Transitioning to Wharton as an Exchange Student

A successful exchange experience begins before you arrive on campus. Beyond completing required tasks, this is an opportunity to clarify your goals, prepare for a new academic environment, and begin building the relationships that will shape your semester. This hub provides guidance, resources, and key actions to help you transition smoothly to Wharton, connect with the community, and make the most of your time in Philadelphia.

Positioning  |  Actions  |  Resources  |  Key Advice  |  Contacts

Positioning

Getting to Wharton

  • What are the most important administrative and logistical tasks to complete before I leave?
  • What should be on my pre-departure checklist?
  • What are my must-haves to quickly feel at home after arriving in a new city?
  • How can I start building my Wharton network before arriving on campus?

Academics

  • What do I want to accomplish academically while at Wharton?
  • What specific courses do I want to take?  With a specific professor or a specific subject?
  • How does course registration work differently from my home institution?
  • How will I balance coursework alongside other priorities (e.g., travel, recruiting)?

Student Life

  • What communities do I want to join while at Wharton?
  • How can I maximize my limited time on campus?
  • Which experiences will help me build lasting relationships?

Actions

Getting to Wharton

  • Activate your PennKey and Wharton Account.
  • Apply for your I-20 and complete any required immigration and visa documentation.
  • Review the Exchange Onboarding Canvas site to complete pre-arrival requirements and important onboarding tasks.
  • Secure off-campus housing and explore transportation options in Philadelphia.
  • Participate in all virtual pre-arrival exchange sessions and attend Exchange Student Orientation on the first day of classes.

Academics

  • Understand home institution and Wharton course requirements.
  • Attend the virtual Course Match Training and familiarize yourself with the platform.
  • Explore course offerings and input preferences to Course Match.
  • Review academic policies and grading expectations.
  • Familiarize yourself with Canvas and course materials.

Student Life

  • Explore the Office of Student Life Website and Campus Groups prior to arriving to Wharton.
  • Consider which Clubs best align with your personal and professional interests.
  • Mark key dates and events that are of interest on your calendar.
  • Connect with your exchange cohort and Wharton classmates.

Key Advice

Getting to Wharton

  • Start Earlier Than You Think: Visa processing, housing searches, and travel arrangements often take longer than expected. Completing tasks early reduces stress later.
  • Learn the Systems Before Arrival: Spend time exploring MyWharton, Course Match, Canvas, and Campus Groups. A little preparation goes a long way during your first week.
  • Say Yes During Your First Month: Orientation events, club activities, and social gatherings are often where exchange students build their strongest friendships and networks.

Academics

  • Understand the Course Match Platform: Be thoughtful in identifying your course preferences and ensure to have several backups as well as an understanding of the course registration timeline and process.
  • Experience the Wharton Classroom: Take advantage of courses that may not be available at your home institution and learn from faculty who are leaders in their fields.
  • Balance Breadth and Depth: It’s tempting to do everything. Build a schedule that allows you to excel academically while still participating in the broader Wharton experience.

Student Life

  • Your Time Will Move Fast: The exchange experience often feels shorter than expected. Be intentional about which experiences are important to you and building relationships from day one.
  • Go Beyond the Classroom: Many of the most memorable parts of an exchange happen through clubs, student leadership, travel, and informal gatherings.
  • Build a Global Network: You’ll be surrounded by classmates from around the world. Invest in those relationships—they often become one of the most valuable outcomes of the exchange experience.