American English Language Program: Northern Kentucky University, Greater Cincinnati Region

About Us

AELP, the American English Language Program at Northern Kentucky University, offers English language classes to students from around the world to improve grammar, writing, reading, listening, and speaking skills. Graduates of our program often go on to study in one of the many undergraduate and graduate degree programs offered at NKU. Students also gain valuable English language skills to perform well on the TOEFL and IELTS tests, improve their career and job possibilities, and develop confidence to succeed in an English language environment.

Our diverse group of students – who come from Asia, Africa, South America, and Europe – enjoy many opportunities to interact with American and international students. Dynamic and engaging classes from experienced ESL instructors.

Learning Outcomes

In the American English Language Program, you will achieve:

Proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing the English language
Better English communication skills for confidence at school and work
English test-taking skills to be able to pass proficiency tests
Successful social connections through friendship building
Grammar skills to be better understood and respected
Confidence in yourself and in your interactions with English speakers
Better understanding of American culture and the university environment
Access to clubs, organizations, and other university services and benefits.

International flags hanging from ceiling inside room.

Groups of students having conversations inside the University Center at NKU

Professor instructing a classroom of students.

Group of students standing outside of the Student Union at NKU

How AELP Works

International students accepted into NKU must prove a level of English proficiency with a passing IELTS score (5.5 for bachelors; 6.5 for masters) or TOEFL IBT score (61 for bachelors; 79 for masters). If a student does not have that level of proficiency, he or she will be enrolled in the American English Language Program. Students take a placement test just after their arrival to NKU during AELP orientation to determine the level at which they will enter the program.

Level 1

The student’s vocabulary, speech, and understanding of English are limited to several words and expressions. The student has very little ability in English grammar, writing, and reading.

Level 2

The student understands and speaks conversational English with hesitancy and difficulty. The student understands simple directions and lessons and is at a beginning level of English grammar, reading, and writing.

Level 3

The student understands and speaks conversational and academic English with decreasing hesitancy and difficulty. The student possesses developing grammar, reading comprehension, and writing skills in English.

Level 4

The student understands and speaks conversational English without much difficulty, but has some hesitancy with academic English. The student possesses intermediate English grammar, reading, and writing skills.

Level 5

The student understands and speaks both conversational and academic English with increasing proficiency. The student is ready to learn and work with advanced English grammar, writing, and reading.

Level 6

The student understands and speaks conversational and academic English well with few mistakes. The student is approaching college-level proficiency in English, but needs some additional English skills classwork before being ready for university classes