Global Immersion Programs

  • A small group of wildebeests grazing in a grassy savannah landscape.
  • A group of people seated around a conference table in a modern meeting room, attentively listening to a presentation on a large screen displaying a diagram and text.
  • A small group of people is gathered in a restaurant setting. One person smiles while preparing a salad, and another person joyfully gestures. The atmosphere appears relaxed and friendly.
  • An assortment of Korean dishes on a table, featuring bowls of vegetables, kimchi, rice, and a tea set, arranged around a central woven basket.
  • A small group of people at a fish market. One person is holding large sea creatures with a surprised expression while another, wearing a yellow apron and gloves, looks on. Various stalls and signs are visible in the background.
  • People in a lively fish market interacting playfully with seafood. Stalls with various fish and equipment are visible in the background.
  • A group of people are smiling and posing on a waterfront balcony with a city skyline and sunset in the background.
  • A small group of people stand on either side of a marked line that represents the border between North Korea and South Korea in the DMZ. They are smiling and shaking hands.
  • Entrance to the DMZ's Third Tunnel, marked by a sign and footprints painted on the ground reading "South Korea," with a yellow line dividing the area.
  • A group of people wearing colorful traditional Korean hanboks stand together, smiling, with an ornate cultural building in the background.
  • A large group of people wearing colorful traditional Korean hanbok poses in front of a historic Korean building, with mountains visible in the background.
  • A large group poses for a photo in front of traditional Korean buildings with tiled roofs, during a sunny day.
  • A bustling street market scene with several people walking. Brightly colored vendor stalls under red and yellow umbrellas line the street, surrounded by modern buildings.
  • A large group of people posing in front of a monument featuring sculptures of soldiers in action. The structure is modern with angular and column elements.
  • A group of people wearing yellow hard hats and winter clothing listen to a person in a green jacket, standing in a construction or industrial area.
  • A group of people smiling, each wearing a colorful head covering, standing in front of a large water body and an ornate building in the background.
  • A large group of people posing for a photo in front of the Taj Mahal, surrounded by greenery and a cloudy sky.
  • A person kneels to hand a bouquet of red roses to a child in a pink jacket, surrounded by a small group of smiling onlookers outdoors.
  • A group of people is gathered in a kitchen or culinary setting, participating in a cooking or tasting class led by a person in a chef's outfit. Countertops have various items such as bottles and glasses.
  • A small group of people stand around a large floor map in an indoor setting with a high ceiling and brick walls. Some hold red bags.
  • A group of people wearing safety goggles and protective lab coats, standing together in a room, possibly a laboratory or cleanroom setting.
  • A group discussion or presentation taking place in an office setting. Two people are seated at the front, engaged in a conversation, facing attendees who are seated at tables.

The Global Immersion Programs (GIPs) are 0.5 CU Pass/Fail-only elective courses designed to give students a high-level survey of the economic, cultural and geo-political drivers behind regions integral to the global economy.

GIP participants must be able to commit to and attend all six weekly on-campus academic lectures on the University of Pennsylvania campus as well as the entire travel component.

Apply for GIPs
Dates and Deadlines
Financial Policy

The GIP aims to:

  • Deepen understanding of a region’s business, cultural, and political landscape;
  • Develop firsthand insights into local business practices through direct interaction with industry leaders and company executives;
  • Explore diverse economic models as benchmarks for global business strategy;
  • Immerse students in the local culture and cultivate intercultural awareness and competence.

2025-2026 GIP Locations

Please stay tuned. We expect to publish all 2025-2026 GIP locations in the summer.

GIP Structure

On-Campus Sessions

Each GIP includes six class sessions held during the academic quarter preceding travel. These sessions are led by the faculty director and guest lecturers, and are designed to equip students with essential context on the historical, cultural, political, social, and economic dynamics of the destination region.

In addition to academic content, sessions will also cover travel logistics and expectations, including group travel coordination, health and safety considerations, and GIP policies. Students will receive guidance on local business etiquette, cultural norms, and basic language skills from the program’s planning team to help them navigate the in-country experience effectively.

International Travel

Following the on-campus sessions and the conclusion of the academic quarter, students will embark on a 7- to 11-day immersive experience in the designated GIP country or region. The journey typically begins with a guided historical tour led by local experts, providing essential context and grounding.

The core of the immersion includes site visits to companies, production facilities, factories, government institutions, and other key organizations. These visits often feature executive-level briefings and offer rare access to senior industry leaders. Through these engagements, students gain firsthand insight into regional business practices, operational strategies, and the unique challenges faced by enterprises in the area.

In addition, a variety of cultural experiences are integrated throughout the itinerary, enriching students’ understanding of the region beyond the business lens

Assignments & Deliverables

Company Profile: Student teams will research and prepare a company profile for one of the scheduled site visits. These profiles will offer valuable background information on the selected organizations, highlighting key industry trends and current challenges. Completed profiles will be compiled into a comprehensive travel brochure, which will serve as a reference for all participants during the trip. Each team will also present their company profile to the class during the study-tour.

Final Assignment: The course will conclude with a group presentation or video project centered on a theme or issue explored during the GIP experience. This final deliverable—developed in collaboration with the Faculty Director—will synthesize insights gained throughout the program and encourage critical reflection on regional business dynamics.

Learn More & Questions

For more information, please visit GIP Brochures on the Wharton Global Experiences Registration Portal.

If you have more questions, please contact Alyssa Swanson, Senior Associate Director, at aswanson@wharton.upenn.edu.