Foreign National Postdocs
Foreign National Postdocs make up over 60% of the Biomedical Postdoctoral community and play an important role in driving Penn's research. The office of Biomedical Postdoctoral Programs works closely with the University's International Students & Scholar Services (ISSS) office to manage all visas. Each visa holder is assigned an advisor upon arriving at Penn, and we recommend all foreign nationals contact their advisors with questions or concerns. Below are some additional resources that may be helpful for our international community.
- International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS)
- Penn Postdoctoral Association's Foreign National Committee
- English as a Second Language (ESL) Course
- Office of Postdoctoral Affairs Resources
International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS)
International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS) Website
ISSS seeks to advance global engagement by providing inclusive immigration and integration services to support international students, scholars, staff, and faculty. Each international postdoctoral trainee is assigned a visa advisor who is available to answer questions and help with navigating the visa process. The ISSS team offers supports:
- Navigating Your Journey at Penn: Find essential information and resources to help you navigate your journey as a scholar at Penn.
- Support for International Scholars: Whether you’re preparing to join us from abroad or are already in the U.S., our dedicated team is here to support you with immigration processes, integration into the Penn community, and making the most of your academic and professional opportunities.
- Services and Guidance: Explore the various services and guidance we offer to ensure a smooth and enriching experience at Penn.
Penn Postdoctoral Association's Foreign National Committee
Penn Postdoctoral Association's Foreign National Committee Website
The Penn Postdoctoral Association's Foreign National Committee (FNC) creates programming to enhance resources available to foreign national postdocs. Recent initiatives include a transition to green card workshop, a financial wellness seminar for international scholars, and a buddy program to help link postdocs with others coming from their home countries. The committee regularly host holiday socials, game nights and potlucks. They also work to advocate for university policy changes and resources to support foreign national postdocs in collaboration with International Student and Scholar Services.
English as a Second Language (ESL) Course
English as a Second Language (ESL) Course Website
Instructed by Language ConnectED, Strategically Speaking: Building Fluency for Confident Communication is an intensive 4 -week course designed to address the unique needs of BPP postdocs who are non-native speakers of English. The ability for postdocs to successfully communicate research in podium presentations, meetings, one-on-one interactions as well as in lab are essential for professional advancement. This course is specifically designed and tailored to address oral communication for the science setting. This is not a basic ESL pronunciation course. Pronunciation will be addressed, but it is not the main component. Participants will be expected to be highly engaged in oral communication, including giving mini presentations. This is not a course on slide design; however, feedback for improvement will be given.
Office of Postdoctoral Affairs Resources
Office of Postdoctoral Affairs Resources Website
Answers to additional frequently asked questions regarding foreign national postdocs.