| by Sydney Michael
“What are your plans for after JET?” Many JET (Japanese Exchange and Teaching Program) alums can recall the confusion and “now what?” feeling after deciding not to renew their contracts or hitting the maximum number of years on the program. When I found Middlebury’s hybrid MA program in Japanese Language and Culture, I knew it was perfect for me.
“Who better to ask about learning languages than someone from what is widely regarded as the finest language school in the world?”
Middlebury Language Schools has a reputation for being one of the top institutions to learn a language. The Vermont school offers total immersion programmes over summer and each year more than 1400 students arrive to learn one of 13 languages. Middlebury’s Associate Dean of Curriculum at the Language Schools, Dr. Thor Sawin joins Emile to discuss why language learning there is so successful.
| by Luke Power
Over the summer, long-planned renovations to the first year residence Stewart Hall began. The renovations will update aging facilities in the dormitory as well as support Middlebury’s Energy2028 initiative by installing an energy-efficient geothermal HVAC system.
Abdul Aziz, a Public Service employee from Australia, is a lover of languages. He attended our 8-week Arabic immersion program where, thanks to caring colleagues and mentors, he was able to become comfortable conversing about a variety of topics.
“Middlebury didn’t just teach me Spanish. It gave me connection, courage, and a renewed sense of possibility. Learning has no age limits - and this journey became a gift to myself, my family, and my future grandson.”
Jeanne Engelkemeir, a French and English teacher in West Allis, Wisconsin, attended our 7-week French immersion program to further strengthen her language skills. Jeanne was so impressed with the richness and excellence of the program as well as its faculty and staff that she hopes to return to the School of French to earn her fourth master’s degree.
Throughout Emily Costello’s language learning journey, speaking was always her weakest skill. Middlebury’s Intensive Summer Program was exactly what she was looking for.
| by Ella Callahan
The college recently broke ground on Battell Park, a new outdoor space designed to add more communal areas to campus.
For Florida native Amalia Mahoney, the complete immersion environment that our program offered was key. After completing an immersion summer at Level 2, the support and reassurance of Italian School faculty and staff gave her the confidence to keep studying and take on the graduate program.
| by Patrick Culver
Incumbent Gold Ancient Mariner, Capt. Patrick Culver retired in 2023. His next adventure? Our 7-week School of Spanish.
