Penn Global Mosaic 

What will I get out of Penn Global Mosaic?
PGM will offer you a community of globally-minded students from all over the world, allowing you to build friendships across cultural boundaries. You will also have the mentorship of student leaders who are well-established in the Penn community. They’ll serve as both guides and resources, introducing you to global opportunities on campus, offering advice on navigating college life, and supporting you not just during the retreat, but throughout your time at Penn. By the end of the program, you’ll leave with a strong sense of belonging, a broader global perspective, and connections that continue well beyond your first weeks on campus.

How do I know if this program is for me?
If you’re curious about the world and open to learning from people with different backgrounds and perspectives, Penn Global Mosaic is for you. PGM participants come from a wide range of experiences, but they share a common openness to new ideas, meaningful conversations, and building connections across cultures. Whether you’ve traveled widely or are just beginning to explore global perspectives, this program is designed to meet you where you are.

Where will we be staying?
This year, PGM will take place at Black Rock Retreat Center, in Quarryville, PA, which is about an hour and a half away from campus. We will take a bus there early Saturday morning. When we get there, you will be assigned a room with one or two roommates, which will be a fun way to make some new friends!

What should I pack?
Since the program spans three days, we recommend bringing three days’ worth of clothes, plus two nights’ worth of sleepwear that you’d feel comfortable in. On the final day, we will be providing program t-shirts. It is important to keep in mind that a lot of our activities take place outdoors, so we recommend bringing comfortable shoes and clothes you can move around in. You’ll also want to pack travel-sized toiletries and of course, any personal medications you may need. The retreat center provides towels, but if you’d prefer to use your own, you’re more than welcome to bring one!

What does a typical day look like during the program?
The PGM weekend schedule is full but balanced. We usually start our days around 7:30am and wrap up in the evening, around 8pm or 9pm. Throughout the day, you’ll take part in a mix of unique group workshops, interactive outdoor activities, and thoughtful conversations designed to help you connect with others and explore global perspectives. There’s plenty of time built in for meals—lunch and dinner are typically around 12pm and 6pm—as well as breaks to rest, recharge, and spend time with other participants.

Regarding the program schedule or booklet, we will share it with participants only on the first day of the program.

What happens after PGM?
We’ll return to campus on Monday afternoon, just in time for Penn’s International Student Orientation and the International Welcome Picnic. After the retreat, you’ll become part of the PGM alumni network, a community you can turn to for support, advice, and connection throughout your time at Penn. There will be opportunities to reconnect with your cohort at reunion events, and you can even apply to become a PGM Student Leader in the future. PGM doesn’t just end after the retreat—it’s a community that stays with you well beyond your first week at Penn.