The Institute of American Language and Culture: An English Language Program in the Heart of New York City

Fordham University, the Jesuit University of New York, is committed to the discovery of wisdom and the transmission of learning through academic inquiry, research, and liberal arts education of the highest quality. Founded upon Catholic and Jesuit traditions, Fordham fosters the intellectual, moral and spiritual development of its students and prepares them for leadership in a global society.

In keeping with Fordham University’s ethos of cura personalis, or “educating the whole person”, the Institute of American Language and Culture (IALC) at Fordham is committed to equipping students with the communication and cross-cultural skills critical for academic and professional success through a dynamic blend of specialized content and English language instruction.

WHO WE ARE

Located in bustling midtown Manhattan between Lincoln Center and Central Park, the language learning environment at IALC reaches beyond traditional classrooms into the heart of New York City, whether on-campus or online! Our team of dedicated instructors bring with them years of experience in fields such as law, business, education, technology, and the arts, integrating pedagogical expertise with specialized knowledge in the context of one of the world’s most widely recognized and influential urban centers. For over 30 years, we have welcomed students from more than 40 countries, and we are proud of the diverse nationalities, cultures, language backgrounds, and educational goals represented in our community of past, current and future students.

WHAT WE OFFER

In-Person or Online courses

We offer both in-person and online classes to meet the diverse needs of our students.  Our online courses will provide a convenient yet rigorous learning environment. Our instructors are skilled with the most appropriate educational technology and pedagogy to support you.  Whether on-campus or online, IALC instructors work closely with you to help you achieve your goals.

Intensive English Program (IEP)

Clarity, grammatical accuracy, and improved fluency and comprehension are the goals of each class in the IALC Intensive English Program. Most courses run 14 weeks in fall and spring and 10 weeks in summer.  Short seminars and online courses provide additional flexibility for your schedule.  Small classes (5 – 10 students) guarantee personalized attention, and teaching methods prepare students to succeed in American colleges and universities.

Electives

Electives are English language courses that specialize in certain topics, such as arts and culture, history, global citizenship, business, legal studies, social media, or psychology. IALC elective course listings change each semester and are offered at every language proficiency level.

Free Academic Workshops

Weekly English language workshops led by IALC teaching faculty provide intensive practice in conversation, pronunciation, and grammar, and are available to all registered Fordham students, both part-time and full-time, at no additional cost.

ESL Evenings

Evening and weekend courses are customized for busy professionals whose work and lifestyle demand flexibility, cultural sensitivity, and a global perspective. Course participants learn strategies for intercultural communication that they can immediately put into practice in their careers and beyond.

Private Lessons

Private instruction is available for adults who can't fit regular courses into their daily schedules. Private students receive the full privileges of a part-time IALC student, including access to university facilities and participation in free IALC academic workshops. Courses start with 10 one-hour sessions per semester with flexible scheduling.

Culture Club

The IALC Culture Club arranges guided excursions for IALC students, such as nature hikes, visits to local festivals, and museum tours. Participants put their language skills to immediate use and have fun getting to know New York even better than the locals do.