Forerunner, an initiative spearheaded by Penn Global International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS), has been instrumental in welcoming new international students to the University of Pennsylvania since its inception in 2015. This unique program provides a crucial bridge for students before they even begin their academic journey at Penn, fostering a sense of community and preparedness.
Forerunner Program Welcomes International Students to Penn
What Forerunner Offers to International Students
The Forerunner initiative stands out as a collaborative effort involving diverse Penn stakeholders, all dedicated to creating a welcoming environment for the university’s global community members. It’s more than just an orientation; it’s an opportunity for incoming international students to forge connections with their peers and engage with current students, alumni, faculty, and administrators who are part of the Penn family.
Forerunner’s Decade of Impact: Over the past ten years, Forerunner has profoundly impacted more than 1,500 international students and their parents hailing from diverse corners of the globe. The program is specifically designed to cultivate a strong sense of belonging, facilitate meaningful connections, ease the process of adjustment to a new academic and cultural environment, and foster leadership qualities right from the start of their Penn experience.
Becoming Forerunner Student Leaders: The impact of Forerunner extends beyond participation. Many past attendees are inspired to become active members of the Forerunner Student Leadership team. This allows them to pay it forward, guiding and supporting the next cohort of international students as they embark on their own Penn journeys.
Global Footprint of Forerunner Since 2015: Since its establishment in 2015, Forerunner has expanded its reach across continents, acting as a vital link to life at Penn for students originating from various regions. These include China (with events in Beijing and Shanghai), India (New Delhi and Mumbai), Southeast Asia (Singapore), South America (Sao Paulo, Brazil), Africa (on Penn’s campus), the Middle East and North Africa (Dubai, United Arab Emirates), and a global online platform reaching students worldwide.
Forerunner 2024: A Year of Record Engagement
In 2024, Forerunner achieved its highest ever attendance, warmly welcoming an impressive 833 incoming students and their parents into the Penn community. This record-breaking year saw events hosted in multiple locations, ensuring accessibility and maximizing engagement:
- Sao Paulo, Brazil | June 6th: Connecting with students from South America.
- Singapore, Singapore | June 29th: Serving students across Southeast Asia.
- Mumbai, India | July 6th: Reaching students from Western India.
- Shanghai, China | July 13th: Engaging with students from Eastern China.
- Virtually – Forerunner Global | August 1-2, 2024: Providing a globally accessible online experience.
- Penn’s Campus – Forerunner Africa | August 22, 2024: Welcoming students specifically from the African continent.
View the Forerunner 2024 Recap Here to witness the energy and impact of these events.
A Look Back at Forerunner Events
Forerunner has consistently evolved and adapted to meet the needs of incoming international students. Here’s a brief overview of past events, highlighting the program’s growth and resilience:
Forerunner 2023: Matching the success of 2024, 2023 also saw 833 attendees and events in Sao Paulo, New Delhi, Beijing, virtually through Forerunner Global, and on Penn’s campus for Forerunner Africa. View Forerunner 2023 Recap Here.
Forerunner 2022: As in-person gatherings resumed, Forerunner held conferences in New Delhi and Dubai. View Forerunner 2022 Recap Here.
Forerunner 2021 & 2020: During the peak of COVID-19, Forerunner innovatively shifted to a virtual format with Forerunner Global, ensuring continued support for international students. View Forerunner 2021 Recap Here and Forerunner 2020 Recap Here.
Forerunner 2019-2015: From its inaugural event in Beijing in 2015 to events across China, India, and Africa in subsequent years, Forerunner has built a strong foundation of support for international students. Explore recaps from 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, and 2015.
Forerunner 2025: Looking to the Future
Building on a decade of success, Forerunner is set to continue its mission in 2025, with confirmed events already planned for Mumbai, India (June 14th) and Beijing, China (June 21st). Stay tuned for more updates and opportunities to engage with Forerunner as it continues to shape the experiences of international students at the University of Pennsylvania.
