The Iris Exchange Program is a J-1 visa program. Students in the program pay the UMKC Undergraduate Resident Tuition Rate. This program is available for 1 or 2 semesters. Students must be from an International Partner University to participate in the program. J-1 visa programs are designed to promote the exchange of knowledge and culture between countries. The ALI's Iris Exchange Program allows students to immerse themselves in a US American college environment to learn culture, language, and various fields of study.
Check out the Iris Exchange Program details below. Once you're ready to apply, head over to our Admissions page to get started on an application.
Have questions? Contact us at ali@umkc.edu.
Students who do not have a TOEFL 61 or IELTS 5.5 or above, and do not test into Level 5 on the ALI's Online Placement Exam will need to take at least one Intensive English course. The exact number of IEP courses required will depend on their exam results.
The ALI's Intensive English Program (IEP) has small classes and dedicated instructors and staff. Classes are designed for success in English fluency and for your cultural enrichment. The IEP offers up to 16 weeks of intensive instruction during the fall and spring semesters. Students receive 20 hours of instruction per week (Sample Class Schedule). Courses are available for beginning level students, as well as intermediate and advanced students. Learn about our courses and levels here.
In order to take all academic courses, students must provide TOEFL 61 or IELTS 5.5 or higher. If they do not have TOEFL or IELTS scores, they can take the ALI's Online Placement Exam. If they test into Level 5, then they can take all academic courses.
Students taking academic courses can take courses in SHSS, SSE, SESWPS, and/or the Bloch School. Students interested in SSE and certain Bloch 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.
Learn more about the Schools at UMKC that participate in the Iris Program:
Students testing into Level 4 may only take 100-level courses. Students testing into Level 5 can take 200-level courses. Students wanting to take higher level courses will only be approved by special arrangement. Contact the ALI for more information.
ALI's Service-Learning program provides students with the opportunity to practice English in a real-world setting while learning more about U.S. culture.
Since the start of the Service-Learning program in Fall 2021, ALI faculty, staff, and students have completed 394 hours of service at 15 local organizations. Learn more about where we've served in the Kansas City area here.
The Iris Program is a J-1 Exchange Program, this means that it must include social and cultural elements, like volunteer opportunities. For this reason, all Iris Program students are required to complete at least 6 hours of volunteering/service each semester. The ALI will schedule meetings and be available by email to Iris Program students to discuss service projects. The ALI will provide a Community Service Verification form online and via email for students to get signed by the orgnizations they volunteer with. Students will receive a Service Verification letter from the ALI at the end of the semester. Partner universities can request a list of students who complete service hours and their number of hours at the end of the semester.
Every semester, the ALI plans activities designed to provide fun experiences while highlighting life in the United States.
Each semester, the ALI will plan two activities for J-1 students only. Additional activities will be planned for all ALI students. At the beginning of the semester, students will be presented with a list of activity options and their costs and they will help determine which activities the ALI will offer to everyone that semester.
| Student's English Level* | ALI Courses | Undergraduate SHSS, SSE, SESWPS, or Bloch Courses |
|---|---|---|
| ALI Level 5 or TOEFL 61/ IELTS 5.5 |
None | COMM-ST 209 plus 9-12 credits |
| ALI Level 4 | 6-8 credits | 6-9 credits |
| ALI Levels 1-3 | 12 credits | N/A |
*ALI levels are determined through CALIOPE, our online placement exam
Students who do not have TOEFL or IELTS test scores, but want to take academic classes should contact us about taking CALIOPE to determine eligibility and/or placement.
1. Includes tuition, English proficiency placement exam, and university student fees for 12 credit hours. Cost will be higher for students who enroll in more credit hours.
2. International students are required to purchase health insurance through UMKC (https://www.umkc.edu/isao/admitted-students/health-insurance.html). For further cost information, see our Program Cost page.
The cost above does not include textbooks and living expenses.
