Letter from the Director

My name is Christi Gilhoi. I am the director of International House - a job I truly love! I have this amazing job because in high school and college, I took risks, I was curious, and I got connected with people.

In high school I saw an ad on TV about a high school exchange program. So I called. And somehow I convinced my mother to let me go to Norway at age 15. I was curious, and it changed my life. I learned Europeans are very different than Americans, I learned that people in other countries have very different ideas about the US. In the end I learned to be both more critical and appreciative of my own culture.

In college, I wandered into the study abroad office and spoke to an advisor. I thought I might like to go to France. The advisor said - you've already gone to Europe, why don't you go to Kenya or India. At that time, only 1% of exchange students did a development internship. So, I went to India. I took a risk, and it changed my life. I worked in rural Maharashtra with a head start program for girls. I learned how rich we can be as Americans in material wealth and how poor in family interaction and time with our loved ones.

After College, I had a lot of debt and needed a job. In India I met some friends who had taught English in Taiwan. So I took $1000 and went to Taiwan to teach English and learn some Mandarin. I took a risk, connected with people, and it changed my life. In Taiwan I met the people who would eventually lead me to a fulfilling career in international education, and eventually here to direct International House.

I am fortunate to live and work amongst students and faculty from over 30 countries. There are so many programs that make this a rich place to live, but the heart and soul of I House are our residents.

So whether you are a visitor, resident, faculty, staff or community friend, I House welcomes you in and hopes you will take risks and make connections!

Sincerely,
Christi Gilhoi
Director