Penn provides a wide range of opportunities for student and faculty research around the world.
We are committed to making international experiences an indispensable part of Penn, whether through study abroad, service learning, or innovative travel initiatives.
Penn faculty engage in a wide range of international research projects, many of which provide opportunities for students to engage in hands-on global experiences. And once students leave Penn, they become part of our unparalleled global alumni network.
Global opportunities at Penn engage students, faculty, and alumni in five key goals:
Provide global experiences
Penn’s Study Abroad and Summer Abroad create one of the most extensive study abroad networks at any Ivy League university. Each of Penn’s four undergraduate schools also offers international experiences designed to complement the curriculum on campus.
Encourage global service
International opportunities for Penn students emphasize hands-on service learning and internships, including extensive engagements in Botswana and India, diverse global health experiences in the School of Medicine, and such pioneering School-based programs as Penn Engineers Without Borders and the Wharton Global Consulting Practicum.
In addition, the Hewlett Award for Innovation in International Offerings supports new and creative approaches to global engagement at Penn, especially opportunities for students in major fields and world areas not commonly represented in study abroad options; short-term global experiences (e.g., summer or winter break programs); and rigorous service learning, internship, field research, and clinical experiences.
Partner with global institutions
Penn has collaborative agreements with over 100 leading universities, hospitals, and research institutions around the world. We have a particular commitment to global health partnerships, including longstanding work in Botswana and more recent engagements in Guatemala and Peru. We also recently signed two major, university-wide agreements with institutions in China.
Support global faculty and research
Penn has one of the world’s most internationally diverse faculties, and we actively encourage international research, publications, and faculty exchanges.
Engage global alumni
Penn’s global alumni network connects graduates to Penn and each other all around the world. Alumni provide a vital resource for each other’s personal and professional growth, and they play vital roles in fostering growth and progress in sectors and countries around the world.