Why Students Love Pennsylvania!
We love PA! But don’t just take our word for it, hear from our students why “They Love PA!”.
Pennsylvania is home to 20 Fortune 500 companies, and it has become a hotspot for tech companies and entrepreneurs. Leading industries include healthcare, education, and science and technology companies. This creates an abundance of rewarding and high-paying opportunities for internships and Optional Practical Training (OPT)!
Major cities like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh offer a true taste of American city life, while being a short drive from more rural areas. We host vast parks and mountain ranges for exploring and skiing and lakes and rivers for boating, swimming, and fishing. We are also only a few hours away from other major cities like Washington D.C. and New York City.
Pennsylvania weather is perfect for experiencing all four seasons. Summer brings warm weather for swimming and boating. Fall brings cool nights and beautiful colors. Winters are snowy, with some areas having deep snow covering the ground. In spring, flowers bloom and the grass is green and it’s time to explore our parks and trails.
There’s no shortage of affordable places to live across Pennsylvania. Many opportunities can be found in Pennsylvania’s small to mid-size cities, but even major cities such as Pittsburgh and Philadelphia offer significantly lower costs of living than other East Coast locations.
Pennsylvania’s history runs deep. Philadelphia contains Independence Hall, where both the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were written. Pittsburgh is known for its bridge designs and historic incline. In-between, there is a treasure trove of historic sites dating back to colonial times.
Pennsylvania is home to numerous forests, mountains, caverns, caves, and lakes. Including, Presque Isle State Park along Lake Erie, the flowers at Chanticleer Garden or Longwood Gardens, and Bushkill Falls. The Pennsylvania Grand Canyon, Allegheny National Forest, and Valley Forge National Historical Park are must-see places.
Pennsylvanians are known for their warmth and sense of community. The state blends traditional Amish/Mennonite cultural groups, while welcoming newcomers like refugees. Friendly smiles, diverse communities, and a reputation for safety make Pennsylvania inviting for all visitors.
When it comes to food, PA is a foodies paradise! Only here can you enjoy these famous local favorites: cheesesteaks, whoopie pies, pretzels, pierogies, shoofly pies, pot pies, and Dutch-style funnel cakes. PA is known for food companies like Hershey, Tastykakes, Primanti Brothers, and Twizzlers.
Pennsylvanians are passionate about sports. We host eight major sports franchises to cheer for in hockey, baseball, football, basketball, and soccer. We also host collegiate and minor league sports, giving you an abundance of opportunities to cheer on your favorite team.