By June Lee, Bryn Mawr College

Unlike New York City and Washington, DC, Philadelphia really is one big campus. With over 80 colleges and universities and 12,500 international students from all over the world studying here, there is great interaction between students. As a student at Bryn Mawr College, I have taken classes at Haverford College, a top-notch liberal arts college, and at University of Pennsylvania, a member of the Ivy League. Other schools have offered me lectures and shows hosted by their student organizations.

Philadelphia is full of exciting opportunities! Most recently, my friends and I went to the Spice Girls concert at the Wachovia Center and watched Ave Q, the Broadway Show, at the Walnut Theater. Soon-ja Yang, a grad student at the University of Pennsylvania told me, “Philadelphia offers so many options for theater goers. I love attending productions organized by local theater companies such as at the Merriam Theatre, the Philadelphia Theatre Company, and The Annenberg Center at Penn.” One of my top personal favorites is attending the annual Philadelphia Flower Show (the world’s largest) in March, which gets me ready for the beautiful Philadelphia spring season.

Namita Johri from India adds, “Every time I leave the Bryn Mawr campus and go into Philadelphia, I come across a new part of the city that I haven’t been to before!”

Another great reason to live in Philadelphia is the food. Of course, Philadelphia is famous for its cheese steaks, but there are lots of ethnic restaurants in your price range. I love eating downtown, or in Old City, and Sunday morning dim sums in Chinatown are fantastic! Whenever I miss food from home, I go to the Korean restaurant on 13th and Walnut Street. And, if you want to learn more about other cultures don’t miss the holiday ceremonies such as Lunar New Year and Full Moon Festival in Chinatown. Yaena Park from South Korea says, “Philadelphia seems pretty small at first, but it has a wealth of surprises. It is a very historical city, but at the same time is it full of hip and diverse cultures.”

Philadelphia is an ideal place to look for internship and job opportunities. I have volunteered in Chinatown and interned with a small asset management firm in Center City where I worked very closely with a portfolio manager to analyze the performance of the fund managers. These experiences will serve as a steppingstone for my future career. Philadelphia has strong representations in technology, healthcare, medicine, and small start-up firms where you can take responsibility and learn from experience. More firms are decentral-izing, and locating in Philadelphia is one of their top choices!

Philadelphia is very affordable. According to the American Chamber of Commerce Research Association, the cost of
living is significantly lower in the Greater Philadelphia region than in New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Washington, DC, and Boston. This attracts many college students.

Philadelphia is close to several major East Coast cities. As an international student, I wanted to have easy access to different places. Philadelphia is only a few hours away from New York City and Washington D.C. There is a great public transportation system encompassing regional rails, an extensive local subway system called SEPTA, and Amtrak trains to take you anywhere. Anima Singh from Swarth-more adds, “Having the Philadelphia International Airport only a train ride away is extremely convenient. I am able to fly back to Nepal to see my family!”

Home away from home. Philadelphia has strong support systems for its international students. Philadelphia’s International House offers 400 students and interns from over 65 countries a place to live right in University City. IHouse welcomes newcomers to the Philadelphia community offering them monthly language programs, lecture series, and social gatherings!

Philadelphia is an energetic city full of opportunities for college students. You will always find something to do even in the midst of your classes and work. I chose Philly, and I hope
you will too.