Forerunner Africa 2025
Please join International Student and Scholar Services for a Forerunner welcome and information session for new students from Africa!
About this event
Spearheaded by Penn Global International Student and Scholar Services, Forerunner was established in 2015 as a way to welcome new international students before they embark on their journey to Penn’s campus. In 2018, ISSS added Forerunner Africa to its suite of Forerunner offerings, and looks forward our program in 2025 and beyond.
The initiative has involved a diverse group of Penn stakeholders and is a unique opportunity for new members of Penn’s global community to connect with each other and engage with current students, alumni, faculty, and administrators. For the past 10 years, Forerunner has served thousands of international students and parents from around the world, helping them feel a greater sense of belongingness, connection, adjustment, and leadership to kick off their Penn journeys.
Forerunner Africa will feature moderated panel conversations and Q&A with a Faculty and Staff panel comprised of our campus partners who are deeply engaged in work on the African continent, as well as Penn Student Leaders from Africa sharing their experiences at Penn.
Event Schedule
- 3:30pm – Registration and Forerunner T-shirt Giveaway
- 4:00pm – Welcome Remarks and Introductions from Dr. Altamirano, Executive Director of ISSS
- 4:10pm – Special Remarks from Dr. Gadsden, Associate Vice Provost of Penn Global
- 4:15pm – Group Photo
- 4:20pm – Penn Faculty & Administrator Panel Discussion
- 5:00pm – Penn and Philadelphia Trivia Game
- 5:15pm – Immigration Information
- 5:45pm – Introduction to Society for African Internationals at Penn (SAIP)
- 5:50pm – Student Panel
- 6:30pm – Closing Remarks
- 6:35pm – Program Conclusion & Open Networking
- 7:00pm – Departure from PWH
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Connect with fellow incoming students, meet inspiring alumni and faculty, and gain valuable insights to help you thrive at Penn and in Philadelphia.