| by Jill Neuendorf and TFL ’01
Middlebury Institute graduates discuss where they are working today, how their education helped them get there, and what advice they’d give to current and future students.
My name is Jill Neuendorf, and I graduated with an MA in Teaching Foreign Languages (TFL) from the Middlebury Institute in 2001, with a focus on Russian. Prior to attending the Institute, I completed my undergraduate degree in German at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay.
My passion for second language acquisition began while I was at the Middlebury Institute, where I took a course on the subject that completely changed my life. That course inspired me to pursue further studies, leading me to earn a PhD in Russian and second language acquisition.
I am now based in Washington, D.C., where I work as an associate teaching professor of Russian at Georgetown University. I teach first-, second-, third-, and fourth-level Russian. One of the things I love most about teaching Russian is that it allows me to continue learning about the many linguistic nuances that exist in the language. I learned about this position through the SEELANGS listserv, a professional resource for Slavic language educators.
Build up your CV with internships and volunteer work. Even if an opportunity is only remotely connected to your area of study, pursue it—you never know what might come of it.
My experience in the Peace Corps before attending the Institute helped shape my perspective and made me more open to seeking out and maintaining friendships with international students. Throughout my career, my experiences with programs like the Peace Corps, the Critical Language Scholarship, and Fulbright have played a vital role in shaping my teaching philosophy and professional development.
My best advice for current students is to actively build up their CVs by seeking internships and volunteer opportunities. Even if an experience seems only loosely related to your field, take advantage of it—you never know where it might lead. Additionally, always have an end goal for your professional aspirations. While it’s okay to explore different paths, try not to veer so far off course that it becomes difficult to return to your main objectives.
During your time at the Middlebury Institute, I encourage you to identify a professor who can serve as a mentor. Use their guidance to gain professional insights and make informed decisions about your future career.
The Middlebury Institute provided me with a strong foundation in language education and second language acquisition, and I’m grateful for the opportunities it opened for me. I encourage students to make the most of their time at the Institute by taking advantage of its strong faculty, professional network, and hands-on learning opportunities.
Master of Arts in TESOL and Master of Arts in Teaching Foreign Language
Alum Joyce Kling shares how her education at the Middlebury Institute laid the foundation for her career in academia and how she continues to mentor students and collaborate on international research projects at Lund University.
| by Jennifer Uhler MATESOL ’05
Alum Jennifer Uhler shares how her MIIS education and experiences with Peace Corps, Fulbright, and the English Language Fellow program led her to a diplomatic career focused on fostering global ties through language education.
| by Sierra Abukins
The 30-credit degree can be completed in 20 months and allows students to continue working from anywhere in the world while they complete their degree.
