International Student Orientation Events
Welcome!
DEAR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS,
Congratulations on your outstanding achievement in securing admission to the University of Pennsylvania! We are thrilled to welcome you and delighted to have such an exceptional group of international students joining our vibrant campus community. Wherever you’re coming from, you bring a wealth of cultural richness and intellectual strength that will greatly enrich the Penn experience for everyone.
Your journey at Penn promises to be unforgettable—steeped in history and tradition, filled with world-class academic opportunities, and complemented by a wide range of extracurricular activities. But beyond the classroom, it’s the everyday moments that will truly define your Penn experience: taking your first SEPTA ride into Center City, walking down Locust Walk as it sparkles with winter lights, or sharing a Thanksgiving meal and stories with your roommates and professors.
Along the way, you’ll form deep and lasting connections with peers who will become lifelong friends. Penn is more than a university—it will become your home away from home. With many international and cultural performing arts groups and student organizations, you’ll find your passions nurtured and your talents celebrated in this close-knit community.
To support your transition and success, the International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) team, along with many campus partners, is here to assist you every step of the way—from visa guidance and tax support to navigating unexpected challenges.
Additionally, the International Student Table for Advocacy and Relations (ISTAR)—which includes leaders from the International Student Advisory Board (ISAB), the Assembly of International Students (AIS), the Graduate and Professional Student Assembly (GAPSA), and the Undergraduate Assembly (UA) —works closely with Penn administrators to advocate for your needs and foster a supportive and inclusive campus environment.
As you embark on this exciting new chapter, rest assured that we have thoughtfully designed orientation programs to help you acclimate to Penn, connect with your peers, and explore the many resources available to you.
Your time at Penn will be transformative, opening doors to new perspectives, experiences, and opportunities that will shape your future in meaningful ways. We can’t wait to welcome you in person and begin this journey together.
Once again, congratulations—and we look forward to meeting you during International Student Orientation!
With warm regards,
Executive Director
International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS)
Executive Director
Immigration Services and Integration Programs
2026 ISO Week: August 17 – 21
ISO Guide
Download the 2026 ISO Reference & Event Guide for UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS
Every Day of ISO
International Student Help Table
11:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Location: Houston Hall, Main Lobby
Just arrived on campus? ISSS Advisors and our PHINS will address any concerns regarding where to go and what to do.
Monday, August 17
Immunization, Health Insurance, and Wellbeing Resources
3:00–4:00 p.m.
Location: 3935 Walnut Street, 2nd Floor
Learn about immunization requirements, how to use health insurance in the U.S., and available support services and treatment options for your physical and mental health through Wellness at Penn. Wellness staff will also answer questions and help troubleshoot issues, including portal access.
International Parents and Families Welcome Reception
5:30–7:30 p.m.
Location: Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts
The Welcome Reception provides the opportunity for new undergraduate students’ parents and families to meet fellow families and hear from University leadership. Penn students will attend the Welcome Picnic, which will take place concurrently.
International & EAP/IGSP Welcome Picnic for Students
5:30–7:00 p.m.
Location: Shoemaker Green
Rain Location: Fencing Gym
Join Penn Global, ISSS, Penn Abroad, and the international undergraduate students Class of 2030 for an outdoor picnic! Free dinner and picnic blankets will be provided, along with outdoor activities to enjoy. Parents and students’ family members will attend the Family Welcome Reception, which will take place concurrently.
Late Night Eats
8:00–10:00 p.m.
Location: Meyerson Hall B-1
A relaxed evening of food and conversation! International undergraduate students are invited to enjoy late-night snacks, meet new people, and connect with the Penn community in a casual and welcoming setting.
Tuesday, August 18
Immigration Essentials & Integration Support from ISSS
9:30–10:30 a.m.
Location: Meyerson Hall B-1
A session designed to help you navigate life at Penn with confidence as an international student by learning about immigration policies and integration programs. Whether you’re new to Penn or looking to make the most of your experience, this session will provide practical tips and insights to help you thrive both inside and outside the classroom.
International Students Seeking Employment in the U.S.
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Location: Meyerson Hall B-1
Gain valuable insights into finding on-campus and off-campus jobs, internships, and full-time employment while understanding key work and immigration regulations.
Connect @ Penn: Chat with Current Students
11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Location: ARCH 208
For new international undergraduate students, come meet some international PHINS and get introduced to your fellow international classmates! Hear international students talk about things they wish they knew before starting their first year at Penn and network with upperclassmen!
International Student Info Session – MANDATORY
1:30–4:00 p.m.
Location: Meyerson Hall B-1
This mandatory information session will introduce new international undergraduate students to staff from International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) and its key immigration services and integration programs. It will also feature members from the Assembly of International Students (AIS), who will talk about life at Penn as an international student.
NSO Movie Night
7:45 p.m.
Location: Cinemark University City, 4012 Walnut Street
Relax with your fellow new undergraduate students and enjoy a free screening of either Spider-Man: Brand New Day or The Odyssey. Both films begin at 8:00 p.m., so grab some friends, find a seat, and enjoy a fun evening at the movies.
Wednesday, August 19
Avoiding Cultural and Social Missteps in the U.S.
10:00–11:00 a.m.
Location: 3935 Walnut Street, 6th Floor
New to U.S. culture? This session helps you recognize and avoid common cultural misunderstandings, so you can communicate more effectively and respectfully in social and academic settings.
Campus Tour Through Scavenger Hunt
1:00–3:00 p.m.
Location: The Button in front of Van Pelt Library
Rain Location: Lauder Movie Room
Get better acquainted with the campus by going on this scavenger hunt! The first team to complete all the missions will be rewarded with Penn merch! This event is exclusively for undergraduate students.
Thursday, August 20
Start Strong: Navigating Success and Staying Compliant at Penn
9:30–12:00 p.m.
Location: 3935 Walnut Street, 6th Floor
Meet your ISSS advisors and learn about the iPenn portal, key immigration requirements, and practical tips.
Join us for one of four 30-minute sessions designed specifically for new international students!
Meet your ISSS advisors and learn about the iPenn portal, key immigration requirements, and practical tips to help you start strong and stay compliant throughout your time at the University
Session 01: 9:30 AM – 10:00 AM
Session 02: 10:10 AM – 10:40 AM
Session 03: 10:50 AM – 11:20 AM
Session 04: 11:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Friday, August 21
Staying Safe and Avoiding Scams
10:00–11:00 a.m.
Location: 3935 Walnut Street, 2nd Floor
Discover how to stay safe on and off campus and avoid scams with tips from Penn Public Safety.
Hear from the Penn Division of Public Safety about campus safety measures, security protocols, and essential tips to protect yourself from scams.
New International GRADUATE and PROFESSIONAL Student Welcome Event 2026
3:00–5:00 p.m.
Location: Perry World House
Meet other new international graduate students, get to know ISSS, enjoy Philadelphia snacks and drinks, and win prizes!
Welcome to Penn! During this reception for new international graduate and professional students, you will mingle with your peers from around the world and learn more about ISSS. Snacks and drinks will be provided!
Frequently Asked Questions
International Student Orientation (ISO) is a series of on-campus programs and events hosted by Penn Global International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) to support new international students—both undergraduate and graduate/professional—as they transition to life at Penn.
ISO includes welcome events and workshops on topics such as immigration essentials, campus resources, health and wellness, intercultural communication, career and work authorization, as well as opportunities to connect with fellow international students and the broader Penn community.
2026 ISO Dates: August 17–21
More detailed information and the full schedule will be released in June.
ISO (International Student Orientation) is coordinated by ISSS in partnership with the Office of New Student Orientation & Academic Initiatives (NSOAI), Assembly of International Students (AIS), Division of Public Safety, Wellness, Career Services, and other campus resource centers. It is designed specifically for new international students and covers topics unique to their experience, including F-1/J-1 requirements, arrival check-in, safety guidance, immunization requirements, and integration resources.
NSO (New Student Orientation) is planned and executed by the NSOAI Office for all incoming undergraduate students and their families and focuses on general academic and campus life. Please refer to the NSO website for more information.
The Graduate Student Center (GSC) hosts university-wide orientation events for new graduate and professional students. International graduate and professional students can find additional information on GSC website.
There is one mandatory session—the ISSS Information Session (date/time TBD)—for all new undergraduate international students.
All other ISO events (e.g., resource fairs, social receptions, and workshops) are optional but strongly encouraged. These programs provide valuable opportunities to connect with peers and learn about campus resources before the academic year begins.
All sessions and deadlines will be clearly indicated in the ISO schedule shared with students.
An “international student” is defined as a student holding an F-1 or J-1 visa.
Students who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents but have lived or studied abroad are also warmly welcome to attend ISO and participate in ISSS programs. ISO is designed to support anyone navigating a cross-cultural transition.
You will not miss major required programming. Mandatory information sessions are typically not scheduled on Monday, so students who arrive early are still able to attend the mandatory ISSS Info session.
If your pre-orientation program takes place on campus, we encourage you to speak with your program coordinator about attending the mandatory information session. If you will be off campus and not returning until Wednesday, please reach out to ISSS to schedule a meeting with your assigned advisor.
Yes—families are welcome at select ISO events.
The Penn Parents Office, in partnership with ISSS, hosts a Welcome Reception for parents and family members of new international undergraduate students. This event provides an opportunity to meet other families and hear from University leadership and the president of AIS.
Families may also attend NSO programming; please refer to the NSO website for a full schedule.
Please note that certain ISO sessions—such as mandatory sessions and immigration-related programming—are designed specifically for students and should not be attended in place of the student.
Yes. ISSS check-in and ISO requirements apply to all students beginning or resuming studies at Penn with a new I-20 or DS-2019. This includes transfer students, students returning from leave, exchange students, and those entering a new degree program.
If you are unsure whether ISO applies to you, please contact ISSS at 215-898-4661 or submit your question here:
https://global.upenn.edu/isss/faqs/
ISO includes events tailored separately for undergraduate and graduate/professional students (e.g., undergraduate welcome picnic vs. graduate welcome reception).
There is no mandatory ISO session for graduate students, though all workshops are open to both undergraduate and graduate participants.
Graduate and professional students should also review GSC programming and check with their school or department for additional orientation activities.
ISO includes events tailored separately for undergraduate and graduate/professional students (e.g., undergraduate welcome picnic vs. graduate welcome reception).
There is no mandatory ISO session for graduate students, though all workshops are open to both undergraduate and graduate participants.
Graduate and professional students should also review GSC programming and check with their school or department for additional orientation activities.
No. All ISO events are free for new international students. Some events also include complimentary food and activities.
