International Student and Scholar Services
International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) supports Penn’s community of more than 9,000 international students, scholars, and employees from over 137 countries. The Office is dedicated to celebrating and supporting Penn’s diverse international student and scholar communities by offering inclusive, innovative, and impactful immigration services and integration programs.
ISSS is committed to ensuring that students experience the smoothest transition possible, from preparing for their journey to settling into life in Philadelphia. The Office provides guidance, information, and referrals on immigration, employment authorization, overseas travel, and integration into the Penn community. In addition to these services, ISSS collaborates with initiatives such as the International Student Advisory Board (ISAB), International Student Table for Advocacy & Relations (ISTAR), International Partners Outreach Group (IPOG), and Building International Student Integration Group (BISIG) to actively advocate for the needs of the international community at Penn. Once students arrive on campus, ISSS continues to offer relevant, well-informed programming and intercultural initiatives to foster an inclusive global community at Penn.
Penn World Scholars' group picture.
ISSS offers:
- Immigration advising for international students, scholars, and staff members currently located both in Philadelphia and overseas.
- The Penn Global Mosaic program—a pre orientation program—where first-year students interested in broadening their worldview and becoming informed global citizens build friendships with peers from all over the world, explore Penn’s global opportunities, and learn more about how students can leverage their Penn experience to shape their future as global leaders.
- The Culture Crossings series where Penn’s global community participates in opportunities to explore local cultures, gain valuable knowledge, acquire new skills, and build meaningful relationships. Participants can share diverse perspectives, celebrate their myriad identities, and gain insights into the perspectives of others.