International Student & Scholar Handbook
Exploring Philadelphia and Beyond
- On Campus
- General Information About the City and Events
- Special to West Philadelphia
- Transportation to New York City, Washington, DC and Beyond
"Philadelphia: It's the largest Colonial district in the country, with dozens of treasures plus the Independence National Historical Park. It boasts the most historic square mile in America, where the United States was conceived, declared and ratified-and you can see the Liberty Bell to prove it. It offers some of the best dining values and several of the best restaurants in America. It's a strollers' paradise of restored Georgian and Federal structures that are integrated with smart shops and contemporary row-house courts to create a working urban environment. Philadelphia is a center of professional and amateur sports, with over 7800 acres of parkland within the city limits. It's a city filled with art, crafts, and music for every taste, with boulevards made for street fairs and parades all year long."
- Frommer's Philadelphia
A multitude of links will introduce you to the area and its attractions:
On Campus
Start at Penn's homepage for information about activities and events on campus: http://www.upenn.edu/.
International Classroom at the University Museum
This program places international students, scholars, and their spouses
as speakers in area schools and local organizations. It is a great
opportunity to learn more about American society and to teach Americans
about your country. Contact the International Classroom at 215-898-4065
to volunteer as a speaker or visit: http://www.upenn.edu/museum/PublicServices/edservices.html
General information about the city and events
- Philadelphia links on Penn's web site: http://www.upenn.edu/philadelphia/
- Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation: http://www.gophila.com/
- Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau: http://www.philadelphiausa.travel/
- Philly.com: http://www.philly.com/
- Philadelphia City Paper: http://www.citypaper.net/
- Philadelphia Weekly: http://www.phillyweekly.com/
Special to West Philadelphia
International House coordinates the Philadelphia Festival of World Cinema and other internationally focused events: http://www.ihousephilly.org/programs-events.htm.
Transportation to New York City, Washington, DC and Beyond
The cheapest way to New York City is via SEPTA (http://www.septa.org/) and New Jersey Transit (http://www.njtransit.com/). Take SEPTA's R7 train to Trenton. Change to New Jersey Transit to New York Penn Station.
See Travel Resources for more information about domestic and international travel.