Welcome to Penn!
The Office of New Student Orientation & Academic Initiatives (NSOAI) would like to officially congratulate you on your admission to the University of Pennsylvania! Although New Student Orientation (NSO) will take a virtual approach this year, the familial feeling that is experienced during orientation will not fade. In collaboration with Penn’s Assembly of International Students (AIS) and International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS), we are designing specific programming catered to you and your needs as an international student.
Heading into this academic year, our hope is that we provide all the necessary connections and support to make your adjustment to Penn not just educational, but enjoyable – while adhering to State and University guidelines.
Following this welcome, you will find a letter from AIS and ISSS who are looking forward to helping you find a home at the University of Pennsylvania!
Paolo Nasr
NSOAI Team Coordinator, C’21, Ghana
Abdul Moiz Munir Sohu
NSOAI Team Coordinator, C’22, Pakistan
Dear International Students,
Congratulations on your acceptance to the University of Pennsylvania! We are so fortunate to have you as members of the Class of 2024! As international students, you bring the world to Penn and add to the diversity and richness of our university.
This may not be the start of the Penn experience that you had expected, but your resilience and adaptability will be your strongest characteristics during this challenging time. Penn has so much to offer you. In addition to its rich history and traditions, outstanding academic opportunities, and diverse extracurricular activities, you will make some of your unforgettable memories and fondest friends.
The supportive work of International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS) and all other campus resources ensures your comfort and inclusion at Penn, whether it be providing guidance related to your immigration concerns or ensuring that you are well integrated into the Penn community. Learn more about how you can be prepared for your Penn journey by visiting the Prepare for Penn section of the ISSS website.
You will have the opportunity to connect with over 30 international and cultural student groups that will help make Penn your new home, as well as a vast number of different interest groups and student organizations. The Assembly of International Students (AIS) will help with your day-to-day concerns and serve as a bridge between you and administrators, while groups like the International Student Advisory Board (ISAB) and Undergraduate Assembly (UA) will make sure your concerns are heard and discussed. To advocate for international students and provide a unified voice, AIS, ISAB, and UA join with Penn’s graduate student government to form the International Student Table for Advocacy & Relations (ISTAR).
AIS has set up a Facebook page for the international students of the Class of 2024 to connect with your fellow international classmates and ask questions. We also invite and encourage you to participate in the International Student Mentorship Program and to sign up for a mentor here. The program will pair you with a current international student mentor to offer you advice on navigating your Penn experience! To learn more about AIS, our initiatives, or how to get involved, you can visit the AIS website, or email us internationalpenn@gmail.com.
Your time at Penn will undoubtedly be among the most rewarding years of your life, and all of us here are excited to be a part of that journey. Congratulations again, and we look forward to the day that we get to meet you!
Sincerely,
Dr. Rodolfo (Rudie) Altamirano
Director, International Student and Scholar Services
Director, Immigration and Integration Services, rudiea@upenn.edu
Justine De Jesus
President, Assembly of International Students, C’ 21, djustine@sas.upenn.edu
Still have questions about NSO?
We’re happy to help with any questions you might have about NSO activities and programming. Please feel free to contact us at provost-nso-ai@pobox.upenn.edu. We look forward to getting to know you throughout the year.
