| | | | | |

The American Language Program (ALP)
at Columbia University

• Courses available to international students who have obtained an F-1 Student Visa:
  • Intensive English Program
  • Special Programs
• Courses available to those who already hold an F-1 Visa from another program at Columbia or who, as U.S. permanent residents or citizens, are eligible for part-time study:
  • Part-Time English Programs
• The Language in Context
• Other Programs at Columbia's School of Continuing Education
• Location: New York City

Columbia University's American Language Program (ALP), founded in 1911, is one of the oldest programs in English as a second language in the United States.

Its mission is to offer high-quality academic language courses and other academic support for full-time language students and international students in degree programs at Columbia University. The ALP fosters the internationalization of Columbia by offering a carefully integrated sequence of courses to those who wish to improve their command of English, including students and business and professional people.

The American Language Program offers intensive English language courses, all held at Columbia University’s campus in the heart of New York City. Whether your goal is to attend an American university or achieve professional success in the United States, our intensive programs are designed to dramatically increase your proficiency with written and spoken English. The American Language Program offers a unique educational and cultural experience.

Interested?
Click here to request more info.

The following courses are available to international students who have obtained the F-1 Student Visa:

Intensive Program: 12-week and shorter courses; English grammar, pronunciation, fluency, listening and reading comprehension, and writing.

Special Programs

• Advanced Academic Preparation: 7-week course for students who have immediate plans to enter a degree program in the U.S.
• English for Professional Purposes (Business): English language for business professionals and pre-MBA students.
• English for Professional Purposes (Law): English language for legal professionals and pre-law students.
• English for Professional Purposes (SIPA): English for graduate Studies in International and Public Affairs (SIPA). Only open to students who are entering Columbia University's School of International and Public Affairs.

Learn more.
Select your preferences and complete the form.

Part-Time English Programs: The following courses are available to those who already hold an F-1 Visa from another program at Columbia or who, as U.S. permanent residents or citizens, are eligible for part-time study:

• Part-Time Morning and Evening Programs: Courses at intermediate and advanced levels of English proficiency.
• Fluency and Listening: Special practice in developing listening and speaking skills.
• Pronunciation: Special practice in producing the sounds and rhythms of English.
• TOEFL Preparation: Special practice in developing the test-taking skills to improve performance on the Test of English as a Foreign Language.
• College Composition for International Students: English composition for non-native speakers of English.
• English Plus University Courses: Intensive English plus subject-area credit courses offered by Columbia University.

Let's get started.
Click to proceed with the inquiry process.

The Language in Context: ALP faculty believe strongly in preparing students for the accurate and fluent use of English in academic and professional settings.

Instruction at the ALP involves intensive class participation and active use of the spoken and written language. Language is presented in contexts that, depending on the student's command of English, may simulate daily-life situations, focus on American society and customs, or explore issues of worldwide concern. Course work at all levels is designed to develop grammatical accuracy, fluency and pronunciation, listening and reading comprehension, and writing ability.

The intensive programs average 18 students per class, with fewer students in lower-level classes. This class size gives each student a full opportunity to participate in class and receive individual attention.

Faculty: The ALP has one of the largest full-time faculties of any ESL program in American higher education. Every member of the ALP faculty holds either a master's or doctorate in applied linguistics, the teaching of English to speakers of other languages, or a closely related field; speaks several languages; and has lived and taught abroad.

Other Programs: Columbia University's School of Continuing Education also offers master's degree programs and summer programs for high school students. Individuals who hold a college degree can take courses in the Arts and Sciences through the Postbaccalaureate Studies Program.

Learn more about these valuable opportunities by
expressing your preferences
and completing the form.

New York City is our home. For more than a century, New York City has been one of the world's major centers of commerce and finance. It is famous for its global influences in media, politics, education, entertainment, arts and fashion. The city is also a major center for foreign affairs, hosting the headquarters of the United Nations. The growth of our University and of the American Language Program have paralleled the growth of our city. Today, Columbia is one of the top academic and research institutions in the world, conducting path-breaking research in medicine, science, the arts, and the humanities. It includes four undergraduate schools, thirteen graduate and professional schools, and a school of continuing education. In the same way, Columbia University's American Language Program, founded in 1911, has become one of the best programs in English as a second language in the United States.

We look forward to welcoming you to the American Language Program at Columbia University! To learn more, review all of our programs and select the ones that interest you. Then complete the inquiry form, and we'll respond to you directly.