As an international student, EPPIC workshops were really helpful in my first year. Through them, I was able to understand how communication in American culture works. I also learned tools that helped me improve my oral and written communications skills.
The workshop leader gave a lot of examples and good tips.
Every time after an EPPIC workshop, my confidence speaking in class, and with my advisor or peers, increased a lot. The effects have been evident. Thanks!
I always recommend these workshops to other foreign students. The workshops are a great opportunity to become better acquainted with the language and culture, and also recognize your own speech and language weaknesses and ways to improve them. I truly appreciate the EPPIC instructors' warmth and willingness to help.
EPPIC workshops are very good. They help specific aspects of my English skills. I look forward to attending more next semester.
I really enjoyed the workshops on pronunciation. They helped me identify my weak points and made me more confident in my speech. Thanks!
I can always select the workshop I need most. I would recommend to graduate students to attend these workshops.
Intonation and rhythm in English. No one told me about these before!
EPPIC helped me in improving my presentation skills.
Without EPPIC, my job search and paper writing felt impossible.
EPPIC events are an effective way to make friends and familiarize oneself with the new culture and norms while learning more about English.
EPPIC provides valuable support for my writing projects in so many aspects (e.g, brainstorming, outlining, organizing, revising). It not only helps me improve my writing, but also empowers me to develop skill and confidence in writing.
I prepared a conference presentation with EPPIC. Bob is so friendly in teaching exact pronunciation and intonation. It was so helpful and I did a great job in my presentation!
Let's Talk [speaking group] helps me better adapt to life in State College. It provides expressions for effective communication in the everyday scenarios that we may encounter. For example, the instructor added an informative session for coping with COVID-19 when we are in the midst of the pandemic. In addition, the classes are facilitated in an interactive manner, so that we are able to practice the learned phrases with partners, gain confidence in speaking English, and even develop cross-disciplinary networks.
I have received great help from the EICs [individual consultations] provided by Jacob. During the semester, I brought various tasks to him including assignments, presentation slides, my professional CV, research articles, and whatever utilized English for academic purposes. He has been always patient and supportive with my problems in writing, speaking, and presentations. I especially received great support from him while I was preparing for my qualifying exam. As a novice scholar in the very first year of studying in the US, I feel that EPPIC helps me along the way of my professional growth.
As a regular user of EPPIC, I am familiar with almost every writing tutor. I appreciate your warm greetings and helpful suggestions every time.
EPPIC has greatly helped me. I loved consultation services for both writing and presentations. I have recommended EPPIC to many of my friends. Thank you!
EPPIC is soooo helpful!!! It benefits me a lot in terms of both writing and presentation skills. I believe 100% that this [support] will substantially contribute to my future research career.
EPPIC has been a place where I can experience a different atmosphere than that of daily classes. Having been equipped with skills and knowledge that most international students need, I'm so positive that EPPIC's program will eventually lead students to easily get adjusted to the Penn State community.
Are you writing an academic paper? Preparing for a job interview in English? Seeking practice and feedback on an oral presentation?
EPPIC offers individual consultations (EICs) for international multilingual students, scholars and post-docs to support their growth and confidence in advanced academic and professional English!
All projects, questions, and language learning goals are welcome!
Would you like to meet with a consultant via Zoom? Schedule an on-line EIC appointment by visiting this booking page.
Would you prefer to meet with a consultant in person at the Search Bar in the Pattee-Paterno Library? Schedule an in-person EIC appointment by visiting this booking page.
Guidelines for EIC appointments:
Before your scheduled appointment, you will receive an email message with instructions on how to connect with your consultant on Zoom (or in person).
To maximize the value of your consultation, we ask that you come prepared with specific written or speaking assignments, projects, and/or goals. Before your appointment, you will be given directions on how to share assignments or projects with your consultant for review and discussion during the consultation.
Fall 2024 – Schedule for Individual Consultations
Schedule an on-line EIC appointment by visiting this booking page.
Schedule an in-person EIC appointment by visiting this booking page.
Consultant | Special Expertise | Day/Time (EST) |
Bob Persiko | Academic writing, oral presentations, speaking skills | Tuesdays: 2:00–4:00 p.m.
Wednesdays: 2:00–4:00 p.m. Thursdays: 2:00–4:00 p.m. |
Pedro Bastos | Academic writing, academic presentations, speaking skills, teaching in the U.S. |
Tuesdays: 3:00–5:00 p.m.
Wednesdays: 1:00–5:00 p.m.
Thursdays: 3:00–5:00 p.m.
(in-person appointments) |
Merve Özçelik | Academic reading and writing, genre-specific writing (abstract, research proposal, literature review, etc.) | Thursdays: 2:00–5:00 p.m. |
Bec Zoshak | Make-up workshops, pronunciation, oral presentations, legal writing, job market materials | By appointment: Email bec@psu.edu to schedule |
Madelyn Diller | Academic writing, writing and oral presentation skills in Economics, conference proposals and presentations, dissertation development | By appointment |
Having trouble finding an open EIC appointment? (e.g., none available, schedule conflicts?) Click here to let us know.