Middlebury College inaugural summer language session for middle and high school students to begin June 28

MIDDLEBURY, Vt. ? The Middlebury-Monterey Language Academy (MMLA), a summer language immersion program for pre-college students established by Middlebury College, will begin its inaugural session on Saturday, June 28. The four-week residential camps will offer Arabic, Chinese, French and Spanish at campus locations: St. Michael’s College in Colchester; Menlo College in Atherton, Calif.; and Hampshire College in Amherst, Mass. The Hampshire College program is offered jointly by the Middlebury-Monterey Language Academy and the Johns Hopkins University Center for Talented Youth.

The MMLA is a collaboration between the Language Schools of Middlebury College and the Monterey Institute of International Studies, a Middlebury affiliate in Monterey, Calif. The Middlebury College Language Schools, which began in 1915 with the founding of the German School, have long been a leader in the immersion approach to language learning.

According to Middlebury College President Ronald D. Liebowitz, the expansion of this type of programming is the result of a demand for high quality foreign language instruction for pre-college students. “The Middlebury-Monterey Language Academy is another way in which Middlebury College is strategically addressing the growing need for superior foreign language learning opportunities in this country,” said Liebowitz.

More than 600 students - 24 percent of whom have received financial assistance - will participate in the program under the guidance of 140 faculty and staff members, including experienced language teachers from public, private and international schools in North America, Central America, Europe, Asia and Africa.

“This exemplary language program will help today’s motivated youth gain the cultural understanding they need to become informed global citizens and leaders of the next generation,” said Vice President of Language Schools, Schools Abroad and Graduate Programs Michael Geisler.

MMLA is specifically targeted to meet the learning styles of middle and high school students while providing an enjoyable summer camp environment. Students and faculty live in language-specific residence halls, participate in language instruction, and speak the target language in every activity of camp - including cooking classes, group hikes, soccer competitions, and Festival Night dances hosted by the different language groups.

 ”Student campers at MMLA will live their language of study in every moment of the day,” said MMLA Director David Toomey. “Through a carefully planned progression of language learning and culture studies designed for beginning to advanced levels, students will be challenged, improve on essential language skills, and have fun.” According to Toomey, each camper will receive more language exposure in four weeks with MMLA than during a full year of middle or high school classes.

For more information, visit www.mmla.middlebury.edu or call (802) 296-2459.