About Us
Director's Statement
As the Director of the Applied Language Institute at UMKC, I am committed to fostering a welcoming and globally engaged learning environment. A key mission of ALI is to bring students from around the world to our campus, enriching the academic and cultural landscape with diverse perspectives. With students representing an average of 15 different countries at any given time, it is essential that we ensure fairness, respect and opportunity for all. At ALI, we uphold a standard of inclusive excellence, providing international students with the same level of academic support and engagement as their domestic peers. By championing a culture of mutual respect and cross-cultural learning, we contribute to UMKC’s broader mission of preparing students for success in an interconnected world.
- Jeremy Slagoski, Director of the Applied Language Institute
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.
Our People
Applied Language Institute faculty and staff bring a wealth of experience and understand what it's like to learn a new language while adjusting to a different culture because, in many cases, they've done it themselves. Our instructors hold advanced degrees in linguistics, education and teaching English and are excited to help you develop your English proficiency so you can accomplish your educational and professional goals.
Accreditation and Memberships
The University of Missouri-Kansas City and the Applied Language Institute by extension are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. The ALI is also a member of the University and College Intensive English Programs (UCIEP) consortium. Learn more about our accreditation and memberships.