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Program Overview

The American Language Program (ALP) at Columbia University offers a comprehensive English language program for multilingual learners. The program aims to improve students' grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills.

Program Highlights

• Academic English: Courses focus on preparing students to study at university in the US, including essay writing, presentations, note-taking, and discussions.
• Integrated skills: Each class focuses on more than one skill, providing a natural way to learn a language.
• Thematic learning: Grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation are learned in context, with teachers exploring different themes to provide content for discussion and writing.
• Error correction: Encouraging spoken and written communication, with feedback to help students become more conscious of their language and improve.
• Team teaching: Each Intensive course is taught by two or three instructors, creating courses tailored to the students and providing varied learning experiences.
• Critical thinking: Students learn to engage with themes and topics in individual ways, being inquisitive and curious.
• Authentic Materials: Introduction to real English materials, such as newspaper and magazine articles, novels, plays, lectures, movies, and music, to expand vocabulary and improve comprehension.
• U.S. Culture: Learning about New York and the U.S. to enrich the learning experience and expand learning beyond the classroom.
• Activities Program: Events, workshops, and social occasions to help build community and experience New York.

Levels

The ALP has eight levels of instruction, from pre-intermediate to high advanced. Important note: The ALP does not teach beginners. Level 2 pre-intermediate students must be A2 level on the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) and be able to:

• Communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar and routine matters.
• Write short simple notes and messages relating to matters in area of immediate needs.
• Understand phrases and high frequency vocabulary related to areas of most immediate personal relevance.
• Read short simple texts; find specific information in simple everyday material.

Features

• 18 hours of instruction per week
• 'University style' schedule – classes are usually at different times every day, at least one class every day (any time Monday through Friday, 9:00am to 6:00pm)
• Small classes (maximum 16)
• 1-2 hours of homework every day; one writing assignment per week

Summer Intensive

Summer courses are 4-weeks long, with three possible start dates: Summer A in May, Summer B in June, and Summer C in July. Students can study for 4 weeks, 8 weeks, or 12 weeks. The Summer Intensive program levels 3-9 follow a project-based curriculum, while level 2 follows a textbook-based curriculum.

Dates and Prices

Study in Fall

• Fall 2025 (September 2 – December 5)
• Application Deadline: August 1
• Tuition and Fees:
  • Tuition: $11,064
  • Activity Fee: $100
  • Instructional Support Fee: $90
  • ALP Student Services Fee: $60
  • Technology Fee: $35
  • Health Insurance: $2,044
  • Health & Related Services Fee: $723
  • Textbooks: $150
  • Estimated Living Expenses: $9,800
  • Estimated Total Cost of Study: $24,066

Study in Spring

• Spring 2026 (January 20 – May 1)
• Application Deadline: December 7
• Tuition and Fees:
  • Tuition: $11,064
  • Activity Fee: $100
  • Instructional Support Fee: $90
  • ALP Student Services Fee: $60
  • Technology Fee: $35
  • Health Insurance: $3,323
  • Health & Related Services Fee: $723
  • Textbooks: $150
  • Estimated Living Expenses: $9,800
  • Estimated Total Cost of Study: $25,345

Study in Summer

• Summer A Session: May 26 - June 18
• Summer B Session: June 22 - July 17
• Summer C Session: July 20 - August 14
• Application Deadlines: April 26 for Summer A, May 17 for Summer B, June 21 for Summer C
• Tuition and Fees for 4 weeks:
  • Tuition: $3,688
  • Activity Fee: $100
  • Instructional Support Fee: $40
  • ALP Student Services Fee: $20
  • Technology Fee: $35
  • Health & Related Services Fee: $150
  • Books & Materials: $30 (estimated maximum)
  • Estimated Living Expenses: $2,800
  • Estimated Total Cost of Study: $6,860
• Tuition and Fees for 8 weeks:
  • Tuition: $7,376
  • Activity Fee: $100
  • Instructional Support Fee: $80
  • ALP Student Services Fee: $40
  • Technology Fee: $35
  • Health Insurance: $1,252
  • Health & Related Services Fee: $250
  • Books & Materials: $60 (estimated maximum)
  • Estimated Living Expenses: $5,600
  • Estimated Total Cost of Study: $14,926
• Tuition and Fees for 12 weeks:
  • Tuition: $11,064
  • Activity Fee: $100
  • Instructional Support Fee: $120
  • ALP Student Services Fee: $60
  • Technology Fee: $35
  • Health Insurance: $1,252
  • Health & Related Services Fee: $500
  • Books & Materials: $90 (estimated maximum)
  • Estimated Living Expenses: $8,400
  • Estimated Total Cost of Study: $21,504

Explanation of Fees

• Activity Fee: Covers expenses relating to orientation, handbooks, events, and activities.
• Instructional Support Fee: Covers class materials and expenses such as playbooks, novels, newspapers, photocopying, theater tickets, museum or event entry.
• ALP Student Services Fee: Covers I-20 processing fees and other SEVIS transactions.
• Technology Fee: Covers SPS technology expenses, including access to online course management software, Canvas, and tools used to develop online course content.
• Health Insurance: All ALP students in Fall, Spring, and 8 or 12 week Summer courses are required to have Columbia Medical Insurance.
• Health and Related Services Fee: All ALP students are required to pay the Health and Related Services Fee, covering access to Columbia health services.
• Books and Materials: Estimate for textbooks and materials assigned by instructors.
• Estimated Living Expenses: Estimate of food, transportation, everyday expenses, and accommodation to help plan financially.

Accreditation

The Columbia University American Language Program Intensive English Programs are accredited by the Commission on English Language Program Accreditation (CEA) for the period August 2019 through August 2029.