Applied Language Institute (ALI)
Contact Information
5120 Rockhill Road
Haag Hall 213
Kansas City, MO 64110
Phone: 816- 235-1233
Website: Applied Language Institute
Program Description
The Applied Language Institute (ALI) provides English language instruction and academic preparation for multilingual students pursuing university study and other educational goals. Through its programs, students develop English proficiency, academic communication skills, intercultural competence, and strategies for success in U.S. higher education.
ALI's degree-seeking pathway consists of two sequential programs that support students from beginning through upper-intermediate levels of English proficiency.
Intensive English Program (IEP)
The Intensive English Program serves students at beginning and lower-intermediate proficiency levels. Students develop foundational skills in reading, writing, grammar, listening, speaking, pronunciation, and vocabulary through intensive coursework and individualized support. The program offers 18 hours of instruction per week and prepares students for further academic English study.
Paseo Program
The Paseo Program serves students at intermediate and upper-intermediate proficiency levels who are preparing for undergraduate study. Coursework emphasizes academic communication, information literacy, digital writing, grammar, presentations, discussions, and other skills necessary for success in university coursework. Students engage with authentic academic tasks while receiving language support designed to facilitate the transition to degree programs.
The IEP focuses on foundational English development, while the Paseo Program focuses on academic preparation for undergraduate study.
Pathway Structure
Students are placed into the Intensive English Program or the Paseo Program based on English proficiency measures, including placement testing and recognized English-language assessments. As students develop their language proficiency and academic skills, they may progress from the Intensive English Program into the Paseo Program. Together, the two programs provide a pathway from foundational English language development to university readiness.
In addition to its degree-seeking pathway programs, the Applied Language Institute offers customized programs, short-term educational experiences, teacher training, and other specialized opportunities that combine English language learning with academic and intercultural engagement.
English Proficiency Requirement
Proficiency in English is essential to success in academic programs at UMKC. The Applied Language Institutes (ALI) helps ensure that all students have an opportunity to develop to develop the English language skills necessary for academic study.
Prior to enrollment, newly admitted ALI students and academically admitted international students whose English proficiency scores do not qualify them for full matriculation are placed according to their official test scores and, when required, an oral proficiency interview administered by the ALI. The interview is used primarily to distinguish between placement in the Intensive English Program at the A1 or A2 level and placement in the Paseo Program at the B1 or B2 level. Students whose official scores qualify them for B2-level placement or full matriculation are not required to complete the interview. An interview may also be waived for students who request or clearly demonstrate A1-level placement. Based on the available evidence, including official test scores and interview results when applicable, students must enroll in and successfully complete the ALI coursework determined to be necessary. For academically admitted students, required coursework is determined by the ALI in consultation with the student’s academic unit.