Speak UP is an advanced English speaking group designed for international undergraduate students, graduate students, postdocs, and fellows. Speak UP aims to provide a supportive space in which to discuss and practice ‘real-life’ academic communication at Penn State. 

Each week, the Speak UP group focuses on a particular situation/setting in university life where language plays a central role.  Sessions are guided by experienced EPPIC instructors who offer examples of what people ‘do’ with language in each setting, and provide commonly used phrases and communication strategies for each. Participants practice with new knowledge and build social relationships with international and American peers through group discussion, role-plays, and games.

The Fall 2023 Speak UP schedule is as follows: 

• September 12: Talking with Anyone:  Small Talk in the United States
• September 19: Talking with Everyone:  Conversational Everyday Phrases
• September 26: Talking in Idioms:  Understanding Slang and Metaphors
• October 3: Talking with/at/over:  Using Phrasal Verbs to Sound Less Formal
• October 10: Talking with Advisors:  Negotiating and Being Your Own Advocate
• October 17: Talking about the Good and the Bad:  Expressing (Dis)satisfaction
• October 24: Talking about Your English: Keeping Track of What you Learn
• October 31: Talking with Penn Staters: Penn State Language and Culture
• November 7: Talking with Friends and Partners:  Language and Relationships
• November 14: Talking about Americans: Sharing Observations from the United States

To register for Speak UP, visit our new registration app!