Arrival

EPI will meet students at the airport, train, or bus station and take them to their housing facilities when arrival information is provided. This service is free of charge.

Please send your arrival information at least 3 days in advance so that we can arrange for someone to meet you. If you make any late changes in your travel plans, or if your flight is delayed or canceled, please let us know. Our phone numbers are:

803-777-3867 (EPI office, 8:30 - 17:00, Monday-Friday)
803-777-6839 (EPI fax)
803-777-8231 (Student Services)

Airport:
Go to the baggage claim area downstairs and we'll meet you there. Look for someone carrying a sign (or wearing a t-shirt) with English Programs for Internationals (EPI) on it.

If no one has met you at the baggage claim area after 20 minutes, go to the information desk at the top of the escalator and ask the person to call the office (8:30-17:00, Monday-Friday) or Student Services evenings/weekends (777-8231). If you arrive before 6:30 or after 22:30 you will need 75 cents for a pay phone, since the airport information office will be closed.

Train or bus:
At the train or bus station, go to the waiting area. If no one has met you in the waiting area after 20 minutes, go to the information desk. Call the office (8:30-17:00, Monday-Friday) or Student Services evenings/weekends (777-8231).

If you are unable to contact us during office hours (8:30-17:00, Monday-Friday), take a taxi to:

English Programs for Internationals
901 Sumter St.
Byrnes 207
Columbia, SC 29208

After 17:00 or on weekends take a taxi to:

Governor's House Hotel (Rodeway Inn)
1301 Main Street
Columbia, South Carolina 29201
(803) 779-7790 Telephone
(803) 779-7856 FAX

Be sure to tell the receptionist that you are an EPI student so that you get the EPI room rate.  You will need to prove that you are an EPI student. You can show your acceptance letter or your I-20.

In the morning call EPI (777-8231 or 777-3867) to let us know you have arrived.