IH History

Goal… To train and prepare young people from the USA and other countries for leadership in the interest of brotherhood and world peace, based on the proposition that respect, understanding and a search for the values are the means by which these may be attained. Mission… The International House Program, promoted by the International Endowment Foundation, Inc., has assumed as its official mission the training and preparation of young people from throughout the United States and other countries, for spiritual, intellectual and professional leadership and statesmanship. The Program is not intended to perform miracles. It is rooted in the practical challenge of learning how to live together in a culturally and linguistically diverse environment. Students from abroad and American students live in the International House where they share their customs, traditions and the tasks of daily college life. All routine meals are eaten in the College cafeteria where they speak English and make friends with the other students of the College. On occasion, they will be asked to model their linguistic traditions in JSU classrooms and social situations. In addition to providing religious, social and intellectual contacts between these students and the other students of the College, and as many other people as possible, students of the Program are encouraged to make constructive and useful contributions to the Program by appearing on programs before civic and social clubs, in churches and schools, and on radio and television. They are expected to use their talents and abilities whenever and wherever they may be of service. Beginnings…   Dr. James H. Jones was the Head of the Department of Foreign Languages at Jacksonville State College beginning in 1935, and together with his wife, he frequently took members of his classes to foreign countries during the summer months. In 1946, he proposed plans for a “Special French Program” to Dr. Houston Cole, President of the College. The project was accepted and Dr. Jones was named Director, a position he held until September, 1964. A loyal supporter of this undertaking and a family friend of Dr. and Mrs. Jones was Mademoiselle Marcelle André of Paris, an English teacher in French schools. For the first three years of the Program, she selected all the students in France to come to Jacksonville, starting with five students in 1946. As a result of growing interest in the undertaking, contributions by individuals and organizations in the surrounding area made possible the construction of a modest but attractive International House. The name was changed from “Special French Program” to International House Program since it was during the 1948-1949 school year that students from countries other than France were accepted. The new building became a miniature human relations laboratory. The students came to love, respect and zealously strive for the best in all that was associated with it. It became the center of their international activities – conversation, study, eating, and singing, dancing, playing and planning together. Located on the campus of the what it now known as Jacksonville State University, the International House Program has won the enthusiastic support of individuals throughout the State, the nation and the world. The city is progressive and deeply rooted in the a tradition of hospitality and courtesy--the people are gracious and friendly. The community welcomes foreign students with open arms. Sponsoring Organizations… On February 4, 1953, the International Endowment Foundation, Inc., was founded and the International House Program entered a new phase of service. Trustees of the Foundation established an endowment fund to assist in operating the Program and provide scholarships for students of the Program. Under the leadership of Colonel C. W. Daugette, Jr., Chairman of the Board of Trustees, there was a drive for contributions for a new building intended to provide more adequate facilities for the increasing number of students each year. A dormitory space for these students was included in the design. The campaign for funds culminated in the building of the new structure which was dedicated on October 11, 1964. The building was ready for occupancy at the beginning of the 1964-1965 academic year. The International Endowment Foundation, Inc. The primary purpose of the Foundation is to ensure continual growth in the endowment, monitor Foundation investment, and ensure the long-term well-being of the International House Program. District 686 (now 6860), Rotary International: At the 1955 Annual Conference of Rotary International District 686 (then District 238), in Gadsden, Alabama, a resolution was passed to adopt the International House Program and its sponsoring organization, International Endowment Foundation, as its special Rotary International Golden Anniversary Project. Since that time, Rotarians have been very generous in their support of the Program and have granted many scholarships to students at the International House. Some of these students spend their Christmas vacations as guests of Rotary Clubs in Florida and always represent the Program in a fine way. The Sarasota Rotary Club once reported: “From expressions received from those of our members who were fortunate enough to meet and escort these young people during their stay among us, together from our own observations and conversations with them, we feel that something well worthwhile has been accomplished through their visit and which, it is hoped will further promote a mutual understanding, through these representatives, between our people and the people of their respective countries.” Alabama Federation of Women’s Clubs: International House Students have appeared at many annual conventions of the Alabama Federation of Women’s Clubs, an organization which has sponsored the Program through the International Endowment Foundation for several years. Many members of this organization have actively campaigned for funds both for the Foundation and for the construction of the new International House. Many Study and Book Clubs, Civic organizations and individuals are responsible for the continued interest and support which the International House Program has enjoyed throughout its history. The Present and Future… The present International House provides offices, social director’s apartment, living room, dining room, recreational facilities and dormitory for forty students. The International House Program, a Department of State approved program for cultural exchange, is composed of twenty students selected each year from countries of the six continents of the world, plus twenty American students selected from Jacksonville State University. In the sixty years of the International House Program, we have had numerous outstanding young people, Americans and from abroad, representing most of the countries and all six continents. Alumni of the International House have distinguished themselves in their careers around the world. “The House changed my life,” is a frequently heard refrain. All members of the International House Program from abroad are on scholarships, the cost of which is provided by the University, the International Endowment Foundation, Inc., the Alabama Federation of Women’s Clubs, District 6860 of Rotary International, and contributions from many other organizations and individuals. With past accomplishments as their guide, all those connected with the Program, directly or through its sponsoring organizations, look to the future with faith and confidence as the Program continues to broaden its scope and expand its field of activities in the struggle of peace. How Students are Selected… Each year, there are ten American coeds and ten American male students in the program. Students from all academic areas are accepted. An attempt is made to have the American students from varying geographical areas of Alabama, the South, and the nation. Efforts are made so that the American students in the program represent a good cross section of all the students of Jacksonville State University. American students take a full academic load in the chosen field of study. In addition, they participate in a variety of activities with the international students with the goal of developing an appreciation of the cultures represented. This provides the international students an opportunity to observe American culture firsthand. American students in the program furnish their college expenses. There are no extra fees or charges for membership in the International House Program. The International students are selected from applications received from individuals and from various worldwide educational organizations. Also, former students and civic organizations make recommendations. Each international student is on scholarship which consists of tuition, room and board, minimum funds for incidental expenses, and sickness and accident insurance. No international student receives funds from the International House Program Scholarship for travel. The international students come to the International House Program on a J-1 cultural exchange visa and each scholarship is for one year. Outstanding students may be selected for a second year. No student receives a scholarship for more than two years. Activities and outcomes… All members of the International House Program are full-time, undergraduate students at Jacksonville State University. These students also take part in many varied activities, all designed to improve cross cultural knowledge, understanding, and appreciation. All students attend the Dinner-Forum series, which include guest speakers and invited guests. The forum topics vary greatly, but are programmed to increase the educational and cultural outlook of the members. The Student Seminar is of significant interest to all students. Members of the program meet for informal, candid, and sometimes heated discussions. Topics may range from dating to food to religion or to other topics which spark student interest. A series of student planned social events include cookouts, swim parties, a formal dance, Christmas gift exchange, street square dance, camping, and trips near and far. International House Program students also provide programs to many civic, community, educational, and religious groups. These programs are tailored to meet requests of the host organization. It is through these activities that students of the International House Program appreciate the diverse cultures represented, as well as share their knowledge and experiences with the citizens of the Jacksonville State University community. The annual United Nation’s Day Tea, held early each academic year, serves as an “Open House” and as a means to introduce the membership to the community. The general public is invited and always welcome to this event. There are now several hundreds former members of the International House Program who live in over 70 countries in the world. Each enjoyed at least one year at Jacksonville State. Other remained for a second year and many completed their degrees before returning home. These former members serve as goodwill ambassadors for Jacksonville State University, Alabama and the United States, and provide contacts for future students. The Long-Term Impact… Finally, it must be said that you are always a member of the “House.” Our Alumni continue to stay in touch with each other, plan vacations together, and recall the formative experiences of the International House. Students tell us that the way they conduct their businesses, raise their families, and make decisions is frequently based on lessons learned in the International House. As Hemingway said of Paris, let it be said of the International House: it is a “moveable feast.”