
Penn Global Research Institutes
Learn what is required in committing to a PGRI
Committing to PGRI
Once you are accepted to PGRI, you will be required to sign a Commitment Contract which outlines what is required of you as a PGRI participant. By committing to PGRI, you agree to abide by the program policies and expectations outlined in the Commitment Contract by stated deadlines, including, but not limited to:
- Attending a PGRI pre-departure orientation and completing all pre-departure forms and submissions .
- Completing all deliverables associated with your institute, as outlined in your acceptance letter.
- Participating in your institute’s programming for its entire duration, as outlined in your acceptance letter.
Prior to signing, please carefully review your Commitment Contract for full program expectations and requirements. Accepted students will find their Commitment Contract in their online application in PASSPORT.
Funding
In most cases, costs associated with the travel component of each institute are funded by the program. These costs include airfare, accommodation, meals, ground transportation, and program-related expenses. Funding details vary by institute. You will find the details of the funding outlined in your acceptance letter. Any costs not directly outlined in your letter are your responsibility, and may include required vaccinations, visa fees, cell service, laundry, and other personal expenses.
In some cases, as outlined in your acceptance letter, participants will receive a stipend or funding award in acknowledgement of their contributions to the institute. Please note that stipends and funding awards are taxable.
Visas
It is your responsibility to make sure you have a valid passport and visa (if applicable). Failure to apply for a passport or visa in a timely manner may result in you not obtaining your required travel documents in time for your abroad experience. Read more about visas and visa services.
Behavioral Expectations
As a PGRI participant, you will be a representative of the program, the University of Pennsylvania, the United States, and your country of origin at all times during your experience abroad. Please remember that you are a guest in your host country and, as a guest, you are expected to be respectful of cultural norms and to interact with others in a respectful manner. For more information on adapting to a different culture while abroad, please refer to the Step One module Adjusting to Your New Environment Abroad.
Every country has its own laws and standards of acceptable conduct, including dress, manners, morals, politics, drug use, and behavior. Participating in political activities or using illegal drugs, for example, may subject you to significant civil or criminal penalties. You are responsible for being informed of and abiding by all such laws and standards for each country to or through which you may travel this summer.
As a participant on a Penn-sponsored program, you are also required to abide by the Penn’s Code of Student Conduct and Penn Abroad’s Universal Policy on Conduct & Academic Integrity at all times.