| When Cigdem Ogutveren moved to Philadelphia from
her native Turkey, she wasn’t quite sure what
to expect. Would Philadelphia be student-friendly?
Are its residents welcoming to international visitors?
Would the city be cosmopolitan enough for this well-traveled
MBA student?
The answers to her questions, in short, were
YES!
A melting-pot metropolis, Philly is a microcosm
of the entire world. Like Cigdem, you’re
sure to find others who share your background
and interests.
Philadelphia remains one of America’s most
popular academic centers for international students.
More than 11,000 are enrolled in the city alone
with thousands more studying elsewhere in Pennsylvania.
All of the region’s major colleges and universities
have international student offices with cross-culturally
trained staff to help you get settled.
 For
many, Philly’s famous International House
has become
an unofficial gathering spot. Located in University
City, this
14-story comfort zone welcomes more than 11,000
graduate and undergraduate students and professional
trainees annually as residents. Throughout the
year, it also hosts special educational, cultural
and social activities.
If you’re hungry for some comfort food
from home, you can be sure you’ll find a
restaurant that serves it—they may even
deliver! Miss seeing your favorite movie heartthrobs
at the theater? They’ll likely make an appearance
at the acclaimed Philadelphia Film Festival (in
April every year). The city's wide variety of
world music and international arts and culture
offerings will make you feel like you’ve
never left home.
Philadelphia also offers what few other cities
— and no classroom — can. The region’s
large, ethnically diverse population reflects
a multitude of peoples and cultures. Throughout
the year there are dozens of international festivals
including the Odunde African American New Year
Festival, the Festival of India and the Puerto
Rican Day Parade.
 Leading
area companies are eager to hire students who
have the ability to communicate with a wide mix
of people and cultures. As a result, the city
of Philadelphia offers an impressive array of
resume-building internship opportunities and paid
co-op programs that will complement your academic
studies.
Remember Cigdem Ogutveren, who’s studying
for her MBA in Philly? After nearly a year here,
she’s happy about her decision to come.
She hasn’t had a problem with culture shock
or run out of things to see or do. Cigdem has
also found that, more than in other places, “the
attitude toward international students is very
friendly in Philadelphia.” Come see for
yourself. Philly may be just the place for you,
too!
Authored by Monica Anke Hahn-Koenig
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