EPI offers five 9-week terms per year beginning in January, March, May, August and October. All students receive at least 23 hours of supervised English instruction per week. Class size averages 12 to 15 students of similar English proficiency. 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 listening 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. 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 26,000 students enrolled in undergraduate and graduate programs. USC offers many other nationally recognized programs, including the English Programs for Internationals which has an international reputation for excellence.