International Student Welcome (ISW)

Welcome to Penn State!

There are two programs required for new incoming international students attending Penn State’s University Park campus: 

Penn State Global Gateway

These sessions provide information on immigration, campus safety, tuition and financial matters, health insurance, student life, and other topics. Global Gateway sessions are offered in-country for students living in some countries (India, China, South Korea, Malaysia) and virtually for all students.  

In-person locations and dates: 

  • Mumbai: May 17 

  • New Delhi: May 18 

  • Seoul: May 31 

  • Beijing: June 7 

  • Shanghai: June 8 

  • Kuala Lumpur: June 28

Students from these countries will receive an email invitation to attend these in-person sessions. 

Virtual dates: 

  • May 22, 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM Eastern US time 

  • June 18, 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM Eastern US time 

  • July 17, 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM Eastern US time 

Students can register for a virtual Global Gateway session here: Global Gateway Virtual registration form 

International Student Welcome

This in-person, on-campus program introduces you to University Park campus resources and the Penn State student experience and gives you an opportunity to connect with other international students. 

Undergraduate students starting in the Summer 2025 semester will attend ISW on Tuesday, July 1. Check-in begins at 12:00 PM. Summer-arriving students will receive a series of emails with more details about ISW. You can register for your ISW through your NSO Tasklist or by using the link at the bottom of this page. 

Undergraduate students starting in the Fall 2025 semester will attend ISW on Thursday, August 21 as part of their New Student Orientation (NSO 12 or NSO 14). Fall-arriving students will receive a series of emails with more details about ISW. You will schedule your NSO as part of your NSO Tasklist. You can register for your ISW through your NSO Tasklist or by using the link at the bottom of this page. 

Graduate students starting in the Summer 2025 semester will attend ISW on Tuesday, July 1. Check-in begins at 12:00 PM. Summer-arriving students will receive a series of emails with more details about ISW. You can register for your ISW by using the link at the bottom of this page. 

Graduate students starting in the Fall 2025 semester will attend ISW on Friday, August 22. Fall-arriving students will receive a series of emails with more details about ISW. You can register for your ISW by using the link at the bottom of this page. 

If you are a University Park undergraduate or graduate student arriving for the Summer 2025 semester, please register for ISW here: Summer 2025 International Student Welcome registration form 

If you are a University Park undergraduate or graduate student arriving for the Fall 2025 semester, please register for ISW here: Fall 2025 International Student Welcome registration form 

Please note that there might be additional orientation programming required by your academic program or other groups. ​ 

Please read the Immigration and Orientation Frequently Asked Questions and visit the pages below for specific information about International Student Welcome for University Park campus students.  

If you are attending another (non-University Park) Penn State campus, please contact your global engagement coordinator for more information about your on-campus arrival.