International House was the first university residence set up in Australia specifically designed to admit overseas students, and to house equal numbers of local Australian students under the motto of fraternitas-fellowship. Throughout its history, International House has focused on building bridges and breaking down barriers, of pursuing tolerance and valuing difference.

The decision of the University of Melbourne in the early 1950s to establish International House was inspired and bold. Strong anti-Asian sentiments, a White Australia policy and lingering resentments from World War II were all factors influencing the attitudes of Australians to our near neighbours in Asia. The academic program, wide range of scholarships and House ideals were designed to attract the best students and foster cultural understanding, cooperation and goodwill among peoples from diverse cultures, ethnic backgrounds and religious beliefs. The International House journey recorded in this book includes many positive testimonies from students.

International House exists because of the vision of its Founders, a group of men and women who saw not only the need for a change in attitudes, but also the benefits that would bring. They were excited by the prospect of a home where future Australian and overseas leaders could share their everyday lives. The Women's Auxiliaries' tireless fundraising not only made International House possible, but also allowed it to thrive.

International House Melbourne: Sixty years of fraternitas celebrates the history of a remarkable institution.