Are you applying for a J-1 Exchange Scholar visa?
need to document your English language proficiency on iStart? Visit our English Proficiency Requirements page to learn how EPPIC can assist you in this process.
Are you already at Penn State as a J-1 Scholar?
We invite you to enroll in EPPIC’s programs in English for Academic Purposes (EAP) to improve your skill and confidence in advanced academic English, and to connect with scholars from a range of departments and programs at Penn State.
Through active participation in EPPIC’s programs, you can engage in meaningful communication with colleagues, increase your competencies in written and spoken English, and enrich your immersion experience at Penn State.
EPPIC invites you to register for:
- Workshops on advanced written and spoken academic English (papers, presentations, applications, interviews, pronunciation and more)
- Structured speaking groups that offer real-world language and practice for communicating in specific contexts (talking with an advisor, socializing with friends and colleagues, networking at a professional event)
- One-on-one consultations with language specialists to focus on your goals and progress in academic writing, pronunciation, research presentations, or other aspects of communication in English that are important to you
Visiting Scholars at University Park who receive a rating of 'Conditional: Support Required' on Penn State's Language Proficiency Interview (LPI) are strongly urged to enroll in EPPIC's language support programs. Improved English proficiency will allow scholars to carry out their J-1 program duties with greater success, and will ensure full compliance with U.S. Department of State requirements for language proficiency. Scholars with conditional English should register for an EPPIC Advising appointment within 10 days of arrival at Penn State, and should plan to participate in a minimum of 3 hours of EPPIC services per week throughout their J-1 program period.