AAIEP recognizes and is encouraged by the growth in international education across intensive English programs (IEP) and within higher education as a whole, especially as that growth is benefited by the contributions of AAIEP members.  The past few years have witnessed unique approaches to the advancement of international education, inclusive of institutional partnerships that bring together the public and private sectors for academic, programmatic, and recruitment purposes.  AAIEP welcomes these approaches and encourages membership from new or re-structured IEPs.

AAIEP membership is for intensive English programs, with the primary criteria for membership being that the IEP either be accredited by the accrediting body of ACCET or CEA, or under the governance of an institution which is regionally accredited (see Article IV, Section I of the AAIEP bylaws).  To assist existing or new IEPs renewing or seeking membership, AAIEP offers this clarification of what these criteria mean:

ACCET or CEA Accreditation
This criterion is met when an IEP has undergone the accreditation process with either ACCET or CEA; has been granted accreditation by either ACCET or CEA; and provides AAIEP with a letter of its accreditation from either ACCET or CEA.  More information on ACCET or CEA accreditation may be found at www.accet.org and www.cea-accredit.org.

Under the Governance of a Regionally Accredited Institution
This criterion is met when all aspects of the IEP operate under the direct administration and control of an institution that is regionally accredited.  AAIEP considers an IEP to be under the governance of a regionally accredited institution when the ownership of the IEP and the institution is by the same legal entity, such that the lines of accountability are transparent and the standards of the institution, as demonstrated through its accreditation, apply to the IEP.

AAIEP encourages any IEP that is not under the governance of a regionally accredited institution to meet AAIEP membership requirements through the accreditation of ACCET or CEA.  Any IEP with questions concerning membership requirements or whether the IEP meets these requirements, please contact the AAIEP VP of Standards (standards@aaiep.org).