American Language Institute Receives Accreditation

October 23, 2019 | News, UToday
By Staff



It’s official: The American Language Institute has received a five-year accreditation from the Commission on English Language Program Accreditation.

That means UToledo’s intensive English program is one of nine in Ohio with accreditation. There are more than 40 programs in the state.

Ryan Wright, instructor in the UToledo American Language Institute, talked to students in the institute during an ice cream social.

“We are so proud to receive this prestigious accreditation,” Sara F. Clark, director of the Center for International Studies and Programs, said. “The two-year application process was extensive and validates the comprehensive value of the American Language Institute.”

Last fall, the institute submitted a 165-page self-study with more than 150 supporting documents. In April, three Commission on English Language Program Accreditation representatives conducted an on-site visit.

The Commission on English Language Program Accreditation is the only specialized accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

“According to an internal report by the Commission on English Language Program Accreditation, only about 20% of all applied intensive language programs earn the initial five-year accreditation, the best outcome we possibly could achieve,” said Dr. Ting Li, English as a second language coordinator and instructor in the American Language Institute. “That undoubtedly confirms the strong external validity of the American Language Institute.”

Students worked in the American Language Institute Computer Lab.

In addition, the American Language Institute is accredited by the University and College Intensive English Programs; only three programs in Ohio are recognized by this agency.

And the American Language Institute is a member of English USA, the only organization in the United States that includes all types of intensive English programs.

“The American Language Institute is the only intensive language program in the Ohio and Michigan region that has received accreditation and membership by all three organizations — the Commission on English Language Program Accreditation, the University and College Intensive English Programs, and English USA,” Clark said. “We see the value of our program every day as we help students, but it’s nice to have that external validation, too.”

Founded in 1977, the American Language Institute’s intensive English program has provided more than 8,000 students, scholars and area residents of international origin with the academic language skills and the American cultural background to foster meaningful engagement with the University and the community. A majority of those English and second-language learners matriculated to UToledo undergraduate and graduate programs.

“With our skill-based course work and extracurricular offerings, the American Language Institute assists students gain cross-cultural skills,” Ting said.

Learn more on the American Language Institute’s website.

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