Intensive English Language Program

Learn English at a top state university known for excellence, impact, and affordability!

The Intensive English Language Program (IELP) is designed for international students who want to improve their English language skills. The IELP has many great options for you! After successfully completing the IELP, many students enter one of UAlbany’s world-famous degree programs. Join us!

Student Life

Learn. Live. Thrive. Succeed … at UAlbany, One of the “Best Universities in the U.S.”

Your campus – your home!

Welcome to New York, Albany, UAlbany, and the IELP! The Intensive English Language Program (IELP) is located in the heart of the UAlbany campus. From the moment you arrive in UAlbany, you realize what an amazing and special place it is. The buildings were designed by one of America’s most famous architects. The campus is filled with water fountains, and beautiful forests surround the entire campus. A large pond on campus offers a natural habitat and walking trails to enjoy. Experience a world-class university!

Activities and Trips

The IELP hosts social and cultural activities and events for students. These activities help students learn and use language, meet new friends, explore new and exciting places, experience American culture, and become part of a community. At UAlbany students have the chance to enjoy beauty, diversity, history, culture, and world-famous places.

Every eight weeks, IELP students enjoy an All-Day Field Trip to World-Famous Destinations:

• New York City
• Boston
• Niagara Falls
• Philadelphia

Students also enjoy many other popular activities in the area:

• Lake George, “The Queen of American Lakes”
• Cruises on the Hudson River
• Adirondack Park (Created in 1892 by the State of New York, the park is greater in size than Yellowstone, the Everglades, Glacier, and Grand Canyon National Park combined.)
• Catskill Mountains
• National Basketball Hall of Fame and National Baseball Hall of Fame
• Thacher State Park
• Winter Sports: Downhill and Cross Country Skiing, Snowboarding, and Skating
• Summer Concerts: Washington Park, Jennings Landing, Saratoga Performing Arts Center

IELP Language Clubs and Services

IELP students use English outside of class and are surrounded by opportunities to make new friends, practice English, and meet American students.

• Reading Theater
• Conversation Club
• Conversation Partners
• TOEFL Preparation Workshops

Albany is close to more great Northeast American and Canadian cities:

• Washington, DC
• Philadelphia, PA
• Baltimore, MD
• Buffalo, NY
• Montreal (Canada)
• Toronto (Canada)
• Ottawa (Canada)

Online English Eco-System

Language Activities Wherever You Are is an Online English Eco-System for students outside the language classroom. Use language, explore culture, form friendships, and become part of the UAlbany Community. Join others with LIVE language chats and VIRTUAL cultural immersion, Wherever You Are and Whenever You Want.

Choose your Pathway Program into University at Albany:

1. Fast-Track Pathway with Conditional Admission
2. Guided Language and Academic Pathway
3. UA-USA Experience with Concurrent Enrollment
4. Academic and Language Skills Boot Camp short-seminar pathway

The Intensive English Language Program Advantage:

• Conditional Admission & TOEFL Waiver
• Small Class Size
• All Teachers have Master’s Degrees or Higher
• English for Specific Purposes
• 8- and 4-week Sessions
• Social and Cultural Activities & Language Clubs
• New York State & New York City

The IELP, established in 1978, has trained 10,000 ESL students. The IELP is a member of the American Association of Intensive English Programs and University and College Intensive English Programs.

How does the IELP work?

Classes are offered in 8-week sessions. There are five 8-week sessions offered throughout the year. Students take a placement test and enroll in the number of sessions necessary to achieve their desired English language level. There are seven levels of English offered, from basic to university-ready advanced.

Short-term Study Available

In addition to 8-week sessions, if students are interested in shorter courses, the IELP offers ten 4-week sessions throughout the year.

Courses

Full-time students study 20 hours per week, which includes two core classes and one elective course.

Core Courses (16 hours)

• Listening/Speaking (8 hours per week)
• Reading/Writing (8 hours per week)

Elective English Courses (4 hours)

• Elective courses include Business English, English for Science and Engineering, American Pronunciation & Accent Reduction, Conversational English, Grammar, Academic Vocabulary, American Film, American Music, and more.

Part-time students can choose to study 4–16 hours per week.

Choose your Pathway Program into UAlbany

1. Fast-Track Pathway with Conditional Admissions

The fastest way for conditionally admitted IELP students to enter the university is to complete the IELP successfully at the Advanced 2 level. This is the most common pathway through the IELP and into UAlbany. Visit Undergraduate Admissions to learn more.

Students may also receive pre-placement in the IELP at the Advanced Level with submitted scores of 5.5 on the IELTS or 61 on the iBT. Conditionally admitted students can finish the IELP in just one semester and then enter UAlbany for Undergraduate studies.

2. Guided Pathway (Starting your Academic Program with guided support and services while an IELP student)

IELP provides a chance for students to take an academic class as advanced IELP students for one semester for credit with assistance, support, and guidance from IELP faculty. Contact [email protected] for more information.

3. UA-USA Experience (Concurrent Enrollment)

Another popular pathway is for IELP students to be concurrently enrolled. Current Enrollment allows non-degree students to take IELP classes and UAlbany courses at the same time to experience the American University educational system. Contact [email protected] for more information.

4. Academic and Language Skills Boot Camp*

This four-day intensive course is designed for International Students who will begin their academic studies at UAlbany in the fall or spring. Students learn the key skills that promote success in university study for a broad range of majors. Learn more.

*The Boot Camp may be offered as an online course.

One of America’s Top Colleges – Excellent Rankings

UAlbany, the Oldest SUNY (State University of New York) school is a comprehensive research state university. Called one of the “Best Universities” and “a Top-100 Best Value,” it’s no surprise that UAlbany combines excellent education with an affordable value. With UAlbany’s national rankings and groundbreaking education, students are prepared for the future.

• One of the “Top Universities in the World” – QS, 2015
• One of the “Best Business Schools” – Princeton Review
• One of the “Best Universities in the U.S.” – U.S. News & World Report (2015)
• One of “America’s Top Colleges” – Forbes Magazine
• #1 MBA Job Placement – U.S. News & World Report (2013 & 2014)