Student Stories
Find out what our students have to say about the IEP!
Students agree – the IEP is a BIG help!
Our former students say the IEP helped them to:
- communicate confidently
- feel like they already belonged at NC State
- develop a social network for future projects
- know what American professors expect
- use classroom technology
- understand how different cultures think
- accomplish more academically in less time
“For me it’s just my little world. It’s my home now. We’re a big family, and we are all proud about being here at NC State.”
-Laura from Venezuela — Major: Biological Sciences

Leaving my country to live in a completely different place was challenging, even though studying abroad was on the top of my dreams’ list. To attend the IEP at NC State was, for sure, a very important step for me, and I was lucky to meet such nice people teaching and studying there. At the rooms and halls of IEP, I made friends, we learned about different cultures, music, foods, places, and thoughts. Of course there were a lot of homework too!! But I’m glad to had dedicated time doing them. I realized that the more my English improves, the larger the world becomes. So, learning a different language was not the big deal, but improving my communication skills. Thanks to the time I spent being an IEP student, I could get a nice TOEFL score, take academic classes at NC State, make friends from all around the world, and achieve my academic goals. I really loved this experience, and I’ll never forget how everybody was so nice and friendly.
– Mariene from Brazil – Major: Biomedical Sciences
It is more than English. You can be involved in American culture.
– Hamad from Saudi Arabia
IEP has helped me get used to college life. I am going to be even more prepared when I enter my undergraduate [program]. My life has completely changed. I met a lot of people from different countries and different cultures.
– Ines from Peru – Major: Textile Management and Brand Marketing

Alum Shine
The IEP congratulated several alumni who successfully completed their fields of study and graduated from NC State University. Read about three of those students’ journeys.

Share Your Story
We want to hear from you! Graduates of the Intensive English Program are doing amazing things. Tell us about your experiences in the IEP and what you have done since completing the program.