Max Troyer

Professor Troyer takes a broad view of “localization” that encompasses researching whether and how an entity should expand globally, implementing the technical modifications needed to support other languages, making content available to users who speak those languages, and coordinating all these activities. Localization goes beyond translation and involves adapting content and technical elements, tailoring them to specific cultural and linguistic preferences so localized messaging resonate as much as the original version, if not more.

The Translation and Localization Management (TLM) program curriculum enables graduates to find their niche within this vast ecosystem. As a consultant in the industry, he helps his clients save money by optimizing and/or automating their workflows and processes. For the TLM program, Troyer teaches the core creative courses including Website Localization, Multilingual Desktop Publishing, and Audio-Visual Localization. He teaches Games Localization, an elective offered in the fall. He also offers a Middlebury Catalog course called “Subtitling for Streaming: Learn the Industry Standards,” which is available so anyone can learn the art of subtitling. He previously taught Localization Project Management, Software Localization, and Localization Practicum.

Professor Troyer, similar to other TLM faculty, relies on project-based learning and project-based assessment, so students are getting hands-on experience with localization projects. After they learn the material, they’re assessed based on how well they can complete a similar project on their own. This prepares students for real-world challenges and helps them stand out to top language service providers and tech companies. In a final course evaluation, a student recently stated the following: “Max Troyer is extremely supportive and provides excellently curated learning materials. His quality of teaching is outstanding and I wish that every professor would pour as much tangible dedication into their courses as Max does. Thank you!”

His content is available both asynchronously, meaning content and assignments can be completed on a student’s own schedule, and synchronously in a residential classroom (or remotely). He is constantly adapting his courses to reflect the latest industry developments, ensuring that TLM graduates continue to be in demand by the top language service providers (LSPs) and tech companies, many of which are close by in Silicon Valley. For his recent promotion to full professor, an external evaluator had this to say about him: “[I appreciate] Professor Troyer’s insights, perspectives, and uniqueness in our industry. Particularly, how he has consistently demonstrated a deep understanding of the industry, a thirst for innovation, and an intuitive understanding of the most relevant questions and ramifications to our sector.”

In October, 2020, Professor Troyer was appointed the Grover Hermann Chair in International Business Management. This endowed chair, created by a gift from the Grover Hermann Foundation in 1983, is dedicated to assisting students in acquiring knowledge and experience in business and management practices in cultures around the globe. The endowed chair position was renewed in 2023. Professor Troyer is proud of the TLM program’s achievements during his 10-year tenure serving as its program chair, which concluded in July 2023. These include the quadrupling of enrollment, launching a new fully online version of the program, and coordinating the creation of almost 10 technology partnerships, which allow TLM students to gain access to cutting edge software used in the localization industry. As he resumes a regular teaching role, he can refocus on teaching and mentoring TLM students, and redouble the effort he puts into his consulting practice and research projects, which have a positive impact on businesses and organizations who are successfully going global.