SkillZone

Information for International Students and Scholars

We are here for you.

Make an appointment

Schedule your tutoring appointment in advance.

SkillZone Tutoring

Academic Year: Schedule an appointment.

Tutors are available Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 12:30 to 6:00 p.m. fall and spring terms (final exam period tutoring hours are 12:30 to 4:30 p.m.).

If you need an appointment outside of the 12:30–6:00 p.m. window, please email skill-zone@iup.edu.

Summer Terms: Email us to make an appointment at skill-zone@iup.edu.

Conversation Corner

Meets once every two weeks in Delaney B25.

Wednesdays from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. starting August 31, 2022.

What is SkillZone?

SkillZone is a free drop-in center for all IUP international students and scholars (American Language Institute, undergraduate, exchange, and graduate) to access support for their classes and to develop academic skills for success, such as

• Presentation and communication skills
• Study strategies
• Managing classroom expectations
• Understanding academic integrity expectations
• Group discussions

What types of assignments can I get help with?

SkillZone tutors can support students with development in a variety of content areas, including English, science, math, business, and technology. Tutors can also help students who are preparing for standardized exams like GRE, TOEFL, or IELTS. SkillZone isn't just for homework, though. Students who want to practice English conversation, discuss cultural questions, or find out about campus and community resources can also get the support they need at SkillZone.

What is the SkillZone Group Room?

The SkillZone group room is a great place to practice your conversation skills, ask questions about life at IUP, and make new friends. The group room also hosts Conversation Corner, where US and international students are invited to share their perspectives, ask questions, and engage in open format discussions.

Who are the SkillZone tutors?

The tutors at SkillZone are undergraduate and graduate students who come from a variety of cultural, language, and disciplinary backgrounds.

Where is it?

SkillZone location to be announced and is available by appointment. You can use the interactive campus map to find us. 

What does it cost?

SkillZone and its services are free of charge to IUP international students and scholars.

Make an Appointment!

You can make an appointment to work with a tutor based on your schedule, academic area, or language background. You can also drop in without an appointment during SkillZone hours.

Information and Resources for Faculty

SkillZone can partner with your class by providing your international students with additional support for course work and questions about US university culture.

Report Form

Students have the option to request that a summary of their SkillZone tutoring session be sent to faculty. If you would like a faculty report form, please encourage students to consent to information sharing. Feel free to contact SkillZone staff with any specific instructions if you are referring an individual or group for tutoring.

Syllabus Description

Please encourage your international students to take advantage of the academic support offered through SkillZone by including this description in your syllabus:

SkillZone is a drop-in tutoring center for all IUP international students and scholars. Tutors are IUP students who provide multilingual, multidisciplinary assistance for international students and scholars. In addition to tutoring for coursework, SkillZone offers support for cultural questions and academic success strategies, such as

• Presentation skills
• Managing classroom expectations
• Study strategies
• Academic integrity concerns
• Preparing for tests, including TOEFL, IELTS, and GRE
• Participating in group discussions 

Academic Year Hours: Tutoring Monday-Thursday 12:30-6:00 p.m.

Location:  Delaney Hall, Suite B25 

920 Grand Street, Indiana PA 15701

IUP Interactive Map,  Google Maps

Email: skill-zone@iup.edu