Open House ceremonies for the International House took place in January 1954. This facility, purposed with assisting students transition to American college life, provided housing to international students at the same cost as dormitory rates. By 1990, the facility housed nine international students who were not participating an exchange program. According to regulations, only one student per country of origin could live in the house to ensure diversity. While the price of the house mirrored those of the dormitories, the co-ed international house remained open on holidays, in order to serve those who could not return home during breaks. The kitchen also allowed for the preparation of ethnic meals.1
By 1992, the chairman of the university’s committee on international students was advocating for more space (as the house’s capacity peaked at 10 students).2 In late 1992, ECU announced that the department of international programs would centralize its offices in the International house in “hopes of strengthening ECU’s multi-national government.” They did, however, acknowledge that closing the house to residents may create problems in keeping International Students at ECU.3
Sources
1 Fountainhead Vol. 6, No. 28/29; TEC Vol 64 No. 49 September 27, 1990; TEC, “International House to Become Office Space,” Vol. 66. No. 31. June 3 1992.
2 TEC, “International House to Become Office Space,” Vol. 66. No. 31. June 3 1992
3 TEC, “International House Converted to Offices, Vol. 67. No. 1, August 26, 1992