THIS Programs
The Hospitality and Information Service organizes many stimulating and informative programs not available to the general public for all individuals who are on diplomatic status in the United States and their dependants. Currently, a Calendar of Events is sent to 4,000 diplomatic families and 400 volunteer members five times a year. Program Committees and sample events are listed below:
- Government Affairs hosts seminars on civics and special tours of government institutions such as the Pentagon, the Supreme Court, the US Capitol and The White House.
- Initiatives presents expert lectures and panel discussions on current topics of interest to the international community.
- American History and Community Affairs provides outings to historical sites in the Washington, DC area.
- Architecture, Garden and Home Design schedules visits to design centers, gardens and homes of distinction in the Washington area. It arranges lectures by architects, designers and horticulturists.
- Art visits private collections and area museums, such as the Hirshhorn Museum, Renwick Gallery and Phillips Collection.
- Performing Arts provides opportunities to enjoy theatre, dance and musical performances throughout the Washington area.
- Programs for Professionals has programs in the evenings, on weekends or at lunchtime to accommodate the schedules of working diplomats.
- Cooking demonstrates preparation of American meals and serves them in private homes. Chefs from area restaurants offer tips and techniques on preparing their specialty dishes.
THIS Services
Service groups meet on a regular basis in the homes of volunteers and diplomats and are available free of charge.
- English Conversation and Cultural Exchange - groups that meet at different homes to practice English and informally discuss various aspects of their cultures.
- Washington, DC
- Daytime Group
- Evening Group
- Maryland
- Bethesda / Chevy Chase
- Gaithersburg
- Potomac
- Virginia
- Northern Virginia
- THIS / AAUW Arlington
- THIS / AAUW McLean
- Foreign Language Conversation and Cultural Exchange - groups that meet at different homes to use and practice other languages and informally discuss various aspects of their cultures.
- Chinese
- French
- German
- Italian
- Japanese
- Russian
- Spanish
- Turkish
- International Play Group - parents bring their children to meet other families and to practice English in an informal setting. Children from infants to five years old are welcome.
- After Hours - young diplomats and professionals meet and enjoy evenings and events together.
- Home Hospitality - enjoy social events in private homes, such as a family dinner, weekend brunch, afternoon picnic, or outdoor barbecue.
- Calling - volunteers welcome newly arrived diplomats and their spouses to introduce them to THIS and provide them with information about life in Washington.
- Book Discussion - members meet each month to discuss literature, reading books by American and international authors.
- Shared Activities - enjoy activities of mutual interest such as a concert or sporting event.
- Tennis - volunteers support an informal daytime tennis group.
