Speaking with a student ambassador is a great way to get a previous student’s perspective on the Language Schools experience.

If you would like to connect with a student ambassador to ask questions, please contact Wendy Butler, School of Japanese Assistant Director, at japaneseschool@middlebury.edu.

Japanese student Miki Duvoisin

Miki Duvoisin

Hometown: Santa Fe, New Mexico

Program: 8-week Immersion

Current: UC Berkeley, Japanese

What surprised you about your experience at the Middlebury Language Schools?

I was shocked by how close we got as the weeks went by. I came in knowing my language skills would improve (which they did, thanks to the hard work of the senseis), but I hadn’t anticipated forming such a close bond with my peers, my class, and even the rest of the school. Being so close to everyone really made the environment more conducive to learning the language; after all, I needed some way to talk to all the amazing people I was meeting!

Why did you choose to study at the Middlebury Language Schools?

The Language Pledge was definitely my primary motivator for applying to Middlebury. It’s true when they say you can learn more in the program than you can in the country where the target language is spoken—the Language Pledge demands a level of discipline that can be hard to maintain on your own if you’re studying abroad.

Please describe how your language skills improved due to your studies at Middlebury.

My speaking became far more fluid, and my reading and writing skills grew much faster. But, the main thing I gained was the confidence to actually speak in the first place and use the things I learned more regularly despite the mistakes I might make. As for usage, I used my Japanese in classes and while studying abroad, but I plan to make more use of it in my career and when I (hopefully) move abroad, as well.

What advice would you give someone wanting to attend the School of Japanese?

If I had to tell a prospective student anything, it would be that it’s very demanding, but it’s totally worth it in the end. Sticking to the pledge at all times, whether in class, with friends, or alone in your room, can be really exhausting, especially for the lower levels. But, persevering and sticking with it no matter what yields much better results. So, definitely stick with the pledge and keep up with your studies, and the hard work will all pay off.

Student in the Japanese School!

Jinze Mi

Hometown: Tianjin, China

Program: 8-week Immersion

Current: College of the Holy Cross, Art History and History

What surprised you about your experience at the Middlebury Language Schools?

You might think that learning a new language is a daunting task that often requires a much longer time commitment. However, my own experience can tell you that Middlebury runs its summer immersion program at a surprisingly fast pace in order to help familiarize students with the key points. It doesn’t mean that the instructors cram millions of words and grammar into the daily curriculum. Rather, they always skillfully devise icebreakers, break-out-room discussions, guest lectures, and extracurricular activities (such as kendo club, kabuki theatre, and oyakodon workshop) to drive students’ learning curiosity.

Why did you choose to study at the Middlebury Language Schools?

When I was entering my senior year at a public high school in a laid-back city in China, I read a blog post penned by a French School alumni (who is also from China) reflecting on how much her Middlebury experience changed her life, and thereafter I did some research online. I marveled not only at how Middlebury utilized its unsurpassed resources to help students succeed but also at how the relationships between instructors and students grew over time.

What advice would you give someone wanting to attend the School of Japanese?

My journey truly confirmed my belief that Middlebury can offer you arguably the most challenging language training, the most supportive mentorship, and the most welcoming community for you to learn and grow within just a few weeks! If you are passionate about learning a new language or strengthening an old one, please do not hesitate to join the Middlebury family!

Grace is a student ambassador.

Grace Najmulski

Hometown: Worthington, Ohio

Program: 8-week Immersion

Current: University of Iowa, Graduate, Literary Translation

What surprised you about your experience at the Middlebury Language Schools?

I was surprised by how close everyone was at the end of the program. I knew that I would learn a lot, but I didn’t realize how much of the learning would be done outside of the classroom while having fun with newfound, but lifelong, friends. And it’s not just your classmates that you form bonds with, but senseis and students from other levels as well.

Please describe how your language skills improved due to your studies at Middlebury.

My casual, conversational speech got a lot better and I started to gain confidence in a language that I was too afraid to use before. I became willing to make mistakes which also allowed me to pick up and practice other grammar points/words that I hadn’t learned in a classroom setting. Currently, I am using the language to translate Japanese literature, something I hope to be able to make somewhat of a career/side hustle out of. I also was able to use it to come back as a bilingual assistant in the School of Japanese.

What advice would you give someone wanting to attend the School of Japanese?

You get out of the program what you put into it. If you don’t socialize with other people in the school and constantly break The Pledge, you won’t improve as much as you could. Of course, the best learning happens when you’re feeling your best, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Especially the bilingual assistants! They are a resource, take advantage of them!

Don’t be afraid to talk to the senseis (both in your level and outside). They’re people too and aside from also making great friends, they’re good people to connect with. Hang out with students outside of your level. Your senseis are a wealth of knowledge.

This is an amazing opportunity that you won’t necessarily find anywhere else (even in Japan). Take advantage of it and have a good time (in Japanese, of course).