EPPIC Individual Consultations (EICs)

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

Bring us your work!

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.

Schedule an EIC appointment here.

EPPIC Individual Consultations are offered via Zoom. After scheduling an appointment, you will receive a Zoom meeting link to connect with your consultant.

Guidelines for EIC appointments:

Students and scholars may schedule up to one 45-minute session per day.
A maximum of ten (10) sessions of individual consultations may be scheduled per person each semester.

Before your scheduled appointment, you will receive an email message with instructions on how to connect with your consultant on Zoom, and how to upload related documents or projects in advance of your appointment.

Consultant	Special Expertise	Day/Time (EST)
Bob Persiko	Academic writing, oral presentations, speaking skills	Tuesdays, 2-4 pm Wednesdays, 2-4 pm Thursdays, 3-5 pm
Maddie Diller	Speaking skills, pronunciation, oral presentations, academic writing	Mondays, 10 am -12 pm Thursdays, 10 am -12 pm
Rebecca Zoshak	Speaking skills, pronunciation, oral presentations, legal writing, job market materials	Wednesdays, 10 am-12 pm

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 receive an e-mail with directions on how you can upload specific assignments or projects to share with your consultant for review with you during the consultation.

Having trouble scheduling an EIC appointment? (e.g., none available, schedule conflicts?) Click here to let us know.

Please note:

*Consultations are not available for standardized test preparation, such as for the GRE (Graduate Record Examination) or TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language). Test preparation services are available in the State College area through the Mid-State Literacy Council.

EPPIC Individual Consultations (EICs)

Bring us your work!

Please note:

*Consultations are not available for standardized test preparation, such as for the GRE (Graduate Record Examination) or TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language). Test preparation services are available in the State College area through the Mid-State Literacy Council.

*EPPIC consultants do not provide copy-editing services. A list of local copy-editors for hire is available on the Graduate Writing Center’s website.