“We are here for international students every step of the way,” Altamirano says. He says Penn’s ISSS program is dedicated to celebrating and including the diverse international community by developing programming and initiatives that enhance cross-cultural connections and reduce cultural gaps, increasing access of campus resources and opportunities for international students, bringing to the forefront the strengths of a diverse international student and scholar population, and building intercultural initiatives that grow Penn as an inclusive community. The richness of experiences in my new environment shaped and molded me not just as an international student but as part of the bigger academic environment.” The relationships and friendships that I formed strengthened me as an intercultural being. “The exchange of knowledge and culture shaped my growth as a person. “It was a rigorous experience trying to balance the life of a student in a foreign country and adjusting to the parts of its culture which cannot be captured in typical classroom settings,” he says.

His experience continues to inform his approach to welcoming and integrating international students on campus. from the Philippines in 1983 to pursue his graduate degree, Altamirano became immersed firsthand in the challenges and benefits of being an international student. Rodolfo “Rudie” Altamirano is the executive director of International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS) and Immigration Services and Integration Programs.Īltamirano calls himself “a living example” of how the integration of international students on United States college campuses is significant. From help with financial matters, academic life and housing to health care and immigration questions and resources for families, ISSS is the main stop for international students coming to Penn. Nearly 7,000 international students from more than 130 countries enrolled at Penn for the 2022-23 academic year, and ISSS is committed to making sure each of them has a smooth transition to campus.

students.”Īfter a slight downturn during the pandemic, the numbers of international students have more than rebounded. This further enriches campus learning for both international and U.S. “This is the main reason why Penn Global and ISSS are highly committed to the successful integration of international students.

“International students promote rich and diverse learning experiences for the entire campus community,” says Rodolfo “Rudie” Altamirano, executive director of International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS) and Immigration Services and Integration Programs. Bringing the world to Penn and Penn to the world has been the mission of Penn Global since its establishment more than 10 years ago, and a key and meaningful way that happens each year is with the presence of international students on campus.

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