Applied Language Institute

Students holding up certificates and taking a selfie.

Your Partner in Success

The ALI offers comprehensive student support, including specialized advising for ESOL students, assistance with ALI class registration, and help ensuring students maintain their visa status. Our friendly staff understands the needs of our students and is dedicated to helping them learn English while adjusting to a new culture.

About Us

Explore Our Offerings

An instructor leading a small, engaged group of students in an English language classroom.

English Language Programs

We offer a variety of English programs for speakers of other languages (ESOL programs). Whether you're a degree-seeking student, international student, visiting student or member of the community, we can help you become proficient or fluent in English.

Explore programs

A close up of two male students in a classroom.

Admissions

Learn more about application requirements and get step-by-step instructions for applying to our programs.

Admissions

Four female students posing for a photo at the Kansas City Union Station.

Resources for Admitted Students

The Applied Language Institute at UMKC is dedicated solely to learners who are English speakers of other languages. We work hard to support our students both in and outside the classroom. Explore the resources we have available.

Student resources

What Our Students Are Saying

The program has helped me a lot because I remember that the first day, I did not know any English, and until now, I can say that it has taught me many lessons and continued to help me achieve my goal. My plan at the end of the program is to speak perfect English and be able to apply to a university to be a flight attendant.
Headshot of Luis Quintanillo.

Luis Quintanillo

Intensive English Program

The experience at ALI has allowed me to speak and understand the English language. Something that I have not been able to achieve in other English courses. I am very happy because it is very important for every professional to speak this language. This will allow me to access better job opportunities.
Headshot of Alexandra Quintanillo.

Alexandra Quintanillo

Intensive English Program

Taking classes with English as a second language is difficult. Try to avoid simply talking to people from your home country; discover new things and speak with native English speakers every chance you get.
Headshot of Hyun Cho.

Hyun Cho

Iris Exchange Program

Our Mission

Our mission is to offer comprehensive English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) instruction for academic, personal or professional purposes, as well as language acquisition and cross-cultural classes and seminars. In addition, the Institute aims to provide students with an understanding of U.S. cultures and values, particularly within the educational environment, while acknowledging and valuing students' own cultures and languages.

Students sitting around a table in the student union playing board games and laughing.

What's Happening at the ALI?

The ALI blog is your go-to source for updates on the ALI community. It covers community events, highlights student work and interviews, and introduces new faculty and staff.

ALI blog link opens in a new tab

Find Us

Call: 816-235-1233 Text: 816-239-3756 (domestic)
213 Haag Hall, 5120 Rockhill Road, Kansas City, MO 64110