Accepted Exchange Students
Attending a new university in a different country as an exchange student is a challenging but rewarding opportunity. Penn Abroad will serve as your main contact while you are at Penn, though you will work with many departments throughout the institution.
Prepare & Arrive
Understand Penn processes, requirements, and resources by exploring the next steps and how Penn supports students in their exchange experience. Our Frequently Asked Questions page is also a great place to learn more and prepare.
Take the Next Steps
Once you have received a notice of your acceptance, you must log into the PASSPORT application portal and commit to the exchange program by the relevant deadline.
-
All exchange students who are not US citizens are required to obtain an F-1 or J-1 student visa for their exchange studies in the United States. More information is provided upon acceptance.
-
All exchange students are required to live in on-campus housing and enroll in a dining plan.
-
You are required to maintain approved health insurance coverage for the duration of their stay.
-
You must provide immunization records after acceptance.
Further instructions regarding obtaining a Penn user ID and email address, submitting documents, applying for a visa, registering for courses, purchasing health insurance, obtaining on-campus housing, and choosing a dining plan are located on the application portal.
Access Penn Resources
Student Disability Services
Penn strives to ensure that campus is safe and accessible for everyone. Policies and procedures have been developed to provide students with as much independence as possible and to promote self-advocacy. Students with disabilities are encouraged to work with Penn’s Student Disability Services to ensure appropriate accommodations are made prior to arrival.
Health and Wellness
Students are able to visit Student Health Services for any health issues during their stay at Penn. Exchange students are also able to utilize resources offered by Penn’s Counseling and Psychological Services while enrolled at the university.
Other Resources at Penn
-
Thrive at Penn - tips on how to make the most of your experience as a Penn student (Click on Penn Community)
-
Pennbook - policies governing academic integrity, student conduct, on-campus living, and student life
-
Getting Started at Penn - helpful handbook from Penn’s International Student and Scholars Services office with tips for incoming international students
-
Penn Abroad Resources - a list of key support offices and services available to all Penn students
-
ISSS Campus Resources Page - links to support services, cultural resource centers, and health & safety offices within Penn’s community
-
Assembly of International Students - the central international student group that organizes events, communicates with student government and works with university administration to magnify international student voices on campus
Arriving in Philadelphia
Exchange students are required to attend orientation prior to their first semester on Penn’s campus. During orientation, you will meet with academic advisors, resource coordinators, and other Penn students/staff who will review policies, assist in cultural and academic adjustment, and lead fun events. Specific dates and times will be announced after acceptance.
Students are encouraged to fly into Philadelphia International Airport, and take a train or taxi to campus. Information about moving into on-campus housing will be provided after acceptance.
Connect & Share
Students are encouraged to connect with Penn Abroad and share their experience without global community. Follow us on social media to connect and share the student experience. Find us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Posting your own photos while at Penn? Use the hashtag #ExchangeAtPenn to share with our community. Other ways to get connect and share your experience:
Questions about the next steps, arrival or Penn campus resources? Contact exchangestudents@upenn.edu for assistance and more information.
Take the Next Steps
Once you have received a notice of your acceptance, you must log into the PASSPORT application portal and commit to the exchange program by the relevant deadline.
-
All exchange students who are not US citizens are required to obtain an F-1 or J-1 student visa for their exchange studies in the United States. More information is provided upon acceptance.
-
All exchange students are required to live in on-campus housing and enroll in a dining plan.
-
You are required to maintain approved health insurance coverage for the duration of their stay.
-
You must provide immunization records after acceptance.
Further instructions regarding obtaining a Penn user ID and email address, submitting documents, applying for a visa, registering for courses, purchasing health insurance, obtaining on-campus housing, and choosing a dining plan are located on the application portal.
Access Penn Resources
Student Disability Services
Penn strives to ensure that campus is safe and accessible for everyone. Policies and procedures have been developed to provide students with as much independence as possible and to promote self-advocacy. Students with disabilities are encouraged to work with Penn’s Student Disability Services to ensure appropriate accommodations are made prior to arrival.
Health and Wellness
Students are able to visit Student Health Services for any health issues during their stay at Penn. Exchange students are also able to utilize resources offered by Penn’s Counseling and Psychological Services while enrolled at the university.
Other Resources at Penn
-
Thrive at Penn - tips on how to make the most of your experience as a Penn student (Click on Penn Community)
-
Pennbook - policies governing academic integrity, student conduct, on-campus living, and student life
-
Getting Started at Penn - helpful handbook from Penn’s International Student and Scholars Services office with tips for incoming international students
-
Penn Abroad Resources - a list of key support offices and services available to all Penn students
-
ISSS Campus Resources Page - links to support services, cultural resource centers, and health & safety offices within Penn’s community
-
Assembly of International Students - the central international student group that organizes events, communicates with student government and works with university administration to magnify international student voices on campus
Arriving in Philadelphia
Exchange students are required to attend orientation prior to their first semester on Penn’s campus. During orientation, you will meet with academic advisors, resource coordinators, and other Penn students/staff who will review policies, assist in cultural and academic adjustment, and lead fun events. Specific dates and times will be announced after acceptance.
Students are encouraged to fly into Philadelphia International Airport, and take a train or taxi to campus. Information about moving into on-campus housing will be provided after acceptance.
Connect & Share
Students are encouraged to connect with Penn Abroad and share their experience without global community. Follow us on social media to connect and share the student experience. Find us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Posting your own photos while at Penn? Use the hashtag #ExchangeAtPenn to share with our community. Other ways to get connect and share your experience:
Questions about the next steps, arrival or Penn campus resources? Contact exchangestudents@upenn.edu for assistance and more information.
