories that she cherishes. We’re proud to celebrate Urvashi Sahni and her work at Study Hall Educational Foundation (SHEF) 💫 Learn more: https://lnkd.in/eFWednxq #educationrights #empoweryouth #IHouseBerkeley #InternationalDayofRuralWomen

We’re excited to share that Nayeli Vivanco our incredible Vice President, Robertson Resident Life and Intercultural Development Office (RIO) at I-House at UC Berkeley, recently joined the ThoughtStretchers Education Podcast for a powerful conversation on fostering intercultural respect and expanding DEI initiatives at I-House. In this inspiring interview, Nayeli highlighted how I-House is more than just a place to stay—it's a vibrant, welcoming community where residents from all over the world come together, build lifelong friendships, and develop a sense of belonging. One key takeaway was that I-House serves as a beacon of integration, diversity, and inclusion, and that every interaction, no matter how small, helps shape the futures of our residents. The conversation beautifully illustrated how creating a home that values respect and understanding can lead to both academic success and personal growth. We’re so proud of the incredible work Nayeli and her team is doing to promote intercultural respect and build an inclusive environment where future leaders can thrive. Be sure to tune in to the podcast for more insights! 🎙️ #DEI #InterculturalRespect #IHouseBerkeley #Leadership #Inclusion https://lnkd.in/gKwJRcrY

🌍 Happy International Chef Day! 🥄🍴 This Sunday, we’re celebrating the culinary artistry of Marie Abigail Serbins, who serves three meals a day to 600 residents from 80+ countries at UC Berkeley’s International House. 🌟 Abigail’s dedication goes beyond preparing delicious food — she embodies I-House’s mission of fostering cross-cultural understanding and community. With each dish, Chef Abbie strives to make every student feel at home, recreating their favorite meals from around the world. Whether it’s comforting bowls of pho, vibrant curries, or savory empanadas, she serves more than food; she offers a taste of home to students who have traveled across the globe to be here. This commitment to culinary inclusivity and cultural exchange aligns with I-House’s goal of building a welcoming, globally connected community — one meal at a time. 🌍❤️ Check out Chef Abigail’s inspiring story in Berkeleyside: https://lnkd.in/g9DfHQcY #InternationalChefDay #CulinaryArts #Community #DiversityAndInclusion #IHouseBerkeley #FoodAsLove