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About English Language Programs

What are the activities of INTO UAB's English Language Programs?

  • We meet the language-learning needs of non-native English speakers through part-time and full-time language courses in our Academic English and Pathways programs.
  • We provide the UAB community with excellent English language training options, both for current and future students and employees.
  • We serve as a cross-cultural training resource for Americans and internationals in the Birmingham area.
  • We provide local companies with language and culture classes and training are available on site.

For more information on ELP, read about our English Language Training programs, or read more about our Mission and History, Staff, and Accreditations and Affiliations. Contact us for more information at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or (205) 996-9993.

  • Mission Statement

    The English Language Programs of INTO UAB strive to foster communication among cultures through quality English language programs and cross-cultural training opportunities.

    In order to do this effectively, the ELP will remain committed to the following:

    • Provide English language instruction, using best practices in language pedagogy, that enables non-native speakers to acquire the skills necessary to meet their goals, with a particular emphasis on academic and professional preparation in the higher levels
    • Ensure appropriate support services for full-time students to aid in their transition to life and studies in the United States, including access to orientation information, immigration counseling, academic and personal advising, social opportunities, and cross-cultural training
    • Offer part-time study opportunities to UAB students, scholars, or employees, and the Birmingham international community at large
    • Serve businesses, special groups, or community agencies through delivering specialized English language and/or cross-cultural training services
    • Advance UAB’s reputation for excellence through serving as a resource for international education, a venue for cross-cultural encounters, and an extension of UAB’s international reach across the world.
  • History

    INTO UAB's English Language Programs have been serving English language learners in the Birmingham area since 2001. Established as a special project of a local educational collaboration called the Birmingham Area Consortium for Higher Education (BACHE), the program was developed to provide a professionally-staffed “center” in adult English language and cross-cultural instruction for the member institutions and the region. Named the English Language and Culture Institute (ELCI), the program held its first class in Fall semester of 2001, and BACHE housed the program through December of 2003.

    In January of 2004, the ELCI was relocated to the School of Education of the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). In the following years, the program experienced steady growth, both in service to UAB and through meeting ESL training needs in the greater Birmingham region. In 2009, the ELCI received approval from the Board of Trustees of the University of Alabama system to serve as a designated "institute" at UAB. In the same year, the ELCI opened its Intensive English Program to pre-degree students and short-term students needing to improve their English for academic or professional purposes. It was renamed the UAB English Language Institute (ELI) in November 2010 and became part of the UAB College of Arts and Sciences.

    In 2015, UAB established a new joint venture with INTO University Partnerships called INTO UAB. The ELI became a part of that partnership as the academic wing of the enterprise. The ELI – now the English Language Programs of INTO UAB – looks forward to continued growth, and it remains committed to deliver English language and cross-cultural training programs with the high standard of quality that is the program's hallmark.

Accreditation and Affiliations

Commission on English Language Program Accreditation

Commission on English Language Program Accreditation

Tel: (703) 665-3400

The University of Alabama at Birmingham's Academic English Program is accredited by the Commission on English Language Program Accreditation (CEA) for the period of April 2019 through April 2029 and agrees to uphold the CEA Standards for English Language Programs and Institutions.

CEA is recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education as a nationally recognized accrediting agency for English language programs and institutions in the U.S.

For further information about this accreditation, please contact CEA, 1001 N. Fairfax Street, Suite 630, Alexandria, VA 22314, (703) 665-3400, www.cea-accredit.org.

English USA

English USA

Tel: (415) 926-1975

EnglishUSA is the largest English language program association in the United States, representing nearly 400 programs across the country.

Association of International Educators

Association of International Educators

Tel: (202) 737-3699

NAFSA: Association of International Educators is the world's largest nonprofit association dedicated to international education and exchange, working to advance policies and practices that ensure a more interconnected, peaceful world today and for generations to come.

Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages

Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages

Tel: (202) 737-3699

TESOL is an international association of professionals advancing the quality of English language teaching through professional development, research, standards, and advocacy.

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