Iris Program

Study at UMKC While Improving Your English

The Iris Program is an exchange student program for international students who want to take university courses, gain U.S. study abroad experience, and strengthen their academic English. 

  • Study for one or two semesters at UMKC
  • Receive structured English language support
  • Experience campus life and the Kansas City community

Apply to the Iris Program

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Designed for International Exchange Students

This program is ideal for students who

  • Are currently enrolled at a university outside the U.S.
  • Want to study abroad for one or two semesters
  • Want to learn and practice the English language at a U.S. university
  • Need additional English support while taking university courses

A Real U.S. University Experience

As an Iris Exchange student, you will

  • Study alongside American and international students
  • Strengthen your English through targeted langauage support
  • Enroll in UMKC courses based on your academic interests and English level
  • Earn university credits (transfer subject to your home institution)

Intensive English Courses

Students who do not have the required proficiency test scores for the Paseo Program or full-academic study will enroll in the Intensive English Program (IEP) at the Applied Language Institute. Their placement within the program will be determined by their ALI Online Placement Exam (CALIOPE) results.

Learn About IEP

Paseo Program Courses

Students whose English proficiency is at the B1 CEFR level will join the first level of the ALI's Paseo Program. They will enroll in full-time English study along with ALI 100 - English Through Service and Community Engagement in Kansas City.

You will develop the ability to

  • Write academic papers and assignments
  • Participate in discussions and group work
  • Understand lectures and academic materials
  • Use sources and communicate ideas clearly

Learn About Paseo Program

Academic Courses + English Support

Students whose English proficiency is at the B2 CEFR level will join the second level of the ALI's Paseo Program. Students in this level will enroll in two ALI classes, in addition to academic courses. 

  • ALI 100 - English Through Service and Community Engagement in Kansas City
  • ALI 160 - Academic Communication for International Students

Multiple schools at UMKC participate in the Iris Program. Some of these schools have additional requirements and limitations; others do not. Students interested in the School of Science and Engineering and certain Bloch School of Management classes will be required to take a math placement exam to ensure readiness for coursework. Students interested in Bloch courses will be limited to pre-approved course options. Students can learn more about requirements and limitations when meeting with their academic advisor.

Students should meet with an academic advisor before enrolling in classes. This is an expectation for all UMKC students. 

Learn more about the schools at UMKC that participate in the Iris Program

Iris Program Students are restricted to 100- or 200-level courses. Students wanting to take higher-level courses will only be approved by special arrangement. Contact the ALI for more information. 

Students who plan to take any academic courses at UMKC should include a translated copy of their transcripts with their application materials. Transcripts will not be used for admissions purposes. They will be used by academic advisors to ensure students are prepared for certain academic classes at UMKC and are not repeating classes already taken at their home university. 

Service-Learning Requirement

The Iris Program is a J-1 Exchange Program, which means it must include social and cultural elements like volunteer opportunities. For this reason, all Iris Exchange students are required to complete service hours while at UMKC. All J-1 students in the Paseo Program enroll in ALI 100 - English Through Service and Community Engagement in Kansas City to fullfil their service hours. 

You will have opportunities to use English in real-world contexts

  • Learn about social services provided to commuities in the U.S. 
  • Interact with local organizations and community members
  • Reflect on your experiences through guided activities

UMKC Transcripts

Students can request official transcripts from UMKC after they complete their program. Official transcripts are $60 per transcript per student. This cost covers shipping and processing. Students must request their transcripts through the UMKC Registrar

UMKC Registrar

Spring 2026 Costs

J-1 visa holders are charged the following items

  1. Base tuition
  2. Student Life Fee
  3. ISAO Fee
  4. International Student Health Insurance (required)
  5. Orientation Fee (new students only)

The costs of IEP-only study for Spring 2026 are

  • Jan. 20-May = $7,478.10
  • Feb. 16-May = $6,235.50
  • Mar. 9-May = $4,605.00

IEP Cost details