BISIG

Building International Student Integration Group

Inspiration Behind BISIG: In Tagalog language, the phrase kapit-bisig stands for unity and working together towards a common goal. This phrase is the inspiration for the initiative from International Student and Scholar Services to work together with members from across campus to successfully integrate international students into the fabric of the Penn community.

Importance of University-Wide Collaboration: International Student and Scholar Services is a critical stakeholder in achieving successful international student integration, however we cannot do it alone – it must be a university-wide initiative.

Invitation to University Stakeholders: Campus partners who work on the front lines of student engagement—from University resource centers, undergraduate schools, and graduate or professional schools—are invited to participate in BISIG. If you are interested in being represented, please contact Dr. Yuhong He for more information.

Goals of BISIG: BISIG is designed as a working-level dialogue space. It brings together the ISSS integration team and campus partners to discuss themes emerging from international students’ lived experiences and to explore how schools and offices are responding through programming, events, and advocacy efforts. Not only will BISIG allow ISSS to compile what is currently in place to support the international student community, but the platform will allow members to have a direct line to each other to better communicate and collaborate with a mission to create a cohesive support network for international students throughout campus.