History in Translation
History in Translation is an experiential learning program of the CCE offered each summer. Students from diverse linguistic, cultural, and educational contexts gather as a cohort to explore an historical experience or event in service of present- day social justice - and the vision of an equitable and inclusive future.
As a deliberately intercultural, cohort-based model supported by the Conflict Transformation Collaborative at Middlebury College, all History in Translation programs - regardless of annual topics - support participants to further develop the knowledge, skills, and dispositions necessary to navigate personal, interpersonal, and structural conflicts constructively.
Summer 2025: Language Access
The summer 2025 program is designed for undergraduates interested in translation, interpretation, and language justice. Focus areas will include language access and language justice within immigration, health, and educational systems and settings; responsibilities and strategies of interpreters and translators in high stakes and crisis situations; and learning from (and supporting) those engaged in language access work, advocacy, and research. This immersive, experiential program is being developed in collaboration with Respond Crisis Translation.
This will be an in-person, cohort-based program. The program will run from early to late June - for two weeks. Specific locations will depend on our partner organizations, but all locations (up to three) will be in the northeast region of the United States. On-line orientation and preparation will begin in April (2-4 hours per month). Acceptance to this program requires a commitment to these extended activities; and to the integrity and success of the cohort.
Speakers of two or more languages are especially encouraged to apply.
Cost Details
History in Translation is supported by the Conflict Transformation Collaborative at Middlebury College, and there are no fees to participate. Shared housing and program-related travel, food, and supplies will be provided, at no charge, to all participants.
Participants are responsible for transportation to and from their airport of departure/return; and all expenses associated with visa and/or passport fees; overseas and/or domestic travel and health insurance; and any testing, certifications, quarantine or other costs related to COVID or other health-related protocols and requirements.
Application & Timeline
Applications for the Summare now open for the Summer 2025 History in Translation program. Apply now to join us this summer! The priority application deadline is March 30. Applications received after that date will be considered as space allows. The program is limited to fifteen participants, so please apply early.
If you have questions, please contact Kristen Mullins at kmullins@middlebury.edu.
Other Requirements
Participants must comply with all Middlebury College risk management protocols throughout the program; including but not limited to COVID policy – such as proof of vaccination and booster status. Program participants are also required to demonstrate appropriate medical insurance coverage; including international travel insurance for those traveling from outside the United States.
Previous Trips
Summer 2022
In the summer of 2022, undergraduates from Middlebury College and International Christian University gathered for an experiential exploration of the impacts and lessons (past and present) of Executive Order 9066. Since recognized as an enduring and brutally impactful violation of civil rights, Executive Order 9066 was issued in 1942 by then U.S. president Franklin Delano Roosevelt in response to a fear of subterfuge by Japanese Americans living on the West Coast. The order entailed the mass incarceration of over 100,000 civilians of Japanese descent, the majority of whom were American citizens.
Collaborative work created through the 2022 History in Translation program can be viewed here, including pictures and videos, translated documents, and more.
Summer 2023
The summer 2023 program was a collaboration between CCE, the Middlebury School of Abenaki, and the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Māori Office, University of Waikato. This was an affinity learning and engagement space with a focus on language reclamation and an exchange of Indigenous, First Nation, Native, American Indian, and Māori language, history, and culture.
Summer 2024
The summer 2024 program was a collaboration with Jiran, with a focus on college, work, and career aspirations and opportunities for recently arrived refugee and immigrant high school students. Undergraduates from multiple college partners gathered with and supported high school students from in and around New Britain, Connecticut as they learned about college, work, and career opportunities; and how best to prepare for – and pursue – one’s post-secondary goals.