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Applications for 2024 Columbia Summer Session programs are now open!

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American Language Program

Students at Rockerfeller Plaza

Study English at an Ivy League University

The American Language Program 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

We offer English language courses in fall, spring and summer from pre-intermediate to advanced level to help you achieve your English language goals.

Study at the ALP this summer. Click here to learn about our courses.

Program Options

Find the course that is right for you.

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

Learn More

Advanced Academic Preparation

Rigorous pre-university academic preparation

Advanced level

B2.2-C2

18

8 weeks Summer

Learn more

English for Professional Purposes: Business

For business professionals and pre-MBA students

Advanced level

B2.2-C2

18

3-weeks Summer

Learn more

Advanced Academic English for Graduate Students

For admitted Columbia graduate students

Advanced level

18

6 weeks Summer

Learn more

Winter Institute

New York cultural experience + English

Intermediate to Advanced level

B1-C2

15 – classroom instruction

12 – project-based field trips

2 weeks January

Learn more

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

Learn more

Watch our Information Session

ALP Activities and Columbia Events

It's so much more than English.

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

Professor icon
450 Combined years of English-teaching experience among ALP faculty
Cohorts icon
1500 Average number of students who take ALP classes yearly
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70 Different nationalities in our program in the last 4 years

Connect with Us

Learn more about American Language Program at Columbia University, or contact the program advisor.

Request more information

Study with Us

Apply now by clicking here:

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Commission on English Language Accreditation

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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/.