University of South Carolina (UofSC)
English Programs for Internationals (EPI) [Columbia, South Carolina]
HIGHLIGHTS
- Study at a program that has earned an international reputation for excellence
- By special arrangement only, advanced-level students may enroll part-time in University courses
- Enjoy Columbia's warm climate as well as its history, tradition and true "Southern Hospitality"
Choose Your Course Below
- Information
- About the ESL Program
- Established in 1979, the University of South Carolina (UofSC) English Programs for Internationals (EPI) provides high-quality English as a Second Language (ESL) instruction to students from around the world for academic, professional or personal enrichment. Combining professional instruction with friendly, personalized service, the EPI is designed to help students feel comfortable in their new multi-cultural environment and to succeed academically at American universities and colleges, and professionally in their careers. While attending the EPI, students have plenty of opportunity to interact with American students on the University of South Carolina campus or participating in the American conversation partners program. The EPI organizes trips and activities for students, teachers, and friends to visit nearby cultural attractions and become more familiar both with the Columbia area and the American culture. The EPI is a proud member of UCIEP, a U.S. consortium of University and College Intensive English Programs known for its high professional standards and quality English language instruction.
- Fast Facts
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Affiliation : Public University
Establishment : 1979
Membership/Accreditation : EnglishUSA, UCIEP / CEA
Enrollment : 250
Average Class Size : 12
Airport Pickup : Available
Tuition : Low
Community Type : Urban
Transportation : Bus - A Message from School
Welcome to the online home of English Programs for Internationals (EPI) of the University of South Carolina. We’re happy you’re here, and we hope that you will take time to see all that EPI has to offer.
EPI was established in 1979 to help students achieve their English learning goals. While our students’ goals are not all the same, many come planning to study in the University of South Carolina. Some come with the intent of advancing their careers, while others are just looking to round out their education with a unique study abroad experience. Whatever their purpose in coming, EPI offers high quality instruction, individual attention, and superior student services.
The faculty members of EPI are seasoned professionals who possess master’s or doctoral degrees. They are experts who infuse technology in their instruction and adhere to the highest standards of their profession. As a result of EPI’s dedication to excellence, it has received 10-year accreditation by the Commission on English Language Program Accreditation (CEA), one of only two institutions to earn this distinction.
Founded in 1801, the University of South Carolina has been one of the premier providers of higher education in the United States for over 200 years. The university offers over 100 undergraduate majors and more than 350 programs of study in total. Among the programs offered by the university are top-ranked undergraduate and graduate business programs offered in the famed Darla Moore School of Business.
Believing that teaching is best when supported by research, the faculty is also highly engaged in scholarly inquiry. In fact, the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching considers the university to be an institution with “very high research activity.” As of Fall 2016, our beautiful, historic campus in downtown Columbia hosts over 33,000 students. Speaking of Columbia, did you know that it has been named among the best college towns in the United States? While studying in EPI, students have the opportunity to live, learn, and play in this vibrant environment.
In closing, I welcome you to explore our website thoroughly to learn all that EPI and South Carolina have to offer. I hope to see you on the campus very soon. We look forward to receiving your application from ApplyESL!
Mark Porter
Director
English Programs for Internationals
University of South Carolina- CONTACT INFORMATION
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English Programs for Internationals (EPI)
University of South Carolina (UofSC)
1705 College Street, Close-Hipp Building, Suite 671
Columbia, South Carolina 29208 U.S.A.TEL: +1 (803) 777-3867
FAX: +1 (803) 777-6839
E-mail: EPIB-info@mailbox.sc.edu
Website: http://www.epi.sc.edu -
- More Details
- Housing
- The EPI arranges on-campus housing for their students. Students living on-campus will be close to classes, campus activities, and other students - both American and international. Students are encouraged to arrange their housing as early as possible due to the limited amount of space available. In the event that on-campus housing is full, the EPI will place students in nearby private apartments. For more information on housing accommodations, use the Contact Address to ask the school directly.
- Surrounding Area
- The University's main campus is ideally located in the center of downtown Columbia, South Carolina's capital city that is home to more than 500,000 people. As a city rich in history and tradition, Columbia is a friendly, safe community that regularly welcomes students and visitors from around the world with true "Southern Hospitality." Columbia actively supports a thriving cultural arts community with its many theaters, galleries, dance companies, orchestras, and art schools. Outdoor enthusiasts go boating, fishing and swimming at nearby Lake Murray, try golfing on one of the 20 resort-quality golf courses, or enjoy watching the local football, basketball, baseball or hockey teams. Columbia is centrally located in the South Carolina state and is only a 3-hour drive from the famously beautiful Blue Ridge and Great Smoky Mountains, and the pristine sandy beaches of the Atlantic Ocean. South Carolina enjoys a warm, comfortable climate throughout the year. Other exciting cosmopolitan cities are located a few hours from Columbia, including the historic city of Charleston and Atlanta, home of the 1996 World Olympics.
- About the College/University
- First founded in 1801 as South Carolina College, the University of South Carolina has earned a reputation of academic excellence and is one of the most distinguished institutions in the United States. Described as one of the most beautiful college campuses in the nation, USC's historic 358-acre campus is surrounded by restored 19th century buildings and classic oak trees, and is ideally located in the center of downtown Columbia. With more than 38,000 undergraduate and graduate students on all eight campuses, 25,000 students and 1,050 full-time faculty members study on the Columbia campus in over 350 degree programs among its 16 Colleges and Schools. The University's Master of International Business (MIBS) program has been ranked by the U.S. News and World Report for the past six consecutive years as the best international business program in the United States. The university also offers many other nationally recognized programs, including engineering, public health, journalism, marine science, and the English Programs for Internationals, which also has earned an international reputation for excellence.
- Conditional Admission / Credit Courses
- By special arrangement only, students in the advanced level may enroll part-time in University of South Carolina courses. Conditional Admission to the university is available for qualified students who complete the ESL program. (Undergraduate programs and some graduate programs)
- Study Options
Intensive English Program
- Overview
- The Intensive English Program offers five 9-week sessions throughout the year. Students enrolled in the program receive 20 hours of intensive classroom instruction each week. Classes meet Monday through Thursday from 9:00 am to 3:10 pm and Friday from 9:00 am to 12:10.
The Program offers 6 levels of instruction, from beginning to advanced. At the beginning of each term, students take written and oral examinations to help determine the level best-suited to their ability. The Program's curriculum includes three basic classes each day: grammar/writing, reading/vocabulary, and speaking/listening. These classes focus on developing students overall ability to communicate more fluently and confidently in English. TOEFL preparation is part of the regular curriculum, as well. In addition to scheduled classes, students have access to the listening library and the computer labs during the week. All students are provided with an e-mail account and gain full access to the Internet.
The EPI organizes informal activities for students to practice their English outside of the classroom through trips, cultural and sporting events, international coffee hours, conversation partners, receptions with the Governor of South Carolina and the President of the University of South Carolina, and visits to public schools and businesses. Most activities are free of charge.
Class sizes generally range from 8 to 15 students per class. Every effort is made to keep classes at an ideal size for effective English language instruction. - Data
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CLASS SIZE: 8 - 15 Students CLASS LEVELS: 6 Levels COURSE LENGTH: 9,18,27 Weeks MINIMUM AGE: 17 Years Old REQUIREMENT: High School Diploma VISA INFORMATION: F-1 Student Visa Required HOUSING: Dormitory / On-Campus Apartments - Dates
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2024
9 WEEKS: 5/15 - 7/12 8/19 - 10/11 10/16 - 12/20 - Costs
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- APPLICATION FEE
- US$ 125
- TUITION FEE (2024)
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9 WEEKS US$ 2,000 18 WEEKS US$ 4,000 27 WEEKS US$ 6,000 - HOUSING
PLACEMENT FEE - N/A
- HOUSING FEE
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LENGTH HOMESTAY DORMITORY / ON-CAMPUS APARTMENT OFF-CAMPUS RESIDENCE 9-27 WEEKS N/A US$ 2,000 Per Session Contact Program For Costs - Airport Pickup Service
- Included Free Of Charge
- Campus (University) Fees
- US$ 500
- Medical Insurance
- US$ 600 (Waiver Option Available)
- Remarks / Other Information
- Dates and Fees are approximate and may change without prior notice.
Application fee is non-refundable.
Housing fees do not include meals. -
- Location
United States Columbia, South Carolina-
Location
English Programs for Internationals (EPI)
University of South Carolina (UofSC)
1705 College Street, Close-Hipp Building, Suite 671 Columbia, South Carolina 29208 U.S.A. - Getting To Your School
- From Columbia Metropolitan Airport:
School provides a free pick up service that brings students directly to campus in approximately 25 minutes. Students can also travel from the airport by taxi that will cost approximately US$20 and arrive in approximately the same amount of time.
- Student Reviews
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Academic Quality: 4.4 School Environment: 4.5 Helpfulness of Staff: 4.4 Activities and Social Life: 4.0 Accommodation: 3.2 4.2
- There are 33 reviews for this school
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Koki Akimoto
[ Osaka, Japan, Male ]
8 of 8 people found the following review helpful.Diversity is what Makes EPI so Great!I think the diverse group of students from many different countries and backgrounds is what makes EPI so great! Not only that, but I like how USC students have school pride and love cheering on the Gamecocks. I want to travel to the Middle East or Africa so that I can learn more about my classmates' home countries.
Wen-Pair (Jerry) Wang
[ Taipei, Taiwan, Male ]
5 of 6 people found the following review helpful.Everybody at EPI is Welcoming and FriendlyI wanted to improve my English so that I could get a better job in International Business. One thing I like about USC is how welcoming and friendly everybody is to international students. I also like how it doesn't feel crowded. I think the best thing about EPI is Friendship.
David B.
[ Manchester, England, Age 27, Male ]
32 of 38 people found the following review helpful.If you want study hard, this school is the best!The University of South Carolina is a good place for students who are interested in preparing for the TOEFL test. The teachers are very good at motivating students to study hard. The quality of the classes is good so if you want to study hard, come to EPI.
익명
[ Columbia, USA, Age 23, Female ]
10 of 12 people found the following review helpful.University of South CarolinaThe school's English program usually has few Korean students, so I recommend it to my fellow Koreans who want to study in a good environment with a good nationality mix. Without a car, it was a bit difficult for me to get around, but near the school, there were various supermarkets which were convenient such as Food Lion. The dormitories look like apartments and usually students will cook by themselves there. There are six levels at the school. If you study English hard for at least a year before you arrive you might be at a higher level than you think. People at the school are so kind and you can ask them anything that is on your mind. I had very few problems there. This school is a good place to study English.
익명
[ 서울, 한국, Age 24, Female ]
Estudiante Anterior
[ tachira, venezuela, Age 21, Female ]
11 of 13 people found the following review helpful.ExcellentThat school is excellent, in another words, the best for international students, who are really interesting in learn English as Second language................
익명
[ 서울, 한국 ]
5 of 7 people found the following review helpful.This school has a great environment for studying. Some teachers are very good but students cannot choose them. I lived in the Cliff Apartments which is related housing to EPI. Compared to other apartments on-campus and off-campus, the Cliff Apartments were more expensive and had older buildings. While I was attending, EPI had more Chinese students than I expected.
Chuan-Cheng Chuang
[ Changhwa, Taiwan, Age 26, Male ]
6 of 9 people found the following review helpful.Good Study EnvironmentShuttle bus available, dorm available, and so on.
A Former Student
[ Kuwait city, Kuwait, Age 20, Male ]
- Below you will find additional reviews in other languages.
学生
[ 香港, 中国, Male ]
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful.学习的好地方，我在学校宿舍不巧遇到臭虫总体来说，学校还是不错的，主要看自己跟到的老师适不适合自己。位于美国东南部的哥伦比亚市区，虽然没有大城市的繁华，却有小城镇的安逸，是个静下心来学习的地方。至于学校教职工的工作质量，美国人办事效率低，一件事拖一两个星期不要觉得奇怪。课外活动算是比较丰富，南卡是个学习的地方而不是旅游观光的地方。住宿方面要强调一下，我个人建议不要住在学校分配的宿舍Cliff，要住的话建议要跟工作人员说安排在高的楼层，我住的时候，2,3楼宿舍有遇到过臭虫。
Cathy
[ Tainan, Taiwan, Age 25, Female ]
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful.南卡羅來納大學 語言課程 University of South Carolina, EPI2016年底，我於USC EPI就學一期，共約二個月。整體來說，學校課程、用心程度、服務與態度都相當良好，且環境單純，生活步調緩而舒坦。教職員十分友善，願意聽取學生的需求與建言，並且積極幫助EPI學生與USC學生互動。另外學校提供學生許多服務與活動，其中多數行程是可以免費參與的，如：每週提供至遠處大賣場採購生活所需的專車，偶爾幾次的主題小型聚會。共有三門課程，基本上遇到的師資良好，但這一期恰好某一門的老師請長產假，臨時聘請替代老師，而該替代師明顯課程組織、時間控管能力不足；有無臨時老師就屬運氣問題了。最後，學校安排住宿方面（EPI housing），如果仍是住於Clair Tower，那麼不推薦入住，因為住宿環境不好，且價格相對高（但外租通常需租半年以上）。總而言之，整體相當推薦USC EPI。
In general, I think USC EPI is a very good option for students to study English.
學生
[ taipei, taiwan, Age 26, Female ]
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful.it's a country not a city學校教學很用心，很照顧學生，也會幫學生舉辦很多活動。環境單純，氣候不會太冷，校園也很大~很好!!
唯一要注意的是這裡不是大城市，生活沒有車會比較無聊，宿舍品質普通!!
古念以
[ 新竹市, 台灣, Age 35, Female ]
12 of 13 people found the following review helpful.Study in EPI University of South Carolina1.完善的教學經驗 (美國政府推薦之 公費學生之語言先修中心)。
2.語言中心學生也可使用大部分USC校園設施。
3.Affordable place to study.
4.良好的自然環境,和善的人以及與台灣差不多的溫度氣候。
5.EPI 老師都具備碩士學歷 並有多年與外國學生相處及教學經驗。
익명
[ Seoul, Korea, Age 31, Female ]
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful.Columbia가 대도시가 아니다보니 조용하고 평화롭다는 느낌을 많이 받게 됩니다. 수업은 한개의 건물 안에서 3개 층을 이동하면서 하는데 배정받은 반 선생님이 어떤 교실을 쓰느냐에 따라 달라지게됩니다. 1교시 Writing & Grammar, 2교시 Reading & Vocabulary, 3교시 Speaking & Listening으로 구성되어있으며 오전 9시 시작 오후 3시에 끝납니다. 토플수업을 추가로 신청하면 5시쯤 끝나는것 같더군요. 학생의 비율은 때때로 다르다고 하는데 제가 있을때는 중동과 중국, 일본에서 온 친구들이 많았습니다. 한국학생은 많이 없는편이었어요. 주로 USC입학을 위해 수업을 듣는 친구들이거나 방학을 틈타 1 term정도 하는 친구들이 많은것 같습니다. 다른분 평가에 토플위주의 수업이라 해서 걱정했습니다만 꼭 토플이 아니어도 영어 향상에 큰 도움이 되는 프로그램이라고 생각합니다.
김동호
[ 서울, 한국, Age 25, Male ]
9 of 12 people found the following review helpful.이 학교는 정말 미국에서 대학교를 가고자 하는 분께 추천해드립니다.
정말 토플 위주의 수업 입니다... 학비는 다른학교에 싼 편입니다.
최동웅
[ 콜럼비아, 사우스케롤라이나, 미국, Age 30, Male ]
9 of 12 people found the following review helpful.English Program for Internationals 평가수업은 그래머/라이팅, 리딩/어휘, 스피킹/리스닝.
이렇게 3가지로 나누어서 수준별학습을 하게되고요...
(레벨1-6까지)
2개월에 걸쳐서 9주동안 9시부터-오후3:30까지 수업을 하게됩니다.
제가생각할때 어학연수기관으로서는 깨끗한 시설과 수준높은 선생님
등을 이유로 정말좋은 곳이라고 생각이 듭니다.
참고로...
학생출신별로는 60%가 중국/한국/일본, 30% 중동, 10% 아프리카입니다.
익명
[ 춘천, 대한민국, Age 21, Female ]
3 of 4 people found the following review helpful.사람들의 정이 넘쳐나던 , 한적한 곳 south carolina다운타운에 위치한 usc는 다소 학교의 평판이 떨어지는 곳이긴 하지만 그곳의 환경과 분위기는 매우 한적하고 공부하기에는 정말 좋은 곳이다.
元留学生
[ 東京都, 日本, Age 28, Male ]
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful.前原良祐入学当初は自身の英語力に不安を覚えておりましたが、すぐにそうした懸念は払拭されました。懇切丁寧な指導とバランスの取れたカリキュラムにより、楽しく英語力を向上させることが出来ました。また、講師陣の質も優れ、疑問を残すことなく毎日の授業を終えることができました。英語は英語のままで学習することが最も重要であることを知り、授業の中で得たメソッドは、帰国後の英語学習に大変役立っております。わずか二ヶ月ではありますが、大変貴重かつ基礎を固めた期間でありました。
また、諸外国の友人もたくさん作ることができました。文化や思想の違いを知り、視野や許容の幅を広げる良い機会となりました。ここで得た友人達とは現在も連絡を取り、将来的に何かビジネスを行えないかと考えております。
こうした素晴らしい環境を用意してくださったＥＰＩに心より感謝の意を申し上げます。
Acky
[ 栃木, 日本, Age 30, Male ]
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful.英語+αの学校南部で一番美しいキャンパスで英語を勉強できました。伝統ある大学なので、アカデミックな雰囲気もgood! 日本人が少ない環境のため、英語を勉強するには最高でした。教師･スタッフの質が高く、授業は10人以下でした。英語を習得し、アメリカの大学を体験するには最高の環境でした。
元留学生
[ 埼玉県, 日本, Age 21 ]
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful.もっと居たいと思わせてくれる学校自分は経済的な理由で１タームしか通うことができませんでしたが、とても良い学校だと思いました。
遊びでなく、まじめに勉強したい学生には良い学校だと思います。
授業は毎日ほぼ決まったパターンで、先生にもよりますが、楽しさはあまり求められないかもしれません。先生の当たり外れ、合う合わないはありますが、どこの学校でもそれはあると思うので許容範囲内かと。
TAKUMA
[ Tokyo, Japan, Age 28, Male ]
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful.留学生活について1,先生達は皆様とても熱心で親身になってご指導いただけました。
2,友人を作るには絶好の環境だと思いますが、もっと多くの国からの方々と出会えれば良かったと思います。
3,教師のサポートは素晴らしいですが、寮でのトラブル等プライベートに関するサポートもあれば更に良かったです。
4,学校の企画した旅行は自由行動がありますが、語学を実践で使うという点でも観光という面においてもとてもいい経験になりました。
5,寮は友人を作るのには最高の環境ですが、部屋がきれいかどうかはルームメイト次第です。部屋はとても広く他のルームメートや友人と毎日のように会話する環境なので必然的に英語に慣れます。
じゅんちゃん
[ 神奈川県, 日本, Age 20, Male ]
5 of 6 people found the following review helpful.ビザ取得業者に頼まず、すべて自分で手続きをしました。とても大変でした。早め早めに実行する事をお勧めします。
Estudiante Anterior
[ Medellin, Colombia, Age 40, Female ]
Excelente!!!Lo que mas me gustó: los profesores son muy buenos, de alta calidad.
Lo que no me gustó:
Un numero alto de estudiantes por clase. Mas de 15.
Lo cual no permite interactuar mucho con el profesor en la clase de Speaking.
Pilar Trelles
[ Lima, Perú, Age 52, Female ]
14 of 24 people found the following review helpful.Calidad AcadémicaLo único sería que a veces no se avanzaba porque 1 alumno no entendía porque no ponía interés en aprender y se volvía hacer la clase anterior, debieron enviarla a laboratorio o algo así.
Estudiante Anterior
[ Lima, Peru, Age 44, Male ]
14 of 20 people found the following review helpful.Muy buena UniversidadBuena metodologia de ensenanza, mucho apoyo a los estudiantes. La recomiendo.
CAMILO ANDRES PULGARIN G
[ BOGOTA, COLOMBIA, Age 18, Male ]
7 of 9 people found the following review helpful.EXCELENTEConsidero que fue una excelente oportunidad para crecer como persona y académicamente, los resultados fueron excelentes, el aporte a mida fue positivo. Antes del ingreso a la Universidad hubo completa información, excelente institución. Gracias.
あ
[ Tokyo, Japan, Age 21, Male ]
学生
[ 北京, 中国, Age 20, Male ]
學生
[ Taipei, Taiwan ]
익명
[ Tokyo, Japan ]
익명
[ Seoul, Korea ]
元留学生
[ 大阪, 日本, Age 32, Male ]
Jaime
[ Medellín, Colombia, Age 46, Male ]
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Welcome to the online home of English Programs for Internationals (EPI) of the University of South Carolina. We’re happy you’re here, and we hope that you will take time to see all that EPI has to offer. 
