New “I-house” a hit with ELI students

On a lazy summer Sunday the college campus basks in leafy stillness. Except perhaps on Courtney Street, where inside a new residence hall for international students, a local rock band has the basement cafe jumping.

“This is really what I love,” says Randy Becker, who’s hosting the afternoon party to welcome two new groups of residents –– high school students from Russia and government officials from Korea –– both studying at the English Language Institute for the summer. As CEO and manager of The INNternationale, which opened its doors to students and visiting scholars in spring 2008, Becker spends six hours a day at the 20,000-square foot site. The real estate developer converted a former fraternity house into what he hopes will become a campus hub for social and cultural activities with an international focus.

Students intermingle at the new Innternationale residence hall

In the center of the room, a mixed-age group gyrates to the rock beat, while on the sidelines Becker oversees the refreshments and chats with visitors and residents. Seated at one table is Saud Al-Thawaiqib, an ELI student from Saudi Arabia and one of the first to move in to the new facility six months previously.

“I really like it here,” he says.

That sentiment seems to be shared, as the hall has quickly filled –– with 25 ELI and 20 UD students during the spring semester and 45 ELI students during the summer.

While some residents say they enjoy rubbing shoulders at breakfast with people from diverse cultures, others talk first about the facilities. Miriam Benitez, a lawyer and legislator from Argentina who arrived at the ELI in July, was attracted to the large “executive suites.” Tae-Kwon Yi, an undergraduate business major in Korea, moved into The INN in March in order to get a single room with a private bath. The location on the main campus and the proximity to the shops on Main Street are also attractive features.

Becker, who shares the management with an onsite graduate student coordinator and four faculty advisors, has planned weekly events in the cafe for the fall, including theater rehearsals, a steel band and a literary reading as well as larger monthly gatherings with food and music. In addition, the Chinese, German and Spanish clubs have booked monthly meetings and special events at the site.

“All ELI students are welcome to attend our events,” he said. Becker and partner Harlan Williams of Independent Holdings, who donated the multi-million dollar facility to the university, also hope to attract American undergraduates wanting to room with a student whose language they are studying.

“If Americans wish to learn a language, there would be no better way than to immerse themselves at the INN,” said Becker.

So far, no Americans have applied. But Becker is optimistic.

“The international students love it,” he said. “We didn’t lose a single student. Everyone who was here in the spring is coming back.”  • BM

Editor’s note; At press time, there were 50 residents, with a few openings remaining for the winter session in January. For more information, call (302) 377-8846 or visit www.theinnternationale.org.