International Peer Mentorship Program
The International Peer Mentorship Program connects incoming international students and current Penn students to foster guidance, belonging, and community.
Welcome!
Are you an incoming international student looking for guidance as you prepare to begin your journey at Penn?
Or are you a current Penn student interested in supporting new students as they adjust to campus life and find their sense of belonging?
Join the International Peer Mentorship Program—a student-driven community built to foster connection, support, and shared growth.
Program Overview
With more than 11,000 international students and scholars, Penn is a vibrant global community in the historic city of Philadelphia. Each summer, thousands of newly admitted international students prepare for their arrival while balancing excitement with uncertainty—navigating visa processes, travel logistics, academic expectations, and the anticipation of adjusting to a new cultural and social environment. The period before setting foot on campus can feel both overwhelming and isolating.
Launched in 2025, the International Peer Mentorship Program (IPMP) was created to support students during this critical pre-arrival and summer transition period. The program helps new international students feel welcomed, connected, and confident as they begin their journey at Penn.
What began as a collaborative effort among international student leaders and administrators has grown into a campus-wide platform that connects Penn’s international student community across schools, academic levels, and lived experiences. IPMP runs annually, with each cycle beginning in March. The program pairs incoming international students with current Penn students who provide guidance, encouragement, and peer support throughout the summer. While the formal program cycle concludes in August, many mentors and mentees choose to continue their connections beyond the program timeline.
In its first year, nearly 200 undergraduate and graduate mentors supported more than 400 incoming students during the summer months. The program’s impact is shaped by the meaningful relationships formed between mentors and mentees and the sense of belonging they build together.
Voices from the Community
Quotes from Mentee Participants
“Since my mentor came from the same country as me, I gained an understanding of what moving to Penn would be like for someone from a similar cultural and academic environment. It helped me anticipate how well I would adapt to Penn life.”
“I gained my sense of belonging by interacting with my mentor, who had once been in my position and truly understood what I was going through.”
“The program made my transition smooth and easy. I built meaningful relationships and met new people by spending time with my mentor.”
“By connecting with my mentor, I gained invaluable insight from an experienced Penn student, which helped shape who I want to become at Penn.”
Quotes from Mentor Participants
“If anything, it gave me perspective on what students may need help on, which would be helpful as I take on future leadership positions during my time at Penn.”
“In addition to supporting incoming international students, I found the mentorship experience personally rewarding. It gave me the opportunity to reflect on my own transition and growth, and helped me feel more connected to the broader international student community. I also appreciated the chance to practice leadership, offer guidance, and contribute to building a welcoming environment for others.”
Welcome Reception 2025
Mentor Awards and Recognition 2025
To celebrate mentors’ contributions and the meaningful impact they have on new students’ experiences, the following awards were presented at the in-person welcome reception in August 2025.
Above & Beyond Award
(any level)
Brendan Jolly
Community Builder Award
(any level)
Salma Tarmoun
Community Builder Award
(any level)
Salma Tarmoun
Most Engaged Mentor
(Graduate)
Bhavika Seth
Most Engaged Mentor
(Undergraduate)
Ahmed Hafedh
Most Supportive Mentor
(Graduate)
Barnard Abakah
Xinyao Jian
Most Supportive Mentor
(Undergraduate)
Greta Lynch
Maria Solaeche
2026 Program Timeline
The primary program cycle runs from March through August. The tentative timeline is outlined below:
- Early March – Mentor Applications Open
- March 30th – Mentor Application Deadline
- Early April – Mentor Applicants Notified
- Late April – Mentee Recruitment Begins
- Mid-May – Mentee Application Deadline
- Late May – Mentor/Mentee Matches Finalized
- August – In-Person Welcome Reception on Campus
Participants are welcome—and encouraged—to continue meeting beyond the official program time frame, and many do.
Contact Us
Have any questions or suggestions? We’d love to hear from you!
Undergraduate Chair: Rafaa Bukhary (rafaa@sas.upenn.edu)
Graduate Chair: Shrey Patel (shreykp@seas.upenn.edu)
ISSS Administrator: Dr. Yuhong He (yuhonghe@upenn.edu)
Volunteer as a Mentor
If you’re interested in joining this program as a mentor to the next incoming class, please complete this short survey.