I-Planet International Center is a grassroots, all-volunteer nonprofit (501c3 EZ pending) founded in Philadelphia by three international alumni of the University of Pennsylvania’s Master of Social Work program. As former international students who navigated the emotional, cultural, and logistical challenges of life in the U.S., we created I-Planet to offer the kind of support we wish we had—free, culturally sensitive, and grounded in lived experience.

Our mission is to promote the well-being of international students, professionals, and their families through mindfulness-based, trauma-informed support. We provide holistic services, including bilingual case management, resource navigation, community events, and advocacy, creating spaces where internationals are not just surviving, but thriving.

Since launching in May 2023, we’ve reached 368 participants through 22 events and 50+ free consultations. Our programming spans two core areas: (1) professional development—including networking, job search, and visa sponsorship; and (2) emotional well-being and cultural adjustment—through community events like “Let’s Talk About Loneliness,” “Color Walk Friending,” and workshops like navigating academic norms in U.S. classrooms. Participants consistently report a reduced sense of isolation, increased confidence in navigating institutional systems, and a stronger capacity to advocate for their needs—both professionally and interpersonally. We also created a public housing list of all apartments in University City, tiered by price, to support students facing housing insecurity.

Every initiative we launch is rooted in research and community voice. We have conducted two focus groups with 15 international students and professionals from five countries, and interviewed three university staff to identify service gaps.

Just one year in, I-Planet has become a hub in Philly for cross-cultural connection and a supportive space for internationals navigating life far from home.