WHEN THE WORLD FEELS DIVIDED,
I-HOUSE KEEPS US CONNECTED
Invest in Connection. Invest in Belonging. Invest in I-House.
Connection across differences doesn’t happen by accident—it happens when a place like I-House exists
The world feels heavy. Headlines can be overwhelming with stories of conflict, uncertainty, and heartbreak. For many in our community, these stories are not far away — they are personal touching family members, friends, and ancestral homes. I-House provides a powerful antidote: context, dignity, and the human story. We are a place where cultures meet and belonging is built through language classes, parenting groups, and cultural exchange.
We believe connection across cultures is one of the most hopeful things a community can do. Every day, people gather at I-House across languages, cultures, and generations — not to debate headlines, but to build understanding.
Locals and people from around the world gather at I-House to learn from one another, share traditions, and build friendships that strengthen our community. Through language classes, cultural events, parenting groups, shared meals, and simple conversations, I-House becomes what we lovingly call our Global Living Room — a place where newcomers are welcomed with dignity, where neighbors learn from one another, and where belonging grows through everyday interactions. I-House is not an escape from the world. It is where the world lives — together.
When you invest in I-House, you are investing in:
We may not be able to solve global conflict but we can build the kind of community that reminds us what is possible.
This Big Day of Giving, your gift is more than a donation, it is a commitment to humanity over headlines and a welcoming home where everyone belongs.
We are raising $30,000 this Big Day of Giving to ensure that I-House remains a vibrant, welcoming hub of cultural exchange, learning, and belonging for years to come.
Together, we can keep the bridges strong.
About International House Davis
Established in 1981, International House Davis began to serve international students at UC Davis by connecting them with the greater Davis community. In 1984, thanks to the generosity of the Shunta Yamamoto family, the organization was able to purchase its home at 10 College Park. Since then, I-House Davis has broadened its scope of programs and services, building community, international understanding, and cultural connections across the region. Over the years, we’ve become known as a home and gathering place for international scholars, visitors, transplants, immigrants, and anyone interested in learning and engaging with international cultures.
We’ve reflected on I-House’s position in our community and reimagined our mission, vision, and offerings through a comprehensive strategic planning process. We know that the world is changing and is not the same as it was in 2020 (or 1981 when we were founded). We are taking intentional steps forward to meet the moment and serve the current needs of our community.
We believe that culture – language, beliefs, art, music, storytelling, food, dance, history, architecture, poetry – is a critical vehicle to facilitate meaningful international and intercultural learning, understanding, and connections. Through a deepened understanding of the complexity of our shared humanity, we create an inclusive, culturally vibrant, collaborative, and compassionate community and world.
As set forth by our strategic plan, by June 2027, we are establishing I-House Davis as a cultural center for the exchange of international arts, culture, and ideas. As a cultural presenting organization, we will continue to center international voices, perspectives, and practices to bridge differences for a more connected and inclusive community. We will create space for cultural practitioners – artists, musicians, storytellers, dance makers, scholars, chefs, historians – with an international or intercultural lens to share and engage the I-House community in their work. We know that people come to I-House to share experiences with others, and we will intentionally program those experiences to foster inclusion, cultivate joy and kinship, and facilitate learning. Staying true to our founding principles, we will welcome international scholars, visitors, immigrants, transplants, and families by connecting them with our local community. We will support volunteers to provide quality language learning and other community-led international arts and humanities programs.
International House Davis is an international cultural center that nurtures the exchange of arts, culture, and ideas to build a vibrant, inclusive, and globally connected Davis community.
The Impact of Your Gift
Your generosity ensures that all voices are valued and amplified. Guaranteeing that everyone has a place to learn, connect, and belong. Your gift helps make possible:
Build belonging through welcoming cultural events like the World Tour and Roots & Routes programs where our community gathers through music, food, storytelling, and art.
Supportive spaces for families, including the International Parent Community and newcomer gatherings that help families build their village in Davis.
Conversations and learning across cultures, from language learning groups to one-on-one English Practice Partners.
Programs for students and scholars, like Club-I and community gatherings that build lasting friendships across borders.
Creative community spaces like Hope Café, where art, music, and storytelling invite reflection and connection.
I-House Statement on Racial Equity:
International House Davis (I-House) is a social gathering space where people from all over the world come together. It is a place dedicated to embracing differences, cultivating joy, combating isolation, and creating a better future grounded in cultural equity. At I-House, our firm stance against racism, oppression, and injustice informs our work for dignity, justice, and belonging. We recognize that the history of slavery, colonialism, and racial inequity in this country disproportionately impacts people of color and affects the ability of all people to thrive. We are committed to addressing historic and systemic racism, striving to be an anti-racist organization, and providing a space to engage in safe and productive civic dialogue. In the face of continued social injustice, we feel it is more important than ever before to celebrate culture, diversity, community, and human connections.
Organization name
International House Davis
other names
I-House Davis
1984
Mission Category
Arts, Culture & Humanities
Operating Budget
$250,001-$500,000
Organization Need
Funding: Unrestricted, Funding: Program, Volunteers
Local Counties Served
Yolo
Equity Statement
Equity Statement
Address
10 College ParkDavis, CA, US
Yolo, CA, US
