On Jan. 30, Santander Bank announced a partnership with Penn to continue an international student and professional immersion program in America.
Banco Santander, also known as Santander, is a Spain-based banking and financial service company that offers free courses in various practical skills and fields to applicants over the age of 16 through its Open Academy program. The course is a collaboration with Penn English Language Programs, an intensive English-language curriculum for international students and professionals.
“Language immersion is the best way to boost progress when it comes to improving language training”, the Global Deputy Head of Santander Universities Rafael Hernandez said in the announcement. “And what better than doing so immersed … in a city as iconic as Philadelphia and … the University of Pennsylvania, with whom we have a very close and trusting relationship.”
The program will take place on-campus in Philadelphia from July 14 to Aug. 1, and aims to provide participants with the opportunity to learn and practice English in an immersive environment. Practical skills — including communication, teamwork, and leadership — are also listed as benefits of the course.
The course is intended for applicants aged 18 to 30 with intermediate English skills, between the B1 and C1 levels. The 90-student cohort will have their airfare, accommodation, and medical insurance costs covered. Applications close on March 10.
While at Penn, attendees will participate in activities that further and apply their English studies by immersing them in Philadelphia’s social and cultural climate. They will also learn business skills such as positive psychology, persuasive communication, and leadership. At the conclusion of the program, participants will be given a certificate of attendance and a letter of invitation from the University for the United States visa application process.
The course is a continuation of the program “USA Summer Experience — Penn”, which was previously offered from July 8 to July 28, 2024.
Director of Penn ELP Jack Sullivan noted his excitement to continue Penn’s “valued partnership with Santander Universities.”
“We share the belief that developing English communication skills can be a powerful skill for success as well as the commitment to make a global impact by providing access to transformative programs such as this,” Sullivan added.
According to Penn ELP News in 2023, Santander launched a scholarship program inspired by Penn’s career development and English-learning course. From 2020 to 2022, Santander handed out scholarships for non-native English speakers enrolled in Penn ELP courses. 2,500 scholarships were distributed in total.
Santander has contributed over 2.3 billion euros towards innovation and employability initiatives and was featured in Fortune Magazine’s Change the World list.
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