Global Initiatives

Welcoming diversity of thought, background, and experience has always guided Penn’s teaching and research, and that mission is more relevant than ever in today’s global society. Penn serves as a welcoming home to thousands of international students, while also supporting students’ academic, research, and professional pursuits abroad, and is always working to build strong connections within the global community.

Bringing the World to Penn and Penn to the World

Penn Global is the University’s go-to for all things global. They provide strategic direction to the University of Pennsylvania on its global endeavors, with a focus on expanding access to global opportunities, supporting Penn’s vibrant international community, and carefully investing university resources for global impact. Penn Global consists of seven offices.

Penn Global Reporting Divisions

Office of the Vice Provost for Global Initiatives
Reporting to the Provost Office in College Hall, the Office of the Vice Provost for Global Initiatives serves as a central point of contact for Penn Global, supporting and coordinating the work of Penn Abroad, International Student and Scholar Services, Global Support Services, Perry World House, and the Penn Washington.

International Student and Scholar Services
International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) is Penn’s go-to resource for immigration and integration assistance, supporting the entire University including the University of Pennsylvania Health System. ISSS also offers notable student programs and leadership opportunities, including Forerunner, Penn Global Mosaic, Intercultural Leadership Program, International Student Advisory Board, and Penn World Scholars.

Penn Abroad
Penn Abroad is the hub for student global opportunities at Penn. Each year, Penn Abroad sends more than 1,000 Penn students around the world on semester exchange opportunities, summer internship and research programs, and global seminars. Popular, innovative programs offered by Penn Abroad include Penn Global Seminars, the Global Research and Internship Program, and Penn Global Research Institutes.

Perry World House
Perry World House is the hub for global policy engagement at Penn. Perry World House brings academic knowledge to bear on some of the world’s most pressing global policy challenges by connecting Penn with a global network of policymakers, practitioners, and researchers. It is home to a robust visitors program and entrepreneurial student groups, such as the undergraduate World House Student Fellows and Graduate Associates.

Penn Washington
Penn Washington is a physical and programmatic home for the University of Pennsylvania in the nation’s capital. Penn Washington fosters a collaborative environment between Penn’s academic community and federal and global policymakers to drive impactful dialogue and actionable solutions. Penn Washington is home to the Biden Center and Franklin Initiative, which address key global and U.S. domestic policy issues.

Global Support Services
Global Support Services is Penn’s one-stop-shop for guidance and support on the University’s international business activities. Global Support Services advises members of the Penn community on new and ongoing international activities, including risk assessment, tax liabilities, and compliance. Global Support Services also oversees international travel policy.

Penn Global Finance and Administration
The Penn Global Business Office manages the Penn Global’s resources with a focus on fiscal responsibility and sustainability. The Business Office team is responsible for compliance and alignment with the overall goals of Penn Global, as well as providing HR and financial support for the Penn Global departments and affiliates.