J-1 Scholars – EPPIC

The SpeakUP [speaking group] lessons gave me a new point of view to learn English. In some sense, I was taught to learn English for tests or examinations for many years. I seldom have the opportunity to focus on "real communication" and most of my energy has been spent on understanding literacy itself. I didn't know much about the meaning of "usage" in different situations and needs. Your lessons and other lessons from EPPIC let me start to know it, such as "small talk" and "extending conversation." It is not just a matter of literacy but quite communicative and interactive. I believe that this is an important aspect of so-called "authentic English."

Liling Guo, Visiting Scholar

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.

Graduate Student

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!

Sojung Jung, Graduate Student

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.

Graduate Student, WFED

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.

Graduate Student

As a regular user of EPPIC, I am familiar with almost every writing tutor. I appreciate your warm greetings and helpful suggestions every time.

Yu Sun, Graduate Student

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!

Graduate Student, CAS

EPPIC is soooo helpful!!! It benefits me a lot in terms of both writing and presentation skills. I 100% believe this [support] will substantially contribute to my future research career.

Graduate Student, Economics

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.

Ratna Aryanti Uar, Graduate Student

Are you applying for a J-1 Exchange Scholar visa?

Do you 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
Structured speaking groups (Let’s Talk and Speak UP) that offer real-world language and practice for communicating in specific contexts
One-on-one consultations with language specialists to focus on your goals and progress in academic writing, pronunciation, research presentations, and more

Conditional: Support Required 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.