Staff Spotlight: Markus Clark, Bilingual Assistant, Italian School
Markus Clark, an alumnus of our Italian Immersion and MA programs, spent his second summer as a Bilingual Assistant at our Italian School in summer 2025.
Markus Clark
Academic Year Position: English Teacher, Lombardy region of Italy
Programs: 7-week Immersion (Level 1.5); Italian Master’s: Accelerated Year in Florence option
Language Schools Position: Bilingual Assistant
Summers worked at the Language Schools: 2
How many years have you spent with the Italian School?
I started with the Italian School as an immersion student in 2021. I completed level 1.5 online before going on to earn my BA in Italian. I returned as a master’s student in the summer of 2023 and spent an accelerated year in Florence to complete my Master’s in Italian from Middlebury. I joined the Italian School staff as a bilingual assistant in the summer of 2024 and just completed my second year (of many, I hope) as staff with the Italian School.
What do you like most about working at the Italian School?
Working with the Italian School is a great opportunity to continue to hone my language skills and connect with other people who are also passionate about learning this beautiful language and culture. I love the community created, not only by the Italian School, but by all the Language Schools found on the Bennington College Campus. I’ve had an amazing opportunity to work with wonderful bilingual assistants, assistant directors, and directors from the Italian, Portuguese, and Arabic Schools and we have created bonds and friendships that will last for years to come.
What do you do during the academic year?
During the academic year I live and work in the north of Italy. I teach English at a local public high school in the Lombardy region. I love connecting with my students through our shared love of language learning. In my free time I sing with a local choir and I love to travel.
What is one of your favorite memories or events at the school?
There are many special moments over the course of a summer in Vermont at the Italian School. We’ve had many special guests, workshops, conferences, and cultural events during my time with the school. However, my favorite memories have to be quiet moments having a conversation with students and faculty over a cappuccino or espresso in the Italian School Office. These ‘candid’ moments are often the most special because they are genuine moments of connection where everyone can be relaxed and get to know each other on a more intimate level.
Why should folks come to the Italian School to learn Italian?
People should come to the Italian School because when you study at the Italian School you have an opportunity to gain much more than language skills.
You have an opportunity to be a part of a community. You have an opportunity to network with people willing and able to help you achieve goals and dreams you don’t even know you have yet. You gain an opportunity to create memories and to discover a love and a passion for a culture rich in traditions.
What do you hope students take away from their summer at the Italian School?
I hope students will have embraced every challenge they’ve faced throughout the summer. I hope students will have reveled in the successes of their hard work. Mostly, I hope students will find quiet moments of reflection where they realize their summer with the Italian School was both possible and worth because of the success and in spite of all the struggles. I hope students realize that the process is necessary to achieve the results.
Connect with an immersion student ambassador at the Italian School.
Applications open on November 3, 2025 for our Italian School Immersion, MAT and MA programs.
Gather your materials to apply here.
