ABSTRACT
This chapter describes the history of the increasing internationality of the institute. At the beginning of the 1990s, the first couple of gestalt therapists from Europe joined the institute and eventually became full members. Since then, the institute gradually opened itself to the international community. This opening happened in two directions: on one hand, the members of the institute were actively writing and publishing, gained in international recognition, and started to be invited as trainers and traveled overseas; on the other hand, the institute welcomed new members from abroad. Especially in recent years and in connection with the COVID 19 pandemic, there was a rapid increase in the numbers of international members. Currently the number of members who do not live in New York is growing faster than the number of local members. This ongoing demographic change raises important questions about the future shape and function of the institute and the value of face-to-face meetings. Accounts of two international members illustrate the importance and value of the New York Institute for people from abroad.
