If you stop by International House, you will notice that our clients are not the only people who come from countries around the world.  Our volunteers also represent a wonderful mix of cultures and countries.  In our reception area, you might be greeted by Arafat from Jordan or Devica from Guyana. The pleasant voice on the phone when you call with a question might belong to Anggie from Peru or Rikke from Denmark.  Need to find directions to a Conversation Hour or ESL class?  Ask Maria from Russia!  Want to inquire about hosting one of our international visitors?  Athina from Greece will be glad to assist you.  And if you stopped by International House's table at the UNC-Charlotte International Festival recently, you may have been helped by Mickey from Japan who recently celebrated her 10 year anniversary as an International House volunteer.

 

Whether they were born overseas or here in the United States, our volunteers bring a passion for building international understanding and helping others.  Our education, legal and citizen diplomacy departments depend on the dedication and hard work of those gifted volunteers mentioned above, as well as the time and energy of people like Nandini, Melora, Carmen, Jonimay, Monique, and Gretchen. Toni, one of the newest volunteers in our legal clinic, is a busy attorney at a practice with offices in Charleston, Columbia, and Charlotte.  After seeing a story about International House in a recent issue of "Pride" magazine, Toni decided to volunteer one day a week in our clinic because she felt it was a great way to give back to her community.

 

And then there are dedicated members of our board, the many volunteer tutors who help our clients learn English, the hard-working members of our gala committee who make our signature fundraiser a smashing success, and the generous home and dinner hosts who open their hearts and homes to international visitors from around the world. International House is truly blessed to be surrounded and supported by the love of this global village of volunteers.  To all of you who give so much of yourselves to helping us welcome the world to Charlotte....a million thank you's!

Amanda Tesh

Tanja Pauler

International House celebrates language and culture through weekly conversation hours.  

FREE and for all levels! 

 

*No registration required

* Drop-ins welcome

* All ages welcome

 

Conversation hours are held at 1817 Central Avenue, 

Room 202.  Check out the calendar and  join us today!

 

If you are interested in hosting one or more of these visitors during their stay in Charlotte, please contact our office at 704-342-2248 Ext 121 or jcauswell@ihclt.org.  

 

 Thank You!

at International House.  This club is open to everyone.

 

 

Our international visitors this fall:

 

Thailand - Media Literacy

When Amy Rae Foss first visited the International Book Club at International House, she had no idea how that decision would impact her life ... or how she would ultimately impact the lives of so many immigrants and refugees working to make a better life for themselves in Charlotte.

Originally from Minnesota, Amy Rae ended up in North Carolina after a three year stint as a Middle School English/Language Arts teacher in Arkansas. She works now for a healthcare software company and travels extensively to train medical personnel to use the software. Despite her hectic travel schedule, she always makes time to get back to Charlotte for her work as a Volunteer Instructor for Sunday afternoon Citizenship Classes. "I am actually rarely in Charlotte", Amy explains. "There are times when I schedule my travel plans to get back to Charlotte just in time for Citizenship training, and then leave town again right after class."

International House is pleased to partner with the Southeast Asian Coalition for a FREE screening of "My Life in 5 Minutes" - youth created digital storytelling projects! 

 

These short films include stories growing up as Vietnamese, Kareni, Hmong, Chin, Burmese, and Montagnard Americans in the Queen City.

 

Experience these stories, told directly through the eyes of Charlotte's youth. Come join us as we screen these youth created documentaries about coming of age in Charlotte. Topics include, culture, history, identity, and the arts. Screening will be followed by a Q & A and discussion with the young film-makers.

 

When:  October 14, 7-8pm

Where:  Midwood International & Cultural Center Auditorium

                 1817 Central Avenue

Parking:  Behind the building in the large lot off Hamorton Street

 

Although International House's capital campaign was mostly complete at the end of 2012, higher than anticipated renovation costs for our move to the former Midwood High School meant that we were left with a $69,000 gap to cover construction expenses. Three generous couples have helped us close that gap through a September legacy gift of $30,000. We are delighted to announce that long term supporters Tony and Lakana Bikhazi coordinated a combined gift with their friends, Ziad and Roula Korban of Hong Kong, and Edouard and Rita Rassie of Lebanon.

We are pleased to honor the Bikhazi's, Korban's and Rassie's with Ambassador Level Recognition for their generous gift and named sponsorship of the large auditorium space here at the Midwood International & Cultural Center. 

Lakana and Tony Bikhazi

-Read More

International House's Immigration Law Clinic focuses on uniting families, serving the disadvantaged, and preventing exploitation of vulnerable immigrants. The Clinic is open to all ethnic groups, targeting the most disadvantaged cases. 

So far this year they have handled over 1300 inquiries, opened 398 new cases, and helped 49 individuals obtain US citizenship. In July they opened new cases for clients from Bhutan (3), Bosnia (1), Burma (3), Cuba (5), Dem. Rep. of Congo (7), Ecuador (2), Eritrea (2), Gambia (1), Ghana (2), Haiti (1), Iraq (1), Ireland (1), Jamaica (1), Liberia (9), Mali (1), Mexico (5), Moldova (2), Siera Leone (1), Somalia (1), Sudan (1), Zambia (1).

Our Law Clinic works hard every day to help our newest neighbors receive legal status as they bring their talents, dedication, and creativity to our community.

International House is excited to offer a new and integrated cultural experience we are calling the Cultural Soul Series! Through this program we invite you to explore different countries through art, food, and movement from around the globe.

The cost for each workshop is $40.   Click here for more information and instructions on how to register.  See you there!

International House's vision is a Charlotte that welcomes and embraces the world.

  

Our mission is to promote international understanding and help immigrants integrate fully into our community.