English Language Programs: American Language Center

Academic Intensive English Program (AIEP)

English language instruction for academic success

The Academic Intensive English Program (AIEP) is a 9-level, full-time program that emphasizes all major language skills: speaking, listening, reading, and writing.

Why the AIEP at UCLA Extension?

Prepare for study at American colleges and universities
Prepare for the TOEFL and IELTS tests
Earn UCLA transferable credit at the advanced levels
Receive an award of completion from UCLA Extension

Enjoy small class sizes with UCLA-quality instructors and one-on-one tutoring.

What you can expect:

The American Language Center offers English language programs and courses in person in Los Angeles. Classes run Monday to Friday from 9am-3pm, Los Angeles time (for F-1 students).

Teaching Approach

Emphasis on all skills: reading, writing, listening, speaking, vocabulary, and grammar
Interactive classroom activities: pair and group work, presentations, and project based writing
Academic skills and critical thinking approaches at the advanced levels

Curriculum

Core classes: grammar, reading, and writing at all levels
Elective classes: students at the high-intermediate and advanced levels select available courses according to their interests and goals

Course Length

10 weeks in winter, spring, and fall
6 or 12 weeks in summer
Total of 23 class sessions per week

Admission Requirements

Minimum Age

Participants must be at least 17 years of age.

Students under the age of 18 must submit a waiver signed by a parent or guardian.

F-1 Visa

If you are coming from another country to study in the Academic Intensive English Program (AIEP), you will need a student F-1 visa.

Visitors to the U.S. on tourist visas, B-1 or B-2 visas, who are not eligible for AIEP may join the American Communication and Culture course.

Program Levels & Average TOEFL Scores

The Academic Intensive English Program (AIEP) has 9 levels: 100 (basic) through 108 (advanced)

Approximate TOEFL iBT scores are listed below to give students a general idea of how AIEP levels compare to TOEFL scores. A TOEFL or IELTS score is not required to enroll in AIEP.

On the first day of the program, you will take an exam to determine your level of instruction.

AIEP Level	Equivalent TOEFL iBT Scores
108 (Advanced IV) 107 (Advanced III) 106 (Advanced II) 105 (Advanced I)	95-119 90-105 76-90 61-76
104 (High Intermediate) 103 (Intermediate)	37-61 19-37
102 (High Beginning) 101 (Beginning) 100 (Basic)	14-24 13-20 12-16

The UCLA Extension American Language Center (ALC) uses its own English skills test to determine placement. TOEFL iBT® scores listed above are for comparison/information purposes only.

Sample Schedule: High Intermediate Level

High Intermediate Level Sample Schedule

9-11 a.m.

11 a.m. to 12 p.m.

12-1 p.m.

1-3 p.m.

3-4:30 p.m.

Grammar & Writing

Reading & Discussion

Lunch

Elective Course

Computer Lab (optional)

Elective courses are typically scheduled Monday through Thursday, and students may attend the optional computer lab from 1-2 p.m. on Friday.

Elective Courses

Students in levels 104 to 108 choose two electives. Possible topics include:

TOEFL and IELTS preparation
Business Communication
Pronunciation
English through Drama
English through Movies
American Idioms and Slang
Active Listening and Speaking
Current Events
English through Literature
Public Speaking
Vocabulary development

Housing, Transportation & Campus Activities

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Program Dates, Fees & Applications

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After a year of taking intensive English classes at the American Language Center, I felt confident in my ability to handle graduate-level academic work. Thanks to ALC’s professional teachers and a carefully designed curriculum, I got the essential language skills that helped me graduate from Pepperdine University with a Master’s Degree in Global Business.

Olga Marina

ALC Graduate, Kazakhstan

Conditional Admission to Partner Schools

Colleges and Universities with TOEFL/IELTS Test Waivers

The UCLA Extension American Language Center (ALC) has established conditional admission agreements with a number of colleges and universities, as well as UCLA Extension certificate programs.

These institutions have agreed to waive TOEFL, IELTS, and other standardized language proficiency assessments if students have successfully completed an advanced level of the ALC Academic Intensive English Program (AIEP). Community College partners accept completion of level 105, and university partners accept 107, unless otherwise specified.

Partner Community Colleges

The Art Institutes

Berkeley College (New York)

El Camino College

Foothill and De Anza Colleges

Glendale Community College

Irvine Valley College

Los Angeles City College

Los Angeles Harbor College

Los Angeles Trade Technical College

Los Angeles Valley College

National Polytechnic College