Our History

Philadelphia House has been a home of welcome and support for international students and scholars for over 40 years.  It began with the inspiration of one Korean man, Young Son, once an international student himself.  When he was a student in Philadelphia he foresaw the need and future potential for a home-stay environment, and he correctly anticipated that the numbers of internationals coming to study in the United States would increase in the years to come.  

As a result, in 1971, Mr. Young sold his own home, collected additional contributions from almost 60 people, and purchased the Overbrook property from Dr. Francis Steele.  He incorporated Philadelphia House, Inc. as a 501(c)(3), nonprofit organization for the purpose of continuing the legacy of Philadelphia House.  Today, Philadelphia House continues to operate consistent with the vision of its founder, Mr. Son.  The operations of Philadelphia House are overseen by a Board of Trustees and a Director who lives at the house and manages the day to day activities of the house. 

Philadelphia House is a Christian home, but Philadelphia House welcomes and provides housing to internationals from all countries around the world and from every religious background.  Since its beginning, Philadelphia House has provided a “home away from home” for residents from over 100 countries.

Because students from different cultures from all over the world reside at Philadelphia House, we strive to develop a community where relationships are marked by sensitivity, thoughtfulness, and respect for all.  In order for Philadelphia House to be an environment for personal, social and academic growth, we have specific guidelines for conduct to which we ask all residents, regardless of their religious beliefs, to commit before they move into the house.  Our guidelines for conduct are set forth in the Handbook for Residents to which each resident agrees to follow before he or she moves into the house. 

Admission for residency at Philadelphia House is possible throughout the year, depending upon availability.  Acceptance for residency is largely dependent upon an interview with the Director and the completion of an Application for Residency, but we have also accepted residents without a personal interview with appropriate recommendations made to the Director on behalf of the potential resident in advance of the applicant’s arrival in the United States.

We hope that each resident will commit to stay with us for at least one year, but we do not require any contractual commitment from any resident regarding a particular length of stay at the house.  In the past we have enjoyed the company of residents who have resided at Philadelphia House for their entire academic career as well as residents who have only resided in the United States for a month or two.  On occasion, when space was available, Philadelphia House has also admitted residents for even shorter periods of time.