For almost a decade, the Forerunner program, an initiative of Penn Global International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS), has been a cornerstone in welcoming new international students to the University of Pennsylvania. Established in 2015, Forerunner provides a unique and impactful pre-arrival experience, connecting incoming students with the Penn community even before they set foot on campus.
Forerunner Program Welcomes International Students to Penn
Understanding the Forerunner Initiative
Forerunner is more than just an orientation; it’s a comprehensive program designed to foster a sense of belonging and prepare international students for their academic and social life at Penn. It brings together a diverse network of Penn stakeholders, including current students, alumni, faculty, and administrators, to engage with and support new members of Penn’s global community.
A Decade of Impact: Over the past ten years, Forerunner has profoundly impacted more than 1,500 international students and their parents from across the globe. The program is carefully crafted to enhance feelings of connection, ease the adjustment to a new environment, and cultivate leadership skills from the outset of their Penn journey. Participants consistently report feeling more prepared and confident as they begin their studies.
Forerunner Student Leadership: A testament to its effectiveness, many Forerunner participants become active contributors themselves, joining the Forerunner Student Leadership team. These student leaders play a vital role in welcoming and guiding subsequent cohorts of international students, creating a cycle of peer support and mentorship.
Global Footprint: Since its inception in 2015, Forerunner has extended its reach across continents, serving as a crucial bridge to Penn life for students from diverse regions. Events have been hosted in China (Beijing and Shanghai), India (New Delhi and Mumbai), Southeast Asia (Singapore), South America (Sao Paulo, Brazil), Africa (on Penn’s campus), and the Middle East/North African region (Dubai, United Arab Emirates), as well as online for students worldwide.
Forerunner 2024: A Year of Significant Engagement
2024 marked a year of record engagement for Forerunner, demonstrating its growing importance and appeal to incoming international students. The program achieved its highest ever attendance, welcoming 833 new students and their parents. Forerunner 2024 events were held in multiple locations, ensuring accessibility and relevance for students from various parts of the world:
- Sao Paulo, Brazil | June 6th
- Singapore, Singapore | June 29th
- Mumbai, India | July 6th
- Shanghai, China | July 13th
- Virtually – Forerunner Global | August 1-2, 2024
- Penn’s Campus – Forerunner Africa | August 22, 2024
View the Forerunner 2024 Recap Video to see highlights from these events and hear directly from participants about their experiences.
Looking Back at Forerunner’s Rich History
Forerunner’s commitment to international student support is evident in its consistent presence and adaptation over the years. Even through global challenges, the program has continued to evolve and serve its community effectively. Past Forerunner events include:
Forerunner 2023: Continued strong engagement with events in Sao Paulo, New Delhi, Beijing, a Virtual Global event, and Forerunner Africa on Penn’s Campus. View the 2023 Recap.
Forerunner 2022: Re-established in-person events in New Delhi and Dubai as travel restrictions eased. Relive Forerunner 2022.
Forerunner 2021 & 2020: Successfully transitioned to virtual formats with Forerunner Global during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring continued support for incoming students. Explore Forerunner 2021 and Forerunner 2020.
From its inaugural event in Beijing in 2015 to the expansive program of 2024, Forerunner has consistently demonstrated its dedication to creating a welcoming and supportive environment for international students at the University of Pennsylvania. As Forerunner looks towards the future, including upcoming events like Forerunner 2025 in Mumbai and Beijing, its legacy of connection and preparation continues to be a vital part of the Penn international student experience.
