Resources for International Students
from Penn vs. International Students
- Useful non-Penn-affiliated websites:
- Job and Internship Search
- Interstride: useful blogs on CPT and OPT, trustworthy information on work authorizations.
- Free American English Pronunciation Resources
- Baruch College: used in the Penn English Language Learning Programs. Exercises on clear speech.
- Purdue University: compendium of resources around American English and pronunciation practice.
- Common Bureaucracy
- Social Security: explains the process to obtain your Social Security number to work in the U.S
- Pennsylvania ID card
- Opening a Bank Account
- Job and Internship Search
- Penn-affiliated resources that are actually good:
- Penn Department Specific.
- Financial Wellness: Credit Score for International Students
- Career Services: Resources for International Students
- Penn Department Specific.
- ISAB, an ISSS-affiliated student group, has created some guides through the years tailored to Penn students.
What You Can Do to Support Immigrants:
from ICE Out of Philly
- If you see an ICE raid occurring, call these two hotlines to report it: 267-333-9530 (English/Spanish) & 267-345-5248 (English/Indonesian). The New Sanctuary Moment of Philadelphia will send an emergency alert to all trained members of Sanctuary in the Streets and activate their raid response system.
- If you are a U.S. citizen, and feel safe doing so, record ICE encounters, but do NOT interfere.
- Research local organizations and volunteer to support affected families.
- Attend educational events for yourself and loved ones. Penn for Immigrant Rights (PIR) holds “Know Your Rights” workshops all-year round.
- Raise awareness about Red Cards: cards that state individuals’ constitutional rights, regardless of immigration status.
- Advocate for DACA and undocumented student representation outside of International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS)
- Do NOT post unverified information on social media
Penn Disorientation Guide 