American Language Program
Study English at an Ivy League University
The ALP offers a unique educational experience:
- a world-class, expert faculty, with many years of teaching experience
- a rigorous academic program, with clear objectives to reach at each level
- one of the oldest English language programs in the U.S.
The ALP can help you achieve your English language goals:
14-week intensive English classes in Fall and Spring, and 4-week courses in Summer for those who want to:
- prepare to get a degree from a U.S. college or university
- achieve professional success in the U.S. or abroad
- fulfill a personal dream of studying in New York City
7-week intermediate to advanced level online semi-intensive courses.
Advanced level part-time English courses for the Columbia community:
A Summer Advanced Academic Preparation course for those about to begin degree programs in the U.S.
A three-week Summer English for Professional Purposes: Business course.
A Summer Advanced Academic English for Graduate Students course specifically for admitted Columbia University students beginning their Master's programs in Fall.
A two-week cultural Winter Institute in January.
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.
Studying at Columbia ALP was the best investment I've ever made."
Orlando Ferrand, Chile
| Program | Details | Hours per week | Course Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| Intensive Academic English Program | 8-levels of instruction: Pre-intermediate to advanced level |
18 |
14 weeks, Fall and Spring; 4, 8 or 12 weeks Summer |
| Advanced Academic Preparation | Rigorous pre-university academic preparation ALP level 7-10 |
18 |
8 weeks Summer |
| English for Professional Purposes: Business | Advanced level course for business professionals and pre-MBA students |
18 |
3-weeks, from late July |
| Winter Cultural Program | New York cultural experience plus English ALP levels 3-9 (Intermediate to Advanced) |
15 – classroom instruction 12 – project-based field trips |
2 weeks, January |
| Part‑Time English Courses: Writing, Listening & Speaking, Pronunciation | Advanced level courses for local residents, Columbia international students and employees |
8.5 – Writing 4.5 – Listening & Speaking, Pronunciation |
14 weeks, Fall and Spring |
Featured Faculty, Students and Alumni
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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/.