Located in New York’s capital city, the University at Albany is the premier public research University in the Capital Region and offers more than 17,000 students the expansive opportunities of a large university in an environment designed to foster individual success. You’ll choose from over 150 undergraduate programs and more than 125 graduate programs that prepare you to succeed in a wide range of fields. You’ll have access to internships and career preparation in Fortune 500 businesses and in every field, plus early assurance options with Albany Medical Center and a unique partnership with Albany Law School. Recent additions to academic offerings include some of the most in-demand programs today, such as computer engineering, homeland security, emergency preparedness, digital forensics, financial market regulation and public health. UAlbany is ranked among the top universities in Forbes’ “America’s Best Public Colleges,” and U.S. News & World Report consistently ranks many graduate programs among the top 50 in the United States, including clinical psychology, criminal justice, library and information studies, public affairs, public health, sociology and social work.

The Intensive English Language Program (IELP) at UAlbany has been offering specially designed intensive language instruction since 1978 to more than 10,000 international students from more than 115 countries. ESL classes are offered in 4- and 8-week sessions. Students can enroll in as many or as few sessions as they choose, depending on the level of English they want or need to achieve. Core classes of Reading/Writing and Listening/Speaking are offered at all seven levels. Full-time (F-1 Visa status) students take 2 core classes and 1 elective class for a minimum of 20 hours per week. Students must successfully pass the core classes and elective class to progress to the next level. Part-time students can choose to study 4–16 hours per week.

Classes are divided by skill (Reading/Writing, Listening/Speaking, and Electives), but students can expect to practice all 4 skills in every class. Students will read and write short essays, listen to both authentic and “leveled” English, and speak in pairs and small groups. They will focus on academic vocabulary, give presentations, and write research papers. In Elective Classes, students might role-play a business meeting, build model bridges to demonstrate engineering principles, or critique a classic American movie.

The University at Albany (SUNY) and IELP provide students with the opportunity to live in on-campus dormitories or in off-campus residences, or to enjoy a homestay experience. Students living on-campus will be close to classes, campus activities and other students. For students who prefer a more independent lifestyle, off-campus residences provide more privacy and offer opportunities to interact with people in the community outside the campus environment. The school also arranges homestays for those students who want to experience local culture first-hand as a member of a family and practice their conversational English. Students are encouraged to make their housing arrangements as early as possible due to the limited amount of space available. Private off-campus apartments are also available; however, students must make their own arrangements. For more information, use the Contact Address to ask the school directly.

The IELP is located in the heart of the university campus in Albany, the capital city of New York. The campus was designed by one of America’s most famous architects, Edward Durell Stone, and is filled with water fountains and a unique post-modernist style. A large pond on campus offers a natural habitat and walking trails. Albany is a diverse and vibrant city that embraces intellect and innovation. Its proximity to major international hubs, including New York City, Boston, and Montreal allows for convenient travel. Despite the location and many conveniences, the cost of living is well below that of major U.S. cities.

The State of New York is world-famous for culture, the arts, media, business, history, entertainment, fashion, international diplomacy, theater and world-class universities. New York is also the ideal location for Olympic skiing, beaches, lakes, mountains and rivers. Many landmarks are well-known, and New York hosts several of the world’s 10 most-visited attractions: Niagara Falls, Central Park, Times Square and Grand Central Station. Visiting the Statue of Liberty and Wall Street are other must-do experiences.

College Panhellenic

Academic Support Center

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Graduate Student Organization

Advising PLUS

African Student Association

Albany Accounting Association

Albany Badminton Club

Albany Business Leaders Emerging

Albany Guitar Education