June 6, 2023 (Forerunner in Brazil) | July 8, 2023 (Forerunner in India) | July 15, 2023 (Forerunner in China) | August 3-4, 2023 (Forerunner Global) | August 24, 2023 (Forerunner Africa) Forerunner

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.

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 9 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. Many Forerunner participants go on to join the Forerunner Student Leadership team to help the next generation of new international students.

Since 2015, Forerunner has served as a bridge to life at Penn for students from China in Beijing), India (in New Delhi and Mumbai), Africa (on Penn's campus), the Middle East/North African region (in Dubai, United Arab Emirates) and worldwide (online). 

Forerunner 2023 includes five sessions: Forerunner in Brazil will be held in Sao Paulo, Brazil (June 6, 2023), Forerunner in India in New Delhi, India (July 8, 2023), Forerunner in China in Beijing, China (July 15, 2023), Forerunner Global virtually (August 3-4, 2023, 9-11AM Eastern Time each day), and Forerunner in Africa at Perry World House on UPenn campus (August 24, 2023). Learn more below! 

On June 6, 2023, we will hold the first-ever Forerunner in Brazil in Sao Paulo, Brazil! New international students and their parents from Brazil and other countries in the region are invited to attend this full-day event. You'll have the opportunity to start building your Penn network and pose any of your questions directly to Penn staff, faculty, and students. 

Registration Now Closed

On July 8, 2023, the Forerunner team will return to India for the sixth edition of Forerunner in India! In 2022, we were hosted by the University of Pennsylvania Institute for the Advanced Study of India (UPIASI) at India Habitat Centre in New Delhi and joined by over 90 students and parents from across India. Program starts at 9:30AM.

View Photos from Forerunner India 2022

Registration Now Closed

On July 15, 2023, we will return to Beijing to hold the 2023 Forerunner in China. Join Penn staff, faculty, current students, alumni, and fellow incoming students and their parents from all over China to learn about some of the many resources Penn has to offer! You'll also have the opportunity to start building your Penn network and pose any of your questions directly to Penn staff, faculty, and students. Program starts at 9:30AM.

Registration Now Closed.

On August 3 and 4, 2023, Forerunner Global, a virtual event, will introduce you to your life at Penn. Join Penn staff, faculty, current students, and fellow incoming students from around the world for a two-day program during which you'll learn about some of the many resources Penn has to offer! You'll have the opportunity to ask your questions directly to Penn staff, faculty, and students. 

Registration Now Closed.

On August 24, 2023, we host the 2023 Forerunner in Africa at the Perry World House (3803 Locust Walk) on Penn's Campus. Join Penn staff, faculty, current students, alumni, and fellow incoming students from Africa to learn about some of the many resources Penn has to offer! You'll also have the opportunity to start building your Penn network and pose any of your questions directly to Penn staff, faculty, and students. 

Registration Now Closed.