We provide accommodation while you study, scholarships and hardship funds to support those in need, and cultural activities to foster an international community, building a better world.
Our mission and values hold true to the vision of our founder, Mary Trevelyan, and the beginning of International Student House in 1965. Our friendship, understanding, openness and cooperation are at the core of the ISH experience and underpin everything the charity does.
ISH Vision
To transform futures of students from around the globe by providing a safe community in London that fosters international friendship and positive change.
ISH Mission
To provide an affordable home from home for students of different nationalities and diverse cultures, supported by a substantial scholarship programme, with the opportunity to live and learn together in a safe and secure community of mutual respect, understanding, and international friendship.
ISH Values
- Respect – Advocating global friendship and understanding
- Trust & Integrity – Promoting a culture of transparency and accountability
- Support – Providing a welcoming and safe environment
- Growth – Encouraging continuous development
- Excellence – Consistently delivering a high quality experience
ISH History
-
- 1917
The values that ISH holds close to its heart can be traced back almost a century, when the social centre Student Movement House opened in London in memory of students who died in the First World War. It aimed to promote international understanding and friendship by providing London’s international students with companionship and social facilities. The house, in Russell Square, became part of the fabric of London student life – by 1944, it had 1200 members from 54 countries.
-
- 1933
Enter Mary Trevelyan, who becomes Warden of Student Movement House. There would be no International Students House without her commitment, perseverance, and devotion to her students. After spending a year in India and Sri Lanka, she returned to London to find work.
“In London I noticed groups of Indians on the streets looking lost in the wintry rain, snow and bitter winds. I had intended to return to the musical profession but began to wonder if I might be able to do something to help these young men since I had spent such a happy year in their country. And this, though I did not know it at the time, was the beginning of the end as far as my own musical future was concerned. I have never regretted this change of direction.” -
- 1950
Mary Trevelyan becomes Adviser to Overseas Students for the University of London. During this time, and following visits to International Houses in New York, Berkeley and Chicago, she realised the need to further international friendship and understanding.
“I had dreamed dreams during my travels of the great new international house which we would set up in London, my dreams being influenced by my time in America.”
She wanted to prevent international students’ loneliness; create an atmosphere where they could study and carry away positive memories of Britain and its people; promote international friendship and understanding between overseas students; and introduce overseas students to the widest cross-section of British society possible. “I soon came to the conclusion that the freedom of a large non-residential club was likely to be of more use to a greater number of students than would be a large residential hostel.”