Speak UP: Weekly English Speaking Group

Make time to talk!  Join Speak UP!

Speak UP is a weekly speaking group that focuses on advanced, real-world language use in everyday university contexts. Lessons include cultural information, commonly used phrases, and pronunciation tips. Participants have an opportunity to engage with their new knowledge through group discussions and role-plays with international and American peers. Speak UP sessions are a great opportunity to meet new people.

This semester, the group will be meeting weekly for regular sessions for eight weeks. Each session focuses on a different aspect or context of communication that is common in university life. Sessions are led by an experienced EPPIC language specialist.

Speak UP Sessions, Fall 2026

September 28 – November 19:  Wednesdays from 4:30–6:30 p.m. in 206 Business Building

• • September 28:Talking with Anyone:  Small Talk in the United States
  • October 7: Talking with Everyone:  Conversational Everyday Phrases
  • October 14: Talking in Idioms:  Understanding Slang and Metaphors
  • October 21: Talking with/at/over:  Using Phrasal Verbs to Sound Less Formal
  • October 28: Talking with Friends:  Socializing at a Bar or Restaurant 
  • November 4: Talking about the Good and Bad:  Expressing (Dis)satisfaction
  • November 11:Talking with Advisers:  Negotiating and Being Your Own Advocate
  • November 18:Talking about Penn Staters and Americans:  Sharing Observations about
    Penn State and the United States

We look forward to talking, in and about English, with you!

Click here for a printable schedule of Speak UP sessions for fall 2026.  To register for sessions, visit the Speak UP registration page on our registration app here.