The goals for PEN-International are to train faculty for improving, teaching and learning, to apply innovative instructional technologies to the teaching/learning environment, to provide state-of-the-art equipment to international partners, to promote program self-sufficiency, and to expand career opportunities for deaf and hard-of-hearing students.

PEN-International's vision is to assist partner institutions in the move from importers to self-sufficiency to exporters of knowledge and skills within their respective home countries. Establishing an international network was the first step in achieving this end.