Author: Hoopes Wampler
There are over 25,000 Penn alumni living outside the United States. While that is only roughly 8% of the total Penn alumni population, these numbers are significant and represent a growing trend for Penn.
Tiananmen Gate, Forbidden City, Beijing
As head of Alumni Relations, I spend a fair amount of time “on the road” (or I really should say “in the air”) traveling to meet, support, inform and engage our alumni around the world.
The London Eye
Our international alumni have become key ambassadors in promoting the Penn brand abroad – and they do great work! Penn is now truly a global institution and our alumni infuse Penn into their communities every day through a series of club events, student admissions interviews, professional networking seminars, and Penn celebrations and conversations. With all deference given to Jacques Brel, Penn truly is alive and well – and living in Paris – amongst other places.
l' Opéra, Paris
I am especially looking forward to our return trip to Asia this May with visits to Korea, Taiwan and Singapore (remember your ABP – Always Be Promoting). My visit this year represents a return trip to these great places, and I am looking forward to being immersed in these amazing international alumni communities once again.
Taipei 101, Taiwan
What I find most intriguing about international travel is the importance of learning about and working with the customs and cultures of each country. There is much to learn and each trip represents an opportunity to become more skilled at operating in the international environment. Even things like how to present and receive business cards are important practices and signs of respect in Asia. First impressions are important and you have to work hard to get it right.
The Great Wall
The easy part about international travel is receiving all the greetings and Penn passion from our alumni once we arrive. There is so much Penn energy in the world and alumni are incredibly proud of their Penn degrees. So I’ll go “up in the air” for Penn any day…
British Museum, London
Although, and for those who have seen the George Clooney movie of the same name, I am always thankful to arrive back home in Philadelphia and return to our beautiful campus. Home is where the heart is and even when my heart is on the road – it’s always at Penn.
College Green, Penn
Frankly Penn 
This blog post reminds me that so many Penn alumni I talk to tell me that Penn is and will always be a second home to them! Nice!