International House

Web site: http://ihouse.studentaffairs.duke.edu/
Office Hours: Monday–Friday 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Address: 2022 Campus Dr., Box 90417, Durham, NC 27708 (Wheelchair accessible)
Phone: (919) 684-3585
Fax: (919) 684-8241

Staff

  • Carlisle Harvard, Director
  • Lisa Giragosian, Assistant Director
  • Cloe Liparini, Program Coordinator
  • Julia Coleman, Office Coordinator
  • Patrick Morris, Program Assistant
  • Alicia Wallace, Program Assistant

Mission

  1. to assist internationals and their families with orientation and acclimation,
  2. to enhance cross-cultural interaction through programming and community outreach, and
  3. to provide advocacy and support for the Duke International Community.

Assistance for Internationals

  • International Graduate and Professional Student Orientation covers academic and procedural issues, adjustment, safety, health services, and social activities in the Duke and Durham communities.
  • Loan Closet: Provides a limited amount of kitchen, linen, and household goods for setting up new residences.

Resources and Information

  • English as a Second Language (ESL): Contact I-House for a list of ESL contacts, private tutors, and Durham Tech classes, as well as informal opportunities on the campus.
  • U.S. Tax Information: In the Spring, tax information will be available on our Web site. Workshops and tax assistance are also provided.
  • Transportation: Travel information including guidebooks, maps, bus schedules, and auto insurance companies.
  • Social Services: Includes information on housing, shopping, health care, and more.
  • Emergency Fund: Provides small, no-interest loans to students and scholars with unexpected financial needs.
  • Cross-Cultural Awareness Workshops, as well as games focused on diversity issues/situations are offered by request.
  • Outdoor and Indoor Flags: International House has outdoor (4¢x6¢) flags (and their 8¢poles), as well as table-top (6²) flags, from all over the world that can be checked out.
  • Space for Social Functions: The first floor of International House (which includes a kitchen, a sound system, TV, and VCR) can be reserved.

Get Involved

  • International Friends Program —The goal of the program is to promote friendship and cultural exchange between local citizens and Duke’s international population by pairing locals with incoming internationals. Local citizens may wish to learn more about another country, reconnect with a country in which they have lived or traveled, or assist someone settling in to life in Durham. Internationals may wish to learn about U.S. and local culture, customs, traditions, and daily life.
  • The Holiday Host Program is a great opportunity for internationals and families/individuals from the community to develop a friendship during the Thanksgiving Break and other holidays celebrated during winter break (Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Posadas, etc.). We ask the Holiday Hosts to open their doors to international students, scholars, and families to share in traditional feasts and their preparation. Holiday celebrations are times when friends and family get together to share stories and to enjoy the great tastes, sometimes prepared days in advance.
  • Duke Language Partners matches non-native English speakers with native English speakers for a weekly conversation exchange. Through the program, one can practice a foreign language, learn about another culture, and gain English as a Second Language (or other language) tutoring experience. Non-native English speakers are able to practice English communication skills, learn about U.S. culture or other English speaking cultures, and share their linguistic and cultural knowledge.
  • Spouses’ Group is open to everyone whether local, international, male, or female spouse. It is sponsored by Duke’s International House and organized by the participants. The Spouses’ Group is very flexible so that it can meet as many different needs as possible, such as finding a support system, having a good time, improving one’s English fluency, providing activities for children and babies, cooking, dancing, designing arts & crafts, watching movies, and more.
  • Speakers’ Panorama—Provides schools, civic organizations, and community groups with presenters from around the world to talk about their country(ies) and culture. A wonderful way for internationals to interact with U.S. citizens and also to improve their presentation and English skills.
  • Coffee Connection—“Drop in, grab a bite, chat a bit, and hang out” meaning: Come anytime on Fridays, between noon and 1 p.m. in the Chapel Basement, enjoy a cup of coffee and snack, visit with friends, and even get acquainted with someone new to you. Hosted by the Duke Chapel and International Students’ Incorporated (ISI) staff with assistance from various church, campus, and community groups.
  • International Badminton Club—Open to everyone interested in playing or learning badminton during the academic year. Friday 7:00–9:00 p.m. at the Card Gym.
  • Culture Nights & Monthly Activities—Take some time away from your work and busy schedule. Come and explore Duke and its community in the fun company of International House’s staff! Some of the past monthly activities have been: Stress Fest, Children’s Holiday Party, Cultural Nights, etc.
  • A GLIMPSE of the World—This photo competition is sponsored by the International House and the Office of Study Abroad to promote global understanding through soliciting photos depicting the world for use on and off campus in displays and ads. International students may submit photos taken in the United States of America or in countries other than their home country. U.S. students may submit photos taken abroad. Great prizes are awarded every year!

Stay Connected

  • Intlhouse—is a closed listserv used by many internationals and community members for: selling and purchasing furniture, cars; searching for an apartment, roommate; looking for and sharing a ride, etc.
  • Intlprograms—is a closed listserv to inform you (once a week) about International House’s events and other cultural activities.
  • Intlspouses—is an open listserv used by the International House’s Spouses’ Group members to share relevant information (updates, announcements, etc.) as well as a means to interact with other international spouses.
  • Intlflash—Internationals will automatically be subscribed to Intlflash, a closed list through which International Office and International House can periodically communicate.

The staff of International House is available to assist you with any questions or problems you may have. Don’t hesitate to drop by or call and make an appointment. We want your U.S. experience to be really special.

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Last Updated (by wat@duke.edu): 05-04-06