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.

ALI teaching and administrative staff are friendly, supportive, and understanding of the needs of international students in the United States. They have studied another language and have lived abroad, so they know what it's like to learn a new language somewhere that is completely different from home. They are dedicated to supporting students not only in their language learning, but in adjusting to life in a new culture at the same time. 

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.

Learn more about the ALI Director on our Meet Our People page.