November 17 is marked around the world as a celebration of international students. Leaving your home, family, friends, and comfort zone to pursue an education in a foreign country takes an element of courage and determination that ought to be applauded. It requires the spirit to venture beyond the known with the confidence that expanding your horizons and learning with others from around the world will bring benefits impossible to achieve by sticking to the familiar. The experience of living and learning in a different country also broadens one’s appreciation of different cultures and perspectives while receiving a world-class education.
International students often go on to make a difference in their communities, countries, and globally as a result of studying at the best universities the world has to offer. History and current events have shown us that the challenges faced by the world require a global perspective. Working, and trading cooperatively the global system begins with an appreciation and understanding of different perspectives. How will we respond to the challenges of inclusive economies, changing demographics, healthcare, and climate change?
The recently ended COP26 conference in Glasgow is one example that finding solutions to these issues will require the talents and expertise of people who can look beyond and their immediate experience and work with global teams. The world needs more politicians, scientists, researchers, and other individuals who can work together across national, ethnic, religious, and gender identities.
As International Students House, we pride ourselves in working with and supporting international students through accommodation and the scholarship programs offered by partner universities. For more than 50 years, we have provided more than just a bed and a meal to the ambitious and talented individuals pursuing their studies in London. Our mission and values hold true to the vision of our founder, Mary Trevelyan, and the beginning of International Student House in 1965 with friendship, understanding, openness, and cooperation at the core of the ISH experience.
Today, we celebrate the many scholars that have graced our accommodation halls, walking in with dreams, and moving out with qualifications and an enriched experience of living in London. We look forward to many more years of providing a home away from home for international students from around the globe.
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