ILI of Massachusetts
The International Language Institute of Massachusetts (ILI) is a private, non-profit language school founded in 1984 and located in Northampton, Massachusetts.
Mission Statement
ILI’s mission is to promote intercultural understanding and diverse communities by providing high-quality language instruction and teacher training.
Discover ILI’s core values and Statement of Principles that shape our approach to language education. Learn about our commitment to fostering an inclusive and respectful learning environment.
Importance of Language
Language can either bring people together or create barriers that are difficult to overcome. In this country as well as many others, limited skills in the “official” language contribute to the marginalization of many people, making it hard for them to reach their full potential. At ILI, we provide English language training in the hopes of realizing a truly multicultural and linguistically equitable society.
Understanding begins with conversation. We believe that misunderstandings, mistrust, and even aggression among nations can be overcome when people interact with respect for different cultures and different languages. This is true at individual, business, and government levels. ILI supports second and world language learning and cross-cultural awareness for both native and non-native speakers of English.
Founding Vision and Innovative Teaching Methods
Our founders responded to the need for high quality language training in the Connecticut River Valley when they established ILI in 1984.
Our teaching methods must be as effective as possible because language is so important to personal and professional lives. Traditional approaches to language training teach in an intellectualized way, often failing to provide students with the means to communicate and perform even basic, daily tasks in the language they want to learn. We seek to reverse this trend by teaching in a meaningful context, consistently encouraging active student participation in — and evaluation of — the learning experience. This intense level of student participation ensures the relevance of our classes and fosters successful language acquisition. We strive to make language classes dynamic, useful, and fun.
Explore ILI Language Courses
Free English for Immigrants & Refugees
ILI offers free English classes for immigrants and refugees (age 17+) living permanently in Western Massachusetts. Is that you?
The Intensive English Program
Our intensive English program delivers 21 hours of class time per week with intakes every four weeks. It’s friendly and fun and you’re welcome.
Language Travel Programs Abroad
ILI can assist you in finding study abroad programs with cultural immersion, native instructor interaction, and enriching excursions.
Workplace Programs
We offer language courses for companies and employees that bring specialized language training to the workplace.
World Language Program
At ILI, each of our language programs offer students a great opportunity to thrive, thanks to our supportive teachers mindful of students’ goals. Find out more!
Teacher Training Program (TESOL)
With a TESOL Certificate, you are qualified to teach English language learners anywhere in the world.
Accreditations
ILI is accredited by ACCET (Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training) and by IALC (the International Association of Language Centres) ensuring the quality and credibility of our programs.
Non-Discrimination Policy and Accessibility
ILI prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual identity, age, marital status, national origin, mental or physical handicap, political belief or affiliation, membership or non- membership in any organization, or veteran status in any aspect of the administration or treatment of students or in employment. ILI is committed to ensure that all of its services are accessible to qualified persons with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
The ILI Promise
At ILI, we believe that all our actions should stem from grace and loving kindness.
- We operate as an equal opportunity organization.
- We nurture relationships beyond the classroom.
- We are committed to providing the highest quality language instruction and teacher training.
- We promote intercultural understanding and celebrate the diversity in our local communities.
- We work collaboratively to build and sustain the communities we serve.
- We believe in life-changing teaching and learning.