Meet (3 time returning) 8-week Chinese School Immersion Student: Zoe Snell
For Penn State student Zoe Snell, who returns for her third summer at our 8-week Immersion program in Summer 2025, coming to study at the Chinese School was the best decision [she] ever made, for both personal and academic reasons.
Hometown: York, Pennsylvania
Program: 8-week Immersion
Current: Undergraduate student at The Pennsylvania State University
What surprised you about your experience at the Chinese School?
I was surprised by how much Mandarin Chinese I have learned in such a short amount of time. I never really thought about it until after the summer was over.
For me, one summer at Middlebury is equivalent to two semesters of Chinese language classes at my university.
Another thing that surprised me was how the professors were relatable and aware. They acknowledged our struggles and even admitted that they felt the same as us at times. They were your professors and your friends, and this made for making meaningful connections to last even after the program is over.
Why did you choose to study at the Middlebury Language Schools?
My mom actually found out about Middlebury through a Facebook post back in 2018. She brought it up to me because she thought it was a great way to learn more about my culture and language since I’m adopted. At first, I was really hesitant and didn’t bite on it. My mom convinced me over and over how great of an experience it would be, so I eventually agreed. I was actually going to apply earlier, but then COVID-19 happened. I wanted to experience the language schools in person rather than online. My first time at Middlebury was during the summer of 2023.
Back home, I decided to switch my major from business to Chinese.
I knew in my heart that continuing my education with Middlebury would help me advance further.
I then went back again for level two the following summer. Now, I’m returning for a third summer. The way I’ve been taught Chinese, the reputation of the Chinese School and its professors, and the growth from the experience were all reasons that pulled me back in to apply again and again.
It was honestly the best decision I made, for personal and academic reasons.
Please describe how your language skills improved due to your studies at Middlebury
It was a mix of everything: the pace, the Language Pledge®, the textbooks, co-curriculars, and your classmates and teachers. For the past two summers learning with the Chinese School, my reading, writing, and speaking improved leaps and bounds like I would’ve never believed. Now, I’m able to maintain relationships in Chinese with my Middlebury professors and make new connections with native Chinese, professors and classmates, at my university. I am planning on graduating early thanks to my time at the Chinese School.
This program gives me hope and confidence that I will be well prepared to apply for graduate school to pursue a Master’s in Chinese.
What advice would you give someone wanting to attend Chinese School?
Go for it. You will meet so many supporting teachers and classmates from all sorts of backgrounds. I would’ve never imagined having a class with a 60 year old Scottish woman, but I did.
Your teachers all come from highly reputable schools based in the U.S. and China, so make the most of trying to create a connection and relationship with them. They’re there to help you succeed and support your language journey no matter what step you’re at.
The support and inclusion you feel from everyone is such a bonus. Sharing the same fun and struggle with your classmates and teachers was something I never had before. It was a different atmosphere for the better compared to the usual college experience. You might think you’re alone, but you’re really not.
I will admit, there were times where I felt overwhelmed and things got tough with the coursework. I even had times where I doubted my own ability with language learning and wanted to quit. In the end, it was worth all the hard work. Don’t be afraid to reach out for help and support.
If you’re willing to push through it and not give up, you will be so proud of yourself and the results.
Applications for Summer 2026 open on November 1, 2025.
Connect with an ambassador like Zoe, or Prepare your materials to apply to our immersion and graduate programs today!
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