Penn Global Programs

Pre-Orientation Programs

Penn Forerunner

Spearheaded by International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS), Forerunner is a summer pre-orientation program that welcomes and introduces international students and their families to life on campus and in the United States before they embark on their journey to the University of Pennsylvania.

Penn Global Mosaic

Also spearheaded by International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS), Penn Global Mosaic is a pre-orientation program for new undergraduate students looking to build global leadership and intercultural skills through an immersive off-campus retreat. The program takes place in mid-August, directly before Penn’s international student orientation (ISO) and new student orientation (NSO).

Study Abroad Programs

Semester Abroad

Penn Abroad partners with top institutions around the world to enable Penn undergraduate students to study abroad for a term or year while earning academic credit.

Penn Global Seminars

Penn Global Seminars are credit-bearing courses that combine intensive semester-long study with a short-term travel component to deepen classroom learning. Led by Penn faculty, courses are open to all majors and class years. A $950 program fee covers all travel expenses.

Global Research and Internship Program

The Global Research and Internship Program (GRIP) is a non-credit bearing program that offers undergraduate and graduate students the opportunity to intern or conduct research with a variety of organizations and companies abroad for 8 to 12 weeks over the summer.

Penn Global Research Institutes

The PRGI program offers undergraduate and graduate students the chance to conduct hands-on research abroad with Penn faculty and local partners, addressing global challenges. Participants receive funding for project and travel expenses.

Exchange at Penn

The Exchange at Penn (EAP) program enables students from partner institutions to study at Penn for a semester or year, earning academic credit while engaging in campus life.

Sawiris Penn Scholars Exchange Program

With great appreciation to a generous gift from the NNS Foundation – a charity fund settled by Nassef Sawiris – and in collaboration with the Sawiris Foundation in Egypt, the Sawiris Penn Scholars Exchange Program enables the exchange of ideas, knowledge, and culture between degree-seeking Penn students and students from Egyptian universities. 

Global Leadership & Training

Intercultural Leadership Program

Run by International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS), the Intercultural Leadership Program (ILP) invites new international and U.S. Penn students to join a community of leaders focused on cultural understanding and social impact. Through a weekend retreat in the fall, participants engage in activities and discussions that explore intercultural communication, self-awareness, and issues of power and privilege.

International Student Advisory Board (ISAB)

The International Student Advisory Board (ISAB) serves as a key advocate for the international student community at Penn. In collaboration with International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS), ISAB provides strategic feedback and constructive recommendations to enhance ISSS operations and enrich the overall experience of international students. All international students—undergraduate and graduate—are encouraged to apply for board membership.

International Student Table for Advocacy & Relations (ISTAR)

ISTAR is comprised of representatives from Penn’s international student groups, including the International Student Advisory Board (ISAB), Assembly of International Students (AIS), Undergraduate Assembly (UA), and Graduate and Professional Student Assembly (GAPSA) International Student Affairs. ISTAR works closely with ISSS to advocate and provide a unified voice for all international students at Penn.

Perry World House Student Fellows

Perry World House’s undergraduate student fellows program annually selects 25-30 undergraduates from across Penn’s schools to address global policy challenges. Fellows engage in year-long policy projects, attend seminars, and participate in field learning in D.C. and New York. The program prepares students for careers in international affairs through research, mentorship, and presentations.

Perry World House Graduate Associates

Perry World House’s Graduate Fellows Program is for all graduate students, from any school or department, who want to connect their research to global policymaking and effectively communicate the policy implications of their work to broader audiences.

Community Dialogue

iCommunicate

iCommunicate is an on-campus program offered to Penn departments, offices, or groups who wish to improve their intercultural communication skills for professional success. Through workshops and personalized support, participants enhance their ability to effectively engage peers and foster a safer, more inclusive environment at Penn. All members of the Penn community, including students, scholars, faculty, and staff can participate.

Culture Crossings

Culture Crossings is a series of events designed to foster cross-cultural understanding and celebrate Penn’s global community. From panel discussions and cultural showcases to workshops and social gatherings, participants will have opportunities to engage in meaningful dialogue, deepen their understanding of different traditions and experiences, and explore how our identities shape the world around us.

Faculty & Scholar Support

Penn Global Grant Program

Penn Global administers a competitive grant program designed to support faculty research projects that address issues and opportunities related to regions outside the United States.

Penn Global Dissertation Grant Program

The Penn Global Dissertation Grants program is a competitive grant source that provides support to Penn Ph.D. students who wish to add and/or enhance global components in their dissertation research.

At-Risk Scholars Program

The University of Pennsylvania’s At-Risk Scholars Program provides support to Penn Schools, centers, and departments who wish to help at-risk scholars escape persecution and danger to themselves and their families through a period of residence at Penn.

Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program

The Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program offers awards for U.S. citizens to teach, conduct research and carry out professional projects around the world. Awards are available for scholars with a variety of academic interests, experience levels, and career profiles. Opportunities range from a few months to a full year.