Middlebury Institute graduates discuss where they are working today, how the Institute helped them get there, and what advice they’d give to current and future students.
My name is Kaitlin Decker, and I graduated with an MA in TESOL from the Middlebury Institute in 2014. Before attending the Institute, I completed my undergraduate studies at Haverford College in Pennsylvania, then between my second and third semesters at the Institute, I served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Colombia.
I am now based in Tempe, Arizona, where I work as a senior global educator at Arizona State University. In my role, I serve as both an instructional designer and a teacher educator, helping to develop and facilitate English language and professional development courses for international students and educators. One of the courses I designed and now teach focuses on creating and implementing online courses. This course is offered through the U.S. Department of State’s OPEN Program, and it allows me to connect with English language educators from all over the world, helping them enhance their online teaching skills.
Being part of the Middlebury Institute network played a critical role in my career. The support from faculty, alumni, and peers helped me transition smoothly into my field.
My journey to this role began in my last semester at the Institute, when a fellow alum—now a colleague and friend—visited my practicum course to recruit teachers. After learning about the opportunity, I applied and was hired right after graduation. The strength of the Institute’s network was invaluable in securing my first job and shaping my career path. Being part of the Middlebury Institute network played a critical role in my career. The support from faculty, alumni, and peers helped me transition smoothly into my field.
During my time at the Institute, my practicum experience, combined with my Peace Corps service as a Peace Corps Masters International (PCMI) student, provided me with hands-on teaching experience and a global perspective. Although this specific program is no longer offered, I highly recommend attending the Institute either before or after Peace Corps service. The strong Peace Corps community at the Institute was a fantastic support system, both as I prepared for my service and after I returned. Learn more about scholarships and support for students coming out of Peace Corps.
My best advice for current students is to build relationships with faculty and fellow students. The connections you make at the Middlebury Institute can open doors and provide mentorship throughout your career. Engaging in practicum experiences and leveraging the alumni network can significantly enhance your professional trajectory.
| by Jill Neuendorf and TFL ’01
Alum Jill Neuendorf shares how her passion for Russian and second language acquisition led her to a career in academia and teaching Russian at Georgetown University.
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.
