Agape English Language Institute

What Agape English Language Institute does

Agape English Language Institute for Internationals (AELI / DBA Agape) is a private, founder-owned ESL institution incorporated in 1989 by Dr. Rajarathnam (Raj) Aluri and his wife Kathy Aluri, with operations beginning in 1993 through a cooperative agreement with Limestone College in Gaffney, South Carolina. The company delivers intensive English-as-a-Second-Language instruction to international students seeking US higher-education admission or general English fluency, structured across six CEFR proficiency levels (A1–C2) in 9-week sessions with integrated TOEFL iBT preparation. Three core classes (Speaking/Listening, Reading/Writing, Grammar) are offered full-time (21 hours/week, $2,600 per 9-week session) or part-time (7–14 hours/week, $1,150–$1,950), with F-1 students required to enroll full-time.

The business operates two campuses in Columbia and Greenville, South Carolina, after consolidating from a four-campus footprint that included former Charleston (closed May 2004) and Charlotte, NC locations. AELI holds ACCET accreditation recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and is authorized by USCIS to issue its own I-20 forms for F-1 student visa sponsorship at both remaining campuses, removing the dependency on partner institutions that characterized its earliest years. The company's principal differentiator is a network of 13+ No-TOEFL conditional admission agreements with South Carolina colleges and universities (including Clemson, USC Aiken, Charleston Southern, Limestone, Bob Jones, Greenville Tech, Erskine, North Greenville, South University) plus private high schools, enabling Level 5 graduates to transfer without TOEFL/IELTS scores.

Revenue derives from tuition (full-time, part-time), homestay accommodation ($2,500 per 9-week session), conversation-practice subscriptions (Conversation Table at $50/month), private tutoring ($35–$50/hour), and non-refundable application fees ($100–$150). Distribution is primarily direct-to-consumer via the aeliusa.com website with QuickSchools-powered online application portals for F-1 and non-F1 tracks at each campus, supplemented by international recruitment through social media (Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Twitter), WhatsApp/WeChat messaging, Google Translate-enabled multilingual web access, and institutional referrals from partner schools. The technology stack is deliberately minimal — a web-based LMS and enrollment portal — with no proprietary software, no AI/ML components, and no disclosed data products. Headcount is reported at 1–10 employees, and the company has no external funding, no parent company, and no M&A history, operating as an independent family-owned education business.

Name

Agape English Language Institute

Legal name

Agape English Language Institute for Internationals

Website

https://aeliusa.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1989

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Agape English Language Institute for Internationals is a founder-owned, ACCET-accredited ESL school operating two South Carolina campuses (Columbia and Greenville), delivering intensive English instruction across six CEFR levels to international students seeking US university admission via 13+ No-TOEFL conditional admission partnerships.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

English Language Instruction (ESL)

NAICS

Language Schools (611630), Exam Preparation and Tutoring (611691)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

English Language Schools (ESL/EFL) (EDAIAEAB)

Keywords

• English language instruction
• Intensive ESL programs
• TOEFL preparation
• International student services
• Homestay accommodation

Headquarters

HQ city

Columbia

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Tuition - Full-Time Program: Core revenue stream from 9-week intensive ESL sessions at $2600 per session for full-time students. Includes Speaking/Listening, Reading/Writing, and Grammar classes with TOEFL preparation.
2. Tuition - Part-Time Program: Partial program revenue from students taking 1 or 2 core classes at $1150 (1 class) or $1950 (2 classes) per 9-week session. Available only to non-F1 visa students.
3. Homestay Services: Room and board services provided through American host family placements at $2500 per 9-week session, with $300 per break week. Revenue from accommodation and cultural immersion services.
4. Application Fees: Non-refundable application fees: $150 for F1 visa applicants, $100 for non-F1 applicants. Covers processing and enrollment screening.
5. Conversation Table Program: Non-accredited conversation practice sessions at $50/month with $25 one-time application fee. Available to students not meeting F1 visa requirements.
6. Private Tutoring: Hourly tutoring at $50/hour for non-enrolled students and $35/hour for current students. Provides supplemental learning revenue.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Agape English Language Institute provides intensive English as a Second Language (ESL) instruction for international students through 9-week sessions across 6 CEFR proficiency levels (A1 to C2), with full-time (21 hours/week, $2,600) and part-time (7-14 hours/week, $1,150-$1,950) tracks. The curriculum integrates Speaking/Listening, Reading/Writing, and Grammar classes with TOEFL iBT preparation, complemented by homestay placement with American host families, conversation practice sessions, private tutoring, and conditional admission pathway agreements with 13+ US colleges and universities.

Product overview

Agape English Language Institute for Internationals offers a unified English as a Second Language (ESL) education service with multiple delivery options. The core offering is a 9-week intensive program with three integrated classes (Speaking and Listening, Reading and Writing, and Grammar) available as full-time (all 3 classes, 21 hours/week) or part-time (1-2 classes) options. TOEFL preparation is integrated throughout all levels. The program spans 6 CEFR proficiency levels from beginner to proficient. Additional offerings include Conversation Table conversation practice, homestay accommodation, academic counseling with conditional university admission agreements, student visa assistance, private tutoring, and extracurricular activities. The institution operates two campuses (Columbia and Greenville, SC) and serves international students seeking English language instruction for academic, professional, or personal purposes.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• ESL Programs (Core Curriculum) English as a Second Language instruction program offering three integrated core classes (Speaking and Listening, Reading and Writing, and Grammar) with TOEFL preparation, structured across 6 CEFR proficiency levels from beginner (A1) to proficient (C2). Designed for international students seeking structured English language acquisition.
• Full-Time Program Full-time intensive English program (21 hours/week, 3 core classes) priced at $2,600 per 9-week session. Required for F-1 visa students and includes TOEFL preparation. Additional fees apply for textbooks, site fees, and health insurance.
• Part-Time Program Part-time English program available only to non-F1 visa students, offering 1 or 2 core classes (7-14 hours per week) at $1,150-$1,950 per 9-week session.
• Conversation Table Program Guided English conversation practice at $50/month (with $25 one-time application fee), offered at two levels (High Beginner/Low Intermediate on Tuesdays; High Intermediate/Advanced on Fridays). Not accredited and does not meet F-1 visa requirements.
• Homestay Program Room and board placement with American host families, priced at $2,500 per 9-week session (with $300 per break week). Includes all meals, private bedroom, daily English practice, and transportation to/from school.
• Private Tutoring One-on-one English tutoring priced at $50/hour for non-enrolled students and $35/hour for current Agape students.
• Student Visa Assistance F-1 student visa application support including document preparation, I-20 form issuance, SEVIS fee guidance, embassy interview preparation, and bank statement/sponsor letter assistance ($5,755 per session requirement guidance).
• Conditional Admission Pathway Agreements University transfer pathway allowing students who complete Level 5 (High Advanced) to enroll at partner institutions including Midlands Technical College, USC Aiken, Charleston Southern University, Clemson, Bob Jones University, Greenville Technical College, USC Upstate, Erskine College, South University, North Greenville University, and private high schools without TOEFL/IELTS scores.
• Academic Counseling Assistance with university selection and applications, TOEFL iBT or IELTS registration, and transfer coordination for students planning to attend university after completing ESL studies.

Quantifiable outcome

• Average TOEFL iBT score of 84.2 for Level 5 students

Named customers5 records

Segments2 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

14 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Limestone College (Historical)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCooperative agreement signed in 1993 to offer classes on Limestone College's Gaffney, SC campus. First class held September 1993. Agreement ended May 2004 when AELI obtained independent I-20 authorization.
• Midland Technical College (MTC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNo-TOEFL conditional admission partner near Columbia campus. Programs include Arts and Sciences (University Transfer), Business, Education and Human Services, Engineering Technology, and Healthcare.
• University of South Carolina Aiken (USCA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNo-TOEFL conditional admission partner near Columbia campus. Programs include Business Management, Marketing, Health Professions, Parks/Recreation/Leisure, and Fitness Studies.
• Charleston Southern UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNo-TOEFL conditional admission partner. Programs include Nursing, Business Administration, Biology, Graphic Design, and Computer Science.
• Clemson University (Graduate Programs)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNo-TOEFL conditional admission partner near Greenville campus. Programs include Mechanical Engineering and Accounting (graduate level).
• Bob Jones UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNo-TOEFL conditional admission partner near Greenville campus. Programs include Registered Nursing, Counseling Psychology, and Theological/Ministerial Studies.
• Greenville Technical College (GTC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNo-TOEFL conditional admission partner near Greenville campus. Programs include Mechanic and Repair Technologies, Liberal Arts and Sciences, and University Transfer.
• University of South Carolina UpstatecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNo-TOEFL conditional admission partner near Greenville campus. Programs include Psychology.
• Erskine CollegecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNo-TOEFL conditional admission partner near Greenville campus. Programs include Marketing Services, Biological Sciences, English Language and Literature, and Physical Sciences.
• South UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNo-TOEFL conditional admission partner near Greenville campus. Programs include Physical Therapy, Information Systems, and Physician Assistant.
• North Greenville University (NGU)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNo-TOEFL conditional admission partner near Greenville campus. Programs include Master of Business Administration, Mathematics and Engineering.
• Christ Church SchoolminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPrivate high school partnership for students seeking high school education pathway in the USA.
• Ben Lippen SchoolminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPrivate high school partnership for students seeking high school education pathway in the USA.
• Southside Christian SchoolminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPrivate high school partnership for students seeking high school education pathway in the USA.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves12 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Direct peers

• ELS Language Centers: Operates intensive ESL programs on U.S. university campuses, accepting international students on F-1 visas and offering conditional university admission pathways — closely comparable to Agape's core model.
• Stafford House International: English language school network with U.S. locations (e.g., Chicago, Boston, San Francisco) offering intensive ESL and pathway admissions for international students — comparable product and target.
• International House (IH) Worldwide: Network of accredited language schools offering intensive English programs globally, with pathway and university preparation offerings analogous to Agape's structure.
• FLS International: U.S.-based ESL institute (Las Vegas, Boston, Tenafly) operating intensive English programs with pathway admissions to U.S. colleges — comparable mid-size U.S. ESL operator targeting international students.
• Oxford International: Operates English language schools (including U.S. programs such as OHC California) serving international students with pathway and university preparation — comparable mid-size ESL operator.
• Converse International School of Language (CISL): Intensive English program in the U.S. (San Diego, San Francisco, Boston) serving international students with multi-level CEFR curricula and pathway support — directly comparable in scope, target customer, and delivery format.
• EC English Language Centres: Global ESL/EFL school chain (including U.S. locations) offering intensive English programs to international students with university pathway options — direct competitor in the same product category.

Broad incumbents

• EF Education First: Global language learning and study abroad giant with U.S. ESL programs for international students; competes broadly for the same target demographic but at significantly greater scale.
• Kaplan International: Large, established ESL and study abroad operator (part of Kaplan) with U.S. campuses, conditional admission partnerships, and broad brand reach — overlaps Agape's offering as part of a much wider portfolio.

Others

• ACCET: National accreditor of intensive English programs (the same body accrediting Agape); included as an ecosystem reference rather than a competitor, since accreditation status governs which schools can credibly compete in the F-1 ESL space.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xtwitter.com/aeliusa
• YouTubeyoutube.com/@ESLAgape
• Facebookfacebook.com/AgapeESL
• Instagraminstagram.com/agape_english

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Agape English Language Institute