Speak UP: Weekly English Speaking Group

Speak UP is an advanced English speaking group designed for international undergraduate students, graduate students, postdoctoral candidates, 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 spring 2024 Speak UP schedule is:

• January 25: “Talking with Anyone: Small Talk in the United States”
• February 1: “Talking with Everyone: Conversational Everyday Phrases”
• February 8: “Talking in Idioms: Understanding Slang and Metaphors”
• Februrary 15: “Talking with/at/over: Using Phrasal Verbs to Sound Less Formal”
• February 22: “Talking with Friends: Socializing at a Bar or Restaurant”
• February 29: “Talking about Americans: Sharing Observations from the U.S. and Discussing Culture Shock”
• March 14: “Talking in Groups: Joining Conversations and Participating in Discussions”
• March 21: “Talking with Advisers: Negotiating and Being Your Own Advocate”
• March 28: “Networking: Breaking the Ice at Professional Events”

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