The International Student House of Washington, DC (ISH-DC) is pleased to announce the appointment of Daniel Bremer-Wirtig as its new Executive Director.  While the timing is truly something we could have never anticipated, Mr. Bremer-Wirtig’s term started on March 16, 2020 and he has proven to be a dynamic, decisive leader as we navigate these unprecedented times.

Before joining ISH-DC, Mr. Bremer-Wirtig was Director for External Affairs at Global Ties U.S., an international non-profit organization based in Washington, DC that promotes citizen diplomacy through international exchange.  Citing Daniel’s extensive experience in promoting cross-cultural and global understanding, ISH-DC Board President Eric Melby stated, “We are delighted to have an individual with Daniel’s background and proven ability leading ISH-DC.  His years of experience in internationally-focused organizations and aiding students make him uniquely qualified to lead ISH-DC into the next decade.”  In addition to his internationally-oriented work experience, Daniel received his BA in International Relations from the Tecnologico de Monterrey in Mexico and boasts a tricultural heritage.  He is fluent in English, Spanish and German.

“I’m honored to assume the leadership of the International Student House of DC – I look forward to working closely with the Board of Directors and staff to move the organization and mission forward, while celebrating the House’s legacy and history advancing global citizenship” said Mr. Bremer-Wirtig, the incoming Executive Director.

Since its founding in Washington, DC eighty-five years ago, ISH-DC has provided a diverse and highly motivated group of young scholars and professionals with an exceptional residential experience, preparing them to become dynamic global citizens and leaders.  Residents enjoy numerous substantive and cultural events, as the House regularly hosts business, diplomatic and government leaders who engage with them on a broad range of public policy issues.  Cultural evenings showcasing various countries and concert recitals are also a fixture in the Great Hall.

Characterized by one former resident as “the world under one roof, “ over 15,500 graduate students, interns and scholars from the US and 140 countries have passed through its doors, living and dining together, making lasting friendships with other young people from throughout the world in a safe, supportive environment.  Board member and alumna Annette Aburdene shared that she is, “looking forward to Mr. Daniel Bremer-Wirtig continuing and enhancing our mission to foster global understanding one student at a time.”

Support the International Student House of DC
Investments in our mission are critical to ensure that residents receive an exceptional experience while living in the U.S. Please consider making a donation (https://www.ishdc.org/donate/) today to help us foster cross-cultural dialogue, promote global citizenship, and building lasting connections.

For additional information contact:  Jill Holcomb, Director of Development at 202.232.2007 ext. 204, or by email at [email protected].

International Student House of Washington, DC (ISH-DC) resident scholars from Argentina, Finland, France, Germany, Japan, Mexico, the Netherlands, Portugal, Russia, Turkey, and the United States joined a distinguished group of senior staff members working in the United States Congress the evening of Thursday, February 20 for a lively and informative dinner conversation.

Yvette Badu-Nimako, Senior Counsel on the House Committee on Oversight and Reform; Moira Lenehan Razzuri, Senior Policy Advisor to Senator Jack Reed (D-RI); and Emilio Mendez, Senior Legislative Assistant to Representative Lou Correa (D-CA) participated in the discussion organized by Scott Fleming, ISH-DC Board member and recently retired Associate Vice President for Federal Relations at Georgetown University. Scott invited the group of senior staff members to the House to share about their work on the Hill, as well as their career paths and the unique opportunities associated with their roles.

ISH-DC resident Anastasia Austin welcomed the group, and Scott introduced the panel of Hill staff that he has known for several years before the engaging discussion began. Residents were quite interested to learn about the most impactful moments in each of their careers and many around the table asked about how to work together in bipartisan relationships and how they used their role to help make a difference in the lives of Members of Congress’ constituents.

The evening was a great success as both our guests and residents enjoyed each other’s company, and our residents also had the opportunity to share about their exciting endeavors.

We are grateful to our Board member Scott Fleming for coordinating the evening, and to our guests for taking the time to join us for the excellent discussion.

On Thursday, December 19, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Academic Programs, Caroline Casagrande, visited International Student House of Washington, DC (ISH-DC) to meet resident scholars and alumni representing the 300 graduate students from 70 countries who reside at ISH while studying in Washington each year. Ms. Casagrande was joined by colleagues from the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, including Managing Director, Marianne Craven, and Branch Chief for EducationUSA, Brooke Spelman.

The group was welcomed by ISH Board President, Eric Melby, and Interim Executive Director, Larry Dunham, who outlined the history of 1825 R Street NW and how it became the International Student House in 1946.  Following a tour of the historic building, they were introduced to ISH residents from Egypt, Indonesia, Japan, Turkey and the United States, who are studying at Georgetown University, George Washington University, and American University. They were joined by two local alumni originally from China and Serbia, currently working at the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank, and by ISH Board member Dr. Sherry Mueller, Distinguished Practitioner in Residence at the School of International Service, American University.

Ms. Casagrande shared her personal experiences studying abroad and the impact it had on her life. She went on to explain the many exchange opportunities now available to foreign students through the U.S. State Department. While discussing one such program, EducationUSA, our resident scholars were interested to learn that one of them had attended an EducationUSA program in Indonesia. Our residents and alumni also shared their experiences studying in Washington, DC and the impact that living at International Student House has had on them.

The afternoon was filled with engaging conversation, reaffirming the importance of inter-cultural exchange. Ms. Casagrande pointed out, at the State Department, “We are in the business of friendship building”, which very much coincides with the mission of the International Student House.

We appreciate DAS Casagrande and her team visiting ISH to learn about our community and meet our exceptional resident scholars, who will soon be leaders around the world.  We look forward to continuing the dialogue with her and her colleagues at the State Department.

ISH-DC resident scholars, alumni, members of the Board of Directors, and staff were welcomed to the Portuguese Ambassador’s residence by His Excellency Domingos Fezas Vital and Mrs. Isabel Vital on Tuesday morning, November 12.  The group was warmly greeted with coffee and a beautiful selection of Portuguese specialty treats, during which time our students had the opportunity to meet the Ambassador and Mrs. Vital.

The group transitioned from the coffee reception to a seated discussion.  During his presentation, the Ambassador discussed the background of Portuguese-American relations, Portuguese foreign affairs, and fascinating attributes unique to the country.  Ambassador Vital also spoke about his career in Foreign Service. He was gracious with his time, thoughtfully answering every question from our resident scholars and Board members, of which there were many.

Following the discussion, our students were invited for an after-reception of coffee and conversation before the dispersing to their various classes, internships, and studying.  We are exceptionally grateful to Ambassador and Mrs. Vital for opening their home to International Student House, as well as their continued friendship and support of our community of graduate students from around the world.