American Language Program
Study English at an Ivy League University
The ALP offers a unique educational experience:
- an expert faculty, with many years of teaching experience
- a rigorous curriculum
- one of the oldest English language programs in the U.S.
Studying at Columbia ALP was the best investment I've ever made."
Orlando Ferrand, Chile
| Course | Details | Hours per week | Course Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| Intensive Academic English Program | Full-time instruction Pre-intermediate to advanced level A2-C2 CEFR
|
18 |
14 weeks Fall and Spring 4, 8 or 12 weeks Summer |
| Advanced Academic Preparation | Rigorous pre-university academic preparation Advanced level B2.2-C2 |
18 |
8 weeks Summer |
| English for Professional Purposes: Business | For business professionals and pre-MBA students Advanced level B2.2-C2 |
18 |
3-weeks Summer |
| Winter Institute | New York cultural experience + English Intermediate to Advanced level B1-C2 |
15 – classroom instruction 12 – project-based field trips |
2 weeks January |
| Online English Course | Part-time remote instruction Intermediate to advanced level B1.2-C2 |
12 |
7 weeks Fall & Spring 4 weeks Summer |
| Part‑Time English Courses: Writing, Listening & Speaking, Pronunciation | For Columbia students, affiliates and local residents Advanced level B2-C2 |
4.5 - 8.5 (depending on the course) |
14 weeks Fall and Spring |
| Advanced Academic English for Graduate Students | For admitted Columbia graduate students Advanced level |
18 |
6 weeks Summer |
Watch our Information Session
ALP Activities and Columbia Events
It's so much more than English.
Whether online or in-person, community is very important at the ALP. We plan activities, events and workshops to help you make friends, practice English and get to know the city. As a Columbia student you also have full access to student clubs and University events. There's always something happening!
Check out our Student Life page to find out more, including our Language Exchange Program.
Learn more about the history and mission of the American Language Program
Featured Faculty, Students and Alumni
Connect with Us
Learn more about American Language Program at Columbia University, or contact the program advisor.
Request more informationStudy with Us
As admissions to our programs are highly competitive, we encourage you to apply as soon as possible. Learn more about the application process, deadlines, and requirements.
Learn moreCommission on English Language Accreditation
Columbia University American Language Program Intensive English Program is accredited by the Commission on English Language Program Accreditation (CEA) for the period August 2019 through August 2029 and agrees to uphold the CEA Standards for English Language Programs and Institutions. CEA is recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education as a nationally recognized accrediting agency for English language programs and institutions in the U.S. For further information about this accreditation, please contact the Commission on English Language Program Accreditation, 1001 N. Fairfax St., Suite 630, Alexandria, VA 22314, (703) 665-3400, https://cea-accredit.org/.