English Programs for Internationals

The intensive English curriculum of English Programs for Internationals (EPI) combines high-quality instruction with friendly, personalized service. EPI is designed to help international students feel comfortable in their new environment and succeed in U.S. universities and in their careers. EPI provides an intensive English program which offers six proficiency levels of instruction. EPI is designed for foreign students who want to improve their English language skills before entering a college or university in the United States. In addition, those who need English skills for professional reasons will find EPI equally appropriate.

EPI offers five 9-week terms per year beginning in January, March, May, August and October. Classes are held Monday through Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:10 p.m. and Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 12:10 p.m. There are three classes each day: Grammar/Writing, Reading/Vocabulary, and Speaking/Listening. All students receive at least 20 hours of supervised English instruction per week. Class size averages 12 to 15 students of similar English proficiency. EPI offers 6 proficiency levels.

Students have additional classes (i.e., TOEFL preparation, GRE preparation) which meet after 3:30 p.m. Students are placed in their classes based on the results of tests given at the beginning of each term. In addition to scheduled classes, students have access to the student reading library and the computer labs during the week. All students have an e-mail account and access to the Internet. Because classes are held on campus, EPI students are able to interact with American students and to learn about student life.

EPI involves students in informal activities for learning English outside of the regular class sessions -- trips, cultural events, international coffee hours, conversation partners, receptions with the governor of South Carolina and the president of USC, and visits to public schools. Most activities are free of charge.

University of South Carolina

USC, founded in 1801, is located on a beautifully landscaped campus in the center of downtown Columbia. There are more than 27,000 students enrolled in undergraduate and graduate programs. USC's International MBA program has been ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the best international business program in the country for six consecutive years. USC offers many other nationally recognized programs, including the English Programs for Internationals which has an international reputation for excellence, and is nationally accredited (2004-2014) by the Commission on English Language Accreditation (CEA), which is recognized by the US Secretary of Education.

Columbia

The state capital and a growing city with about 500,000 people living in the metropolitan area, Columbia is a friendly, safe city that welcomes international students with Southern hospitality. Columbia is a typical American city which has many varied activities to offer in the arts, sports, recreation, shopping, dining, and entertainment. Columbia is located in the center of South Carolina and is only a couple of hours away from the Appalachian Mountains or the sandy beaches of the Atlantic Ocean. South Carolina enjoys a warm climate year round.

South Carolina

South Carolina has a population of more than four million people living on 31,000 square miles. The countryside stretches from the sandy beaches of the Atlantic Ocean to the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. Near the beach, in the mountains, and in between, there are many state parks with facilities for hiking, biking, swimming, fishing, canoeing, camping, etc. The pleasures of South Carolina will make your stay fun, memorable and safe.