Penn Abroad Leaders
The Penn Abroad Leaders (PALs) are a group of returnee students who serve as an advisory board for Penn Abroad. Â
About Penn Abroad Leaders
The Penn Abroad Leaders are Penn Abroad’s student advisory board.
Penn Abroad Leaders are a select group of up to 12 students who have participated in one or more Penn Abroad programs (including Study Abroad – Fall, Spring, and Summer; Penn Global Seminars; the Global Research & Internship Program; and Penn Global Research Institutes). They serve as an advisory board to Penn Abroad, providing feedback on Penn Abroad programs and initiatives and supporting activities such as information sessions, student panels, and pre-departure orientations.
During the Fall semester, PALs participate in focus groups with Penn Abroad programming teams, providing student perspectives and feedback on current issues and challenges. During the second half of the academic year, Penn Abroad Leaders work in teams on additional consultation projects aligned with Penn Abroad’s contributions to Penn Global’s strategic framework. These projects focus on expanding access to meaningful global experiences for all Penn students and on deepening students’ global engagement during their time at Penn.
Past projects have directly informed Penn Abroad initiatives, including strategies to expand marketing and outreach, analyses to diversify study abroad destinations, enhanced pre-departure and re-entry programming, and resource guides to support students before departure and upon arrival abroad.
Program Requirements
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Act as a student advisory board to Penn Abroad.
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Work closely with the Penn Abroad team on special projects with strategic significance, identify areas of improvement, and provide input on the student experience.
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Participate in activities and complete projects in support of Penn Abroad programs:
- Serve as lead ambassadors by participating in programs sponsored by Penn Abroad every semester
- Attend and lead outreach events for Penn students interested in going abroad
- Provide support during Penn Abroad program launches
- Meet formally 8 times throughout the academic year:
- 1 Penn Abroad Leaders planning retreat
- 3 monthly meetings during the Fall semester
- 3 monthly meetings during the Spring semester
- Monthly meetings throughout academic year, 6 total
- 1 final presentation with Penn Abroad/Global staff during the Spring Semester
Eligibility
1.
Former participant of a Penn Abroad program.
2.
On campus for the entire academic year during which they serve on the board.
3.
Must be a Penn Abroad Ambassador.
4.
Ability to meet monthly throughout academic year.
Application
Application will be open on Monday, August 3, and will close on Friday, August 21.
The application for 2026 – 2027 cohort is now open! APPLY HERE!
Email Zoraida Hu at zohu@upenn.edu if you have any questions.