Since 1915, Middlebury Language Schools has been one of the nation’s preeminent language learning programs. Whether you’re a beginning language learner or working toward an advanced degree, our time-tested programs offer a range of options and opportunities.
Find Your Program
Take the Language Pledge® and dramatically improve your proficiency, in just one summer.
Summer 2020 Online
While we will not be hosting students on campus for the first time since the Language Schools opened in 1915, we are committed to providing a rigorous and enriching academic experience online.
Read more about Summer 2020 and Language Schools FAQs.
How It Works
The Language Pledge®
When you take the Pledge, you commit to communicating only in language for the duration of your program. In a community of motivated learners and supportive faculty, you’ll live, play, and learn in a 24/7 immersion environment.
Discover the PledgeLive in Language
In our classes we offer a wide range of levels, from beginner through graduate, designed to challenge you and fit your needs as a language learner. Outside of class, you will put your language skills to work, participating in an array of cocurricular activities.
Experience the Language Schools
Taking the Language Pledge®
Language Schools students take the pledge.
Transcript
The pledge is one of the foundations of the Middlebury Language School’s experience. Once you take the pledge with your school you should make every effort to remain in language. I want you to think of the pledge, not as a rule you live in fear of violating, but rather as your best ally in your studies.
The more you embrace it, the more you surround yourself with the pledge, and with others who are doing the same. The more you will find yourself making rapid progress in your goal that you’ve set yourself for this summer. I just wanna thank everyone at the Academy. My parents, my professors, without whom I would not be here stumbling through Portuguese with all of you this summer.
Amazing Progress!
He went from knowing nothing to speaking with ease.
Transcript
Nǐ hǎo, wǒ jiào Jason. I am South African. I am just about to start the program here at Middlebury. The 8-week Chinese summer program. I’m really excited. I can’t speak any Chinese further than what I told you and I’m hoping to use Mandarin within engineering for a long term goal.
8 Weeks Later
Hello. My name is Jason. I am South African. I am currently studying Chinese at Middlebury’s Chinese summer school. I think Middlebury’s teachers are excellent and very professional. Also, I think Middlebury is beautiful. But I really think the Middlebury advantage is that teachers spend a lot of time helping students practice speaking Chinese.
In Their Own Words
Anne Briggs
Portuguese Immersion Program
Theodore Nollert
German Immersion Program
Peter Winnard
Italian Graduate Program
Miki Duvoisin
Japanese Immersion Program
Marnina Cowan
Hebrew Graduate Program
Ibtehaal Manji
Chinese Graduate Program
Elizabeth Ho
Hebrew Immersion Program
Joureon Delerme
Chinese Immersion Program
Craig Clemens
Spanish Graduate Program
Chelsea Johnson
Korean Immersion Program
Bettina Hoopes
German Graduate Program
Andrew Postovoit
Russian Immersion Program
Tim Johnson
French Immersion Program
A Rewarding and Rigorous Environment
We welcome students from all walks of life and all parts of the world who show the potential and desire to succeed. Together we create one of the most effective language-learning environments.
1500
Students aged 18–80+
15%
Beginning language learners
$7000000
Financial aid and scholarships offered each year
Experience Vermont
Our Vermont campuses provide open space, rural beauty, and top-notch facilities that embody a focused and productive setting. Graduate students have the option to continue their studies abroad.
Funding Your Language Schools Education
Thanks to the support of generous donors—including Language Schools alumni—and Middlebury’s commitment to providing an opportunity for as many students as possible, we are pleased to offer funding for immersion students and funding for graduate students.