Exchange at Penn Maximizing Your Exchange at Penn

One of my highlights working as a Graduate Assistant at Penn Abroad is speaking to exchange students about their experiences studying abroad. Here’s some advice I’ve gathered from my conversation with these students to help future exchange students prepare for their time at Penn.

Get Involved

One of the best aspects of studying abroad is making new friends and immersing yourself in a new community. However, breaking into a new culture and environment may also be challenging. One way to make friends with Penn students is to get involved! Whether it is attending campus events or joining affinity groups, there are countless ways to get plugged into Penn’s enriching culture. There is also an amazing exchange community. Students have found their travel partners or study buddies at orientation, classes, college houses, and events organized by Penn Abroad.

Explore Philly

While it may be tempting to stay on campus throughout one’s time at Penn, students have recounted some of their most rewarding experiences happening off-campus. Philly is known for its vibrant culture, filled with cultural festivities, sports culture, and of course, colonial history. Personally, as someone who organizes events and excursions for my college house, I have loved meeting exchange students, particularly at off-campus excursions. I once led a scavenger hunt throughout Old City where I shared my knowledge of the U.S., as well as learned more about American history with exchange students. We inevitably start discussing our respective countries' histories and politics.

You're Not Alone

Despite the excitement at Penn, adjusting to a new environment inevitably comes with times of loneliness. In her first semester at Penn, Camille Chanel from the University of Lyon in France remembered struggling with the academic demands and language barrier. “I spent so much time studying, I couldn't really travel or explore, and seeing my peers having fun on social media made me feel even more alone.” Thankfully, after talking to supportive friends and family who helped her focus on the positives, as well as choosing a more balanced schedule, she came to enjoy her time at Penn a lot more. “It's okay to be sad or feel homesick sometimes, and recognize that an exchange experience has its highs and lows. Ultimately, it's important to not give up and look at what you have achieved. The very fact that you are here at Penn is enough to be proud of." Not only are there people whom you can reach out to, but Penn has also dedicated resources and staff who can listen and assist. Ultimately, the more challenging aspects of an exchange experience allow one to learn more about oneself, making one’s time all the more meaningful.

Pause and Reflect

Before you realize it, your time at Penn will fly by. Whether you find yourself rushing from one event to another, or studying for days for exams, taking the time to care for yourself is important. Students have enjoyed working out, grabbing meals off-campus, or setting alone time to journal or meditate to care for their well-being. Matthias Junge from the University of Geneva in Switzerland puts it best: “Being an exchange student is an entire experience. It’s not just about keeping up with the academics and looking out for events to attend but also having a balance in general. The nice thing about being in a different country is that you start to become more self-aware and start defending positions or causes that you never knew were important to you before, but are in fact key parts of your identity.”