Global Engagement
Diversity of thought, background, and experience are core to Penn’s teaching and research—an increasingly relevant imperative in today’s global society. Penn is a welcoming home to thousands of international students; supports academic, research, and professional pursuits abroad; and builds strong connections across the global community.
Engaging International Students
Over 100 countries are represented in our undergraduate population, and nearly 1 in 5 Penn students have home addresses outside of the U.S. Explore the University’s resources for prospective and current international students.
34,400+
6,700+
2,300+
1,800+
Factual information courtesy of the Office of Institutional Research and Analysis
Intertwining Penn with the World
Consisting of seven offices, Penn Global is the University’s go-to hub for all things global. They provide strategic direction on global endeavors, with a focus on expanding access to global opportunities, supporting Penn’s vibrant international community, and thoughtfully investing University resources for worldwide impact.
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 is the central point of contact for Penn Global, powering the work of Penn Abroad, International Student and Scholar Services, Global Support Services, Perry World House, and Penn Washington.
International Student and Scholar Services
ISSS is Penn’s go-to resource for immigration and integration assistance. It offers 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 coordinates international learning experiences for over 1,000 students each year, including exchange programs, summer internships and research projects, and immersive opportunities such as the Penn Global Seminars, the Global Research and Internship Program, and Penn Global Research Institutes.
Perry World House
Penn’s hub for global policy engagement, Perry World House platforms academic knowledge on some of the world’s most pressing international policy challenges by connecting Penn with policymakers and researchers from around the world. It features a robust visitors program and entrepreneurial student groups.
Penn Washington
Penn Washington is the University’s physical and programmatic home in the nation’s capital. Home to the Biden Center and Franklin Initiative, it fosters a collaborative environment between Penn’s academic community and federal and global policymakers to drive impactful dialogue and actionable solutions.
Global Support Services
Global Support Services is the one-stop-shop for guidance and support on Penn’s international business activities. It oversees global travel policy and advises members of the Penn community on various international activities, including risk assessment, tax liabilities, and compliance.
Penn Global Finance and Administration
The Penn Global Business Office manages 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 Penn Global affiliates.
Learning Global Languages at Penn
The Penn Language Center (PLC) offers over 40 world languages per semester to both undergraduate and graduate students. PLC facilitates dynamic and diversified language education with an emphasis on multilingual and transcultural competence, enriching both the curriculum and the research efforts of Penn’s academic community.
Penn Global News
Examining Ben Franklin’s influence on the Constitution
September 16, 2026
The past and future of higher education
May 19, 2026
