English Language (ESL) Programs

After you define your priorities and identify the factors most important to you, use other resources to narrow down your choices.

Accreditation and Program Quality

The Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training (ACCET) and the Commission on English Language Program Accreditation (CEA) are two bodies that provide national accreditation to Intensive English Programs (IEPs) in the United States. It is highly recommended that you select a program that is accredited by one or both of these organizations.聽

The American Association of Intensive English Programs (AAIEP)聽鈥撀燼lso known as "EnglishUSA"聽鈥撀燼nd University and College Intensive English Programs (UCIEP) are the two main U.S. associations for Intensive English Programs that聽have established standards that all member programs must meet. As you research programs, also聽consider ones that聽are members of AAIEP or UCIEP.

Resources

  • IEP accreditation organizations:
  • IEP membership associations:
  • 聽(also known as EnglishUSA)
    Nearly 300 AAIEP members offer accredited intensive English programs at聽college and university settings or in聽city centers.

  • UCIEP is an independent consortium of university- and college-administered intensive English programs in the United States.

  • Intensive English USA is the leading source of information for international students researching English programs in the United States.

Many independent websites also allow you to search for institutions offering English programs by time frame,聽cost,聽geographic preference, or by other criteria.

You can also learn more about your options by: