Your Pathway to EMI Success, Academic Confidence, and Professional Communication.

English Preparatory Program (EPP)

English Preparatory Program

Welcome to the EPP

 

Starting university in an English-Medium Instruction (EMI) environment can feel exciting, challenging, and sometimes overwhelming. At Paragon International University, the English Preparatory Program (EPP) is designed to help you transition more confidently into university learning by strengthening the English communication skills you need for academic success and future professional growth.

The EPP supports you in developing the ability to understand lectures, participate in discussions, write academic assignments, deliver presentations, and communicate effectively in both academic and professional settings. More importantly, the program helps you build confidence as an English user in an international learning environment.

Whether you are strengthening your English foundation or preparing for more advanced academic communication, the EPP provides a structured and supportive learning pathway to help you succeed.

School Contact Info

English Preparatory Program

Paragon International University

Monday – Friday 08:00 – 17:00

epp@paragoniu.edu.kh

WHY
Why Students Take the EPP

Build the Skills Needed for EMI University Success

Studying in an English-Medium Instruction (EMI) university requires more than general English skills. Many students need time, practice, and support to adjust to academic expectations.

Understand academic lectures

Read textbooks and research materials

Write assignments and reports

Participate in discussions and presentations

Communicate clearly in academic and professional situations

Through interactive learning, academic support, and practical communication activities, the EPP helps you become more prepared for university study and future workplace communication.

JOURNEY
Your EMI Readiness Journey

A Step-by-Step Pathway to EMI Success

From admission and placement to academic readiness and future careers, the EPP guides students through each stage of EMI preparation with structure and support.

Step 1

Apply to the University

Begin your academic journey at Paragon International University.

Step 2

Take the English Placement Test

Before enrollment, you will take an English Placement Test. This helps us understand your current English level and determine the courses that best support your learning.

Step 3

Receive Your Placement

Based on your results, you may follow one of these pathways:

Begin with EPP 101

Continue to EPP 201

Proceed directly to Academic or Professional English courses

Qualify for exemption from selected EPP courses

Step 4

Develop Academic and Professional English Skills

Throughout the program, you will strengthen:

Academic communication
Professional English
Presentation skills
Critical thinking
Discipline-specific language skills

Step 5

Transition into EMI Learning

As your confidence and communication skills grow, you will be better prepared to participate actively in EMI university classes.

Step 6

Prepare for Future Careers

The skills you develop in the EPP will also support you in internships, professional communication, and international workplace environments.

JOURNEY
Your EMI Readiness Journey

A Step-by-Step Pathway to EMI Success

From admission and placement to academic readiness and future careers, the EPP guides students through each stage of EMI preparation with structure and support.

Step 1

Apply to the University

Begin your academic journey at Paragon International University.

Step 2

Take the English Placement Test

Before enrollment, you will take an English Placement Test. This helps us understand your current English level and determine the courses that best support your learning.

Step 3

Receive Your Placement

Based on your results, you may follow one of these pathways:

Begin with EPP 101

Continue to EPP 201

Proceed directly to Academic or Professional English courses

Qualify for exemption from selected EPP courses

Step 4

Develop Academic and Professional English Skills

Throughout the program, you will strengthen:

Academic communication
Professional English
Presentation skills
Critical thinking
Discipline-specific language skills

Step 5

Transition into EMI Learning

As your confidence and communication skills grow, you will be better prepared to participate actively in EMI university classes.

Step 6

Prepare for Future Careers

The skills you develop in the EPP will also support you in internships, professional communication, and international workplace environments.

PROCESS
Placement Support

English Placement Process

The English Placement Test is designed to place you in courses that match your current proficiency level and learning needs. The goal is not simply to test your English, but to ensure that you receive the right support at the right stage of your academic journey.

How It Helps

The placement process helps students begin at the right level, receive support that matches their learning needs, and move forward with greater clarity and confidence in an English-medium academic environment.

Key Message
Right support, right level, right time.
Benefit 1
Learn more effectively.
Benefit 2
Build confidence gradually.
Benefit 3
Avoid unnecessary coursework.
Benefit 4
Transition more smoothly into EMI learning environments.
LEARN
Learning Outcomes

What You Will Learn in the EPP

The EPP helps you develop practical English communication skills for both university study and professional communication. By the end of the program, you will be able to use English with greater confidence, clarity, and independence across academic and professional contexts.

By the end of the program

Students build the English skills needed to study, participate, and communicate more effectively.

These learning outcomes reflect the program’s goal of supporting students in EMI university study while also preparing them for future professional communication.

01

Communicate more confidently in English

Develop stronger confidence in using English in both academic interaction and professional communication.

02

Understand academic materials more effectively

Improve your ability to engage with lectures, classroom input, readings, and other academic materials.

03

Express ideas clearly in speaking and writing

Strengthen your ability to present ideas clearly and appropriately through spoken and written English.

04

Participate actively in discussions and presentations

Build the confidence and language ability needed for active classroom participation and presentations.

05

Work collaboratively with others

Develop communication habits that support teamwork, interaction, and shared academic tasks.

06

Use English more independently

Use English more independently in both academic settings and future professional environments.

CARE
Supportive Learning

Student Support and Learning Environment

The EPP is designed to provide a supportive and engaging learning experience. Throughout the program, students receive guidance and feedback to help them improve communication skills and adapt more confidently to EMI learning.

Active participation
Collaborative learning
Student-centered instruction

Practical communication
Continuous improvement
Guidance and feedback help students grow more confidently in EMI learning.
CURRICULUM
Program Catalog

Curriculum Checklist

This curriculum checklist presents the English Preparatory Program across the first semester, second semester, summer term, and English Boot Camp in a compact academic layout.

First Semester
18 Credits
Course
Description
Credit
EPP 101
Develop your confidence in using English for university learning and everyday academic communication through interactive and practical learning activities.
10
EPP 102
Build effective communication skills for academic collaboration, professional interaction, teamwork, and confident participation in different settings.
3
EPP 103
Strengthen your academic communication and independent learning skills while building greater confidence in expressing ideas in English.
5

Second Semester
18 Credits
Course
Description
Credit
EPP 201
Enhance your ability to communicate in more advanced academic situations through critical thinking, discussion, and academic expression.
10
EPP 202
Prepare for professional and public communication by developing the confidence and language skills needed for presentations and workplace interaction.
3
EPP 203
Further develop your communication skills through more independent and reflective learning experiences that support academic and personal growth.
5
Students who pass the qualifications test at the end of the first semester may enroll directly to Year 1 if their major is open for enrolment.

Summer
2 Credits
Course
Description
Credit
EPP 300
Prepare for successful transition into EMI university learning by strengthening the communication, academic, and independent learning skills needed in higher education environments.
2

English Boot Camp (Every Summer Break)
4 Credits
Course
Description
Credit
EPP 301
Fast-track your English and your university enrollment through this intensive preparatory course designed to help students improve their communication skills and prepare more confidently for Year 1 university study.
4
FAQ
Student Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

These questions help students understand placement, course progression, academic expectations, and the role of English in EMI university learning.

01
Do all students need to take the EPP?

All incoming students take the English Placement Test. Your results will determine which courses are appropriate for you.

02
Can I skip levels or courses?
+

Yes. Students with higher English proficiency may qualify for exemption from selected courses based on placement results.

03
Is the EPP only for students with weak English?
+

No. The EPP supports students at different proficiency levels and helps them prepare for the academic and communication demands of EMI university learning.

04
Why is Academic English important?
+

In EMI programs, students are expected to read academic materials, understand lectures, write assignments, and participate in discussions in English. Academic English helps you perform these tasks more confidently and effectively.

05
Why does the EPP include Professional English?
+

The EPP prepares you not only for university success, but also for future careers and international workplace communication.

06
What is ESP?
+

English for Specific Purposes (ESP) focuses on English communication related to your academic discipline and future profession.

FAQ
Student Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

These questions help students understand placement, course progression, academic expectations, and the role of English in EMI university learning.

01
Do all students need to take the EPP?

All incoming students take the English Placement Test. Your results will determine which courses are appropriate for you.

02
Can I skip levels or courses?
+

Yes. Students with higher English proficiency may qualify for exemption from selected courses based on placement results.

03
Is the EPP only for students with weak English?
+

No. The EPP supports students at different proficiency levels and helps them prepare for the academic and communication demands of EMI university learning.

04
Why is Academic English important?
+

In EMI programs, students are expected to read academic materials, understand lectures, write assignments, and participate in discussions in English. Academic English helps you perform these tasks more confidently and effectively.

05
Why does the EPP include Professional English?
+

The EPP prepares you not only for university success, but also for future careers and international workplace communication.

06
What is ESP?
+

English for Specific Purposes (ESP) focuses on English communication related to your academic discipline and future profession.

FUTURE
Looking Ahead

A Growing Program for EMI Readiness and Global Communication

The English Preparatory Program continues to grow through research, innovation, and collaboration with students, faculty members, and industry stakeholders.

As the program develops, it aims to expand opportunities in EMI readiness, academic communication, professional English, and foreign language education.

The EPP is committed to helping students become confident communicators, successful university learners, and globally prepared graduates.

MESSAGE
Director’s Message

A Message from the EPP Director

Welcome to the English Preparatory Program.

We understand that studying in English can feel challenging, especially at the beginning of your university journey. That is why the EPP was created to support you as you build the communication skills, confidence, and academic readiness needed for success in an EMI environment.

Our goal is not only to help you improve your English, but also to help you become a more confident learner, communicator, and future professional. Through supportive instruction, practical learning experiences, and research-informed curriculum design, we hope to create an environment where students feel encouraged to grow and succeed.

We look forward to being part of your academic journey.

English Preparatory Program Leadership
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