About Us
Penn Abroad serves as the hub for student global opportunities at the University of Pennsylvania. Each year the University sends over 2,500 Penn students to more than 50 countries around the world on semester study abroad, summer internships, service learning, and short-term programs.
Penn Abroad is a dynamic team dedicated to providing and facilitating global opportunities for all Penn students, faculty, and staff. We are committed to providing every Penn student with a meaningful global experience. Being responsive to the needs of students by taking a creative approach to the evolving field of education abroad is at the core of what we do.
Our Core Values
Dedication to Student Development
As international educators, we deliver a wide range of program options that provide our students with rigorous, individualized, and authentic experiences. We prepare students for a globalized world through integrated academic experiences that challenge and expand their global competencies.
Innovation in Education Abroad
We provide deep expertise in our areas of focus and possess comprehensive knowledge across fields in international education. We are well versed in the priorities of our division and the University as a whole. We immerse ourselves in professional development to ensure that our work is best in class locally, nationally, and globally.
Cultivating and Engaging Meaningful Partnerships
We cultivate and maintain productive relationships with our faculty and staff campus partners, our off-campus providers, and the broader network of international educators.
Professionalism of Service
Our communication is consistently clear, concise, and responsive to the discrete needs of students, families, providers, staff, faculty, and each other. We provide accurate and thorough guidance and we seek to ensure understanding among those we engage with. We celebrate the individual and group contributions of the Penn Abroad team. We embrace optimism and pursue our work in a prepared, coordinated, and strategic manner. We are accountable for our actions. We are culturally aware, and we take the time to reflect on our strengths and our opportunities as a team.
Commitment to Access and Diversity
We work hard to ensure that Penn Abroad programs are accessible to people from all backgrounds. Access is an essential part of our strategy in providing meaningful global experiences to the Penn community. We believe a diverse community of learners allows for a richer experience and represents the University of Pennsylvania’s values. We strive to identify and connect students to support services who work with various communities, and help students reflect on how their identity impacts their experience abroad both before, during, and after the experience.
