Current Clubs

Clubs are organized by the following themes:

Academic

Awareness and Issue-Based

Culture and Language

International and National Organizations

Sports and Recreation

Academic

Cyber Security Student Working Group

The Cyber Security Student Working Group (CSWG) strives to build cyber capability among the next generation of international policy professionals. To this end we are working with experts in the community and the region to educate, empower, and entertain the student body, faculty, and staff.

DeMIIS

DeMIIS (Democratic Education at MIIS) aims to give students a platform to take concepts they learn in the traditional MIIS curriculum and apply them to their passions and interests in the form of a lecture series or discussion group of their own making. DeMIIS seeks to create fun, innovative ways to put skills learned in the classroom to the test in ways that aren't explored in traditional course offerings. From exploring terrorism and magical WMDs in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter to teaching others hands-on skills such as composting and its benefits for the environment, DeMIIS has something for all.

M-Force/Net Impact

M-Force is composed of dedicated student leaders with a strong interest in introducing social entrepreneurship professional and academic activities to the campus (e.g. microfinance, B Corporation consulting, impact investing, and lecture series). Student leaders partner with the Middlebury Institute chapter of Net Impact in order to mobilize a new generation to use their careers to drive transformational change on campus, in the workplace, and in the world.

MIIS International Trade Association

Through conferences, speakers, and informal forums, the International Trade Club provides opportunities for students and faculty to discuss issues not covered in the classroom in order to increase the knowledge and understanding of current trade-related affairs in the community and worldwide.

Terrorism Studies Club

The Terrorism Studies Club (TSC) seeks to enrich its members through a series of educational, professional, and social events. By providing a positive and multifaceted support environment, the Terrorism Studies Club aims to assist students in fulfilling their highest academic potential and embarking on successful careers as security and counterterrorism professionals.

Awareness and Issue-Based

Fair Traders at MIIS

The Fair Traders at MIIS makes a commitment to the teaching and propagation of fair trade awareness though the activities it conducts and the events it holds. We as a club will commit to bringing the issues associated with free trade and the global trading system as a whole front and center on the MIIS campus as we represent Fair Trade USA as a fair trade-designated graduate school.

Geospatial Skills and Analytical Tools (GSAT)

This collaborative club forum is for student members to explore, discuss, and utilize geospatial skills and relevant analytical tools. The club shall work with student members, school faculty and staff, and select professionals and institutions to develop opportunities aimed at increasing knowledge and proficiency with geospatial tools, analysis, and application. The club shall prioritize collaborative dialogue and projects among student members. The club shall encourage participation and relevant dialogue with international students. The club shall pursue affiliation with a professional association or society as determined by officers and student members. The club may also raise awareness of geospatial tools and relevant applications among the general student body and public through outreach events organized and hosted by the club.

MIIS Ocean Club

Our vision: A MIIS community connecting with and connected by the ocean.

Society of Wetland Scientists

This club’s goals are to build a sense of community among students, faculty, staff, and professionals in the field of wetland ecology, practice, and policy, as well as to promote student participation in community service pertaining to wetland-related issues and research activities among members and interested parties within the greater Monterey Bay area.

Veterans Organization

The VO is open to all students and exists to empower its members to create professional opportunities and develop robust relationships that enable student veterans to achieve their academic goals, to increase overall competitiveness in the workforce, and to foster camaraderie. We aim to be a highly regarded student club trusted by veterans and club collaborators for visionary club leadership and commitment to excellence in our activities.

Culture and Language

African Nations Club

The African Nations Club aims to be an inclusive platform for MIIS students and the MIIS community to engage in discussions on Africa and enjoy and promote the rich and diverse African cultures represented on campus. It also aims to foster strong networking between the MIIS community and the African diaspora in Monterey.

Bridging Cultures at MIIS

Bridging Cultures at MIIS seeks to create a space for international and domestic students to interact more on campus.

B.U.I.L.D.: Beyond yoUrself in Language Development

Our aim is to provide a starting point for those who want to study other languages but have never had the chance to. For students, we provide a highly informal but effective language learning environment. For future teachers we provide an opportunity to put all of the theory they have been learning into practice and gain valuable professional experience while honing their teaching skills in a relaxed, nonthreatening environment. Teachers will plan lessons, gather materials, collaborate with fellow teachers, and gain valuable feedback from real-life learners. They will do all this and more with one goal in mind: to provide students with what they need in their language learning while promoting effective cross-cultural communication.

Genealogy Club

The Genealogy Club’s mission is to help students at MIIS discover their ancestral origins. Topics include genealogical DNA testing, how to interpret your results, and opportunities to do family research in Monterey. Through understanding our own origins, we can better understand our own identities and those of others. 

German Club

This club shall give students who are interested in the German language and culture the opportunity to get together with Germans and German speakers at the Institute.

Japan Forum

The Japan Forum’s goal is to promote interest and awareness in Japan and its rich traditional culture with students and friends of the Middlebury Institute of International Studies. More than just a social club, the Japan Forum connects Japanese students (MIIS, and special guest students alike) with the community of Monterey, creating a fun and peaceful atmosphere for everyone.

Kazakhstan Student Association

The Kazakhstan Student Association’s primary goal is to introduce Kazakhstan and its culture, language, and traditions to the MIIS community through meetings, forums, and various events. By joining the Kazakhstan Student Association, everyone will have an opportunity to learn more about Kazakhstan’s past and present, and future goals. The club is open for everyone who is interested in Kazakhstan. During the meetings, three languages (English, Kazakh, and Russian) will be used.

Monterey Taiwanese Student Association

The Monterey Taiwanese Student Association promotes Taiwanese culture and language and is open to all who love or take an interest in Taiwan, its culture, and its people. We hope that people of all nationalities and backgrounds may become better acquainted with Taiwan through us and may come to appreciate Taiwan, its beauty, and the friendliness and helpfulness of its people. We are not a politically motivated association and do not wish to engage in any political bantering, particularly in regard to Taiwan/China relations, although we will not prevent people from discussing these issues among themselves in an educated way.

Poetry Club

Poetry and literature are very valuable aspects of any culture. Our club welcomes those who wish to explore and talk about different poems and distinguished poets and novelists with MIIS students who are interested in the literature of the world’s various cultures.

International and National Organizations

American Red Cross Club

The American Red Cross Club at MIIS works in collaboration with the International Services office of our local chapter, American Red Cross Monterey Bay (ARCMB). The mission of the club parallels that of ARCMB International Services, i.e. to "advocate for the relief of human suffering and for the education, support and development of impartial relief efforts, including the promotion of International humanitarian law."

CTBTO Youth Group—Monterey

The MIIS CTBTO Youth Group serves as the local chapter for the parent organization based in Vienna, which was established in 2016 to promote the entry into force of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT).

I.N.M.M (Institute of Nuclear Materials Management)

The Institute of Nuclear Materials Management is the premier organization in the field of protection and management of nuclear materials, and as such offers students unique learning and networking opportunities. The purpose of our club is to broaden students' understanding of the nonproliferation field through our club events and activities.

Liberty in North Korea at MIIS (LiNK)

LiNK MIIS Rescue Team is a student chapter of Liberty in North Korea, the largest grassroots nonprofit organization to work with North Korean refugees. As one of 273 Rescue Teams worldwide, we are committed to standing with the North Korean people as they overcome one of the greatest challenges facing humanity. We also raise funds to rescue North Korean refugees and encourage our peers to join the movement.

MIIS Toastmasters International

The mission of a Toastmasters club is to provide a mutually supportive and positive learning environment in which every individual member has the opportunity to develop oral communication and leadership skills, which in turn foster self-confidence and personal growth. Through this mission, each Toastmaster gains a clear understanding of the club’s purpose, and the organization as a whole benefits from a shared set of values and goals.

Model United Nations

Model UN of MIIS will provide members with an opportunity to practice and showcase their professional skills, develop social and professional networks, and demonstrate the abilities of MIIS students to a larger academic community.

Peace Corps Club

This is a place for all RPCVs, fellows, and students considering Peace Corps to join together as a Peace Corps community to exchange experiences, share thoughts, and organize events promoting the Third Goal.

Women in International Security

Sports and Recreation

Climbing Club

The Climbing Club serves to unite the Institute climbing community of all levels. Experienced members serve as encouraging mentors for novice climbers. The club offers a supportive space where climbers of all backgrounds can hold each other accountable for getting outdoors during busy academic moments and growing together through a mutual love of the sport.

Dance/Movement Club

Dancing is one way for unwinding from grad school work and staying in shape. We gather once a week to try different dancing Western and Eastern styles and techniques. All MIIS students are welcome to participate.

Futbol Club: Globadores

The Futbol Club (aka the Globadores) is a competitive soccer team that is made up of students of the Institute in Monterey, California. Players come from all over the world to be a part of the "Globadores" MIIS soccer team. The team plays in the Monterey Peninsula Soccer League during fall and spring semesters. Games take place Sundays at Pacific Grove High School in Pacific Grove (a 10-minute car ride from campus) and are great social and school pride activities.
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Latin Dance Club

The Latin Dance Club will serve as an opportunity for students to forget the stress of school for a couple of hours learning and enjoying steps to dances like cumbia, bachata, and salsa.

Mixtape Exchange Club

The Mixtape Exchange is a cross-cultural exploration of a binding theme in many of our lives: music. At this international interchange of students and faculty, there is the chance to connect and build bridges of friendship through this common bond. This club also connects students from various cohorts to meet others with diverse musical tastes in other programs.

Outdoor Recreation Club

The Outdoor Recreation Club (ODRC) plans and organizes outdoor and wilderness activities for MIIS students to enjoy the natural beauty central California has to offer. The club plans several excursions each semester with discounted student rates, helps students plan their own outdoor experiences, and offers camping gear and other rentals.

For rentals, contact Taryn Kearns.

The Photo Club

The mission of the MIIS Photo Club is to promote friendship through photography, to collectively improve our photography skills, and to create products that can make an impact in the MIIS community.

Ping Pong Club

MIIS Ping Pong Club welcomes everybody who just wants to get some exercise at the ping pong table. It is a great way to relieve stress, stimulate your brain, develop quick reaction times, and, of course, make friends. Come and have some well-deserved fun!

The MIISFits Softball Club

The purpose of the MIISFits is to provide a recreational outlet for the community without excluding based on gender or ability. Students and alumni practice and compete against local teams, providing entertainment to other MIIS students in an alcohol-free environment.

President: Gabriella Schlesinger-James  

Tabletop Club

The Tabletop Club means to provide a friendly environment in which students can enjoy a wide collection of board games, card games, and role-playing games. We want to promote socialization and creativity and allow students to unwind in a friendly environment.

Ultimate Frisbee

Ultimate Frisbee welcomes and brings together any interested MIIS students, regardless of their playing skill level or any differences, to learn and play the sport Ultimate Frisbee together in order to decrease stress, improve health and fitness, socialize with a diverse group, and simply have fun through organized group recreation.