Semester 1: Late August to Mid December
Semester 2: Early January to Mid May

English.

Undergraduate Schools:

	College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) School of Engineering and Applied Science (SEAS) School of Nursing The Wharton School

Graduate Schools:

	Annenberg School for Communication Graduate School of Arts & Sciences Graduate School of Education Law School School of Dental Medicine School of Design (formerly the Graduate School of Fine Arts) School of Engineering and Applied Science School of Medicine School of Nursing School of Social Policy & Practice School of Veterinary Medicine The Wharton School

 

Exchange students studying at the University of Pennsylvania are expected to enroll in at least four undergraduate courses in the school to which they have been admitted (College of Arts and Science or the School of Engineering and Applied Science). Most courses are open and available to exchange students though some may require prerequisites prior to enrollment.

Exchange students may have an opportunity to take one or two courses at the Wharton School of Business if space in the course is available. The University of Pennsylvania cannot guarantee access to courses in the Wharton School of Business to NUS exchange students.  It is highly unlikely that students would be able to take finance courses and exchange students are not permitted to enroll in MBA courses.

Exchange students may have an opportunity to take one or two courses at the Graduate School of Education if space in the course is available but please not that priority is given to graduate students. Exchange students will not be able to take teaching courses.

Please refer to the Other Links section for relevant links to course information.  

Please check with SEP Administrator in the Dean’s Office for actual dates.

On-campus Housing:

On-campus housing offers a furnished residence close to campus in a reasonably secure environment. People new to Philadelphia and attending the University for a short period of time often prefer to live in University housing for safety reasons and the opportunity to meet other engaging students. All rooms and apartments are furnished, but you will have to provide sheets and towels and necessary utensils should you have a kitchen. Choices of room type include single, double and triple rooms, as well as one to four bedroom apartments.  

Please be aware that on-campus housing is limited, and first choices are not always available. 

Off-campus Housing:

Within the University City area, housing varies greatly in price, convenience, location, condition and type of accommodation. In selecting off-campus housing, you must consider all these factors, and you must be certain that you select secure housing.

Prices in the Center City areas are higher than the above figures. For realistic budget planning, consider mid-range and up. 

Penn’s Office of Off-Campus Living (OCL) can assist with your housing search and explain your rights and responsibilities as a tenant. Detailed information is available about where students live, prices per unit type and area, when to start your search and how to begin the process.

Successful applicants would have to complete the online Application for DS-2019 as soon as possible. Completion of this application is required to prepare the entry document, the DS-2019, which is the visa eligibility document to be submitted to the US embassy to obtain the J-1 student visa. Please note that the DS-2019 cannot be mailed to until the downloadable cover sheet is faxed to Penn Abroad along with the necessary financial documentation. Please be aware that there is a $100 fee to apply for the visa. Details on how to pay this fee will be provided when the DS-2019 is received.

Also, expect to receive a mailing with the DS-2019 and instructions on how to obtain a visa within four weeks of submitting the application and the appropriate financial documents. If there are any questions, please contact the Overseas Program Manager that signed the letter of admission.

All students are required to have health insurance coverage and must sign up for the Penn Student Insurance Plan unless they have acceptable alternative coverage. Most international students at Penn are required to enroll in the student insurance program sponsored by the University.

The student insurance plan covers services such as diagnostic, laboratory and x-ray services, medical emergencies, surgery and hospitalization fees, mental health treatment, maternity service, and referrals to specialists. The insurance does not cover routine dental care or eyeglasses.  Separate dental insurance may be purchased at a yearly cost of approximately $100. Specific information on insurance can be obtained at http://www.upenn.edu/shs/shi.html.

Please refer to the Other Links Section for the relevant links to the university’s insurance policies.  

Breakdown of Costs	USD $
Accommodation	970
Food	350
Transport	50
Insurance	275
Others (Entertainment, clothes)	420
Monthly Estimate	2,065

Please refer to the Other Links Section for the relevant links to the estimated costs of living.

Universal Currency Converter:

	http://www.xe.com/ucc/

Accommodation:

	http://www.business-services.upenn.edu/housing/

Cost of Living:

	http://www.gse.upenn.edu/students/estimated_living_expenses

Course Information:

	http://www.upenn.edu/programs/undergraduate.php