International House of Metrolina

Citizen diplomacy Program - International House plays an important role in America's citizen diplomacy efforts by partnering with the US Dept. of State and the US Agency for International Development to implement US government sponsored programs including the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP), Community Connections, and Open World. These progams enable leaders from other countries to experience American democracy, civil society, and culture.

Education program - International House serves immigrants and Charlotteans through a variety of classes and other educational opportunities. Major educational initiatives include (but are not limited to): i. English Tutoring Program (ETP), which is designed to help immigrants learn English at the most convenient time and place by pairing them with a caring, trained volunteer tutor ii. Youth English Tutoring Program (YETP), which is a summer program designed to bridge the gap between school years with English tutoring for immigrant children. iii. Traditional English-as-a-second language classes for people wishing to improve their language skills iv. Citizenship classes where students learn about major areas of the CIS test and prepare for their interview. International House reviews US history, American government, and civics, incorporating basic English skills. The classes emphasize the responsibilities of US citizenship such as voting and civic participation.

Immigration Law Clinic - International House's Ginter Immigration Law Clinic focuses on uniting families, serving the disadvantaged, and preventing exploitation of vulnerable immigrants. It is the only attorney-staffed provider of general consultation, family immigration, and naturalization services for low-income immigrants in Charlotte. Created in 2002, the Clinic regularly serves around 600 people annually. The Clinic is open to all ethnic groups, targeting the most disadvantaged cases.