Forerunner
Spearheaded by Penn Global International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS), Forerunner was established in 2015 as a way to welcome new international students before they embark on their Penn journey.
What is Forerunner?
The Forerunner 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.
Impact of Forerunner: For the past 10 years, Forerunner has served over 1,500 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 Student Leadership Team: Many Forerunner participants go on to join the Forerunner Student Leadership team to help the next generation of new international students.
Global Reach of Forerunner Since 2015: Since 2015, Forerunner has served as a bridge to life at Penn for students from China (in Beijing and Shanghai), India (in New Delhi and Mumbai), Southeast Asia (Singapore), South America (in Sao Paulo, Brazil), Africa (on Penn’s campus), the Middle East/North African region (in Dubai, United Arab Emirates) and worldwide (online).
Forerunner 2025
Announcing the 2025 Penn Forerunner Pre-departure Welcome and Orientation Event Dates & Locations. These sessions are open to all incoming first-year University of Pennsylvania students – feel free to register to attend if you will be nearby.
We look forward to officially welcoming you to Penn!
2025 Forerunner Sessions
Forerunner in India
Mumbai, India
Taj Lands End, Mumbai
9:30am – 5:00pm
Forerunner in China
Beijing, China
Park Hyatt Beijing
9:30am – 5:00pm
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Current Student Volunteers
Q1. I’d like to volunteer to assist with Forerunner. Will ISSS cover my travel or lodging?
We’re truly grateful to any students who can help welcome our newest Quakers! Volunteers are responsible for their own travel and lodging expenses, but if you’re already in the area and would like to participate, we’d be delighted to have your support.
Q2. When are volunteers expected to be on‑site?
Volunteers should plan to be with us on Friday (June 13 – India, June 20 – China) and Saturday (June 14 – India, June 21 – China) for all scheduled activities.
New Student Attendees
Q1. Do I need to stay the whole day?
Yes. Each component of the program is designed to enrich your Penn experience, so participants are expected to attend the full day.
Q2. Is the Forerunner Day Program and Evening Reception free of charge?
Yes, both the Forerunner Day Program and the Evening Reception are free of charge.
Q3. Do new students need to sign up for the Day Program to attend the Evening Reception?
Yes, new students must register for – and attend – the Day Program in order to join the Evening Reception.
Q3. May I bring my family to Forerunner?
Absolutely! We welcome up to two adult family members per student.
Q4. Is there an official student group chat or social‑media channel?
ISSS does not operate any official student group chats or social‑media groups for this event.
Q5. Is there a dress code?
We ask attendees to follow smart casual styling—neat, comfortable attire suitable for both learning sessions and a reception.
For Penn Alumni
Q1. Do alumni need to register to attend an Evening Reception?
Yes, alumni must register in advance to attend. Please select the location you would like to join below:
Past Forerunner Events
Forerunner 2024
In 2024, Forerunner had its highest attendance with 833 incoming students and their parents. It was held in
- Sao Paulo, Brazil | June 6th
- Singapore, Singapore | June 29th
- Mumbai, India | July 6th
- Shanghai, China | July 13th
- Virtually – Forerunner Global | August 1-2, 2024
- Penn’s Campus – Forerunner Africa | August 22, 2024
Forerunner 2023
In 2023, Forerunner had its highest attendance with 833 incoming students and their parents. It was held in
- Sao Paulo, Brazil (June 6)
- New Delhi, India (July 8)
- Beijing, China (July 15)
- Virtually | Forerunner Global (August 3-4)
- Penn’s Campus | Forerunner Africa (August 24)
Forerunner 2022
As flight restrictions eased with COVID-19 dying down, we sought to continue in-person events for Forerunner and held two conferences in
- New Delhi, India (June 24)
- Dubai, UAE (July 2)
View Forerunner 2022 Recap Here
Forerunner 2021
In our second year of COVID-19, we sought to prioritize the health of our faculty and incoming students and launched Forerunner Global once again for 2021.
View Forerunner 2021 Recap Here
Forerunner 2020
With the onset of COVID-19 in 2020, we hosted a 5-day virtual Forerunner session for incoming students.
View Forerunner 2020 Recap Here
Forerunner 2019
For 2018, Forerunner was attended by 227 incoming students and their parents. It was held in
- Beijing, China (June 2)
- New Delhi, India (June 9)
- Penn’s Campus | Forerunner Africa (August 27)
View Forerunner 2019 Recap Here
Forerunner 2018
In 2018, Forerunner was held in
- Beijing, China (July 1)
- New Delhi, India (July 8)
- Penn’s Campus | Forerunner Africa (August 29)
View Forerunner 2018 Recap Here
Forerunner 2017
In 2017, Forerunner was held in
- Beijing, China (June 25)
- New Delhi, India (July 1)
View Forerunner 2017 Recap Here
Forerunner 2016
In 2016 Forerunner was held in
- New Delhi, India (June 19)
- Mumbai, India (June 22)
- Beijing, China (June 26)
View Forerunner 2016 Recap Here
Forerunner 2015
The inaugural Forerunner was held in Beijing, China (July 11 & 12)
View Forerunner 2015 Recap Here