From Immersion to Graduate, Meet Determined Italian School Student, Amalia Mahoney
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.
Amalia Perea Mahoney
Hometown: Miami Beach, FL
Program: 7-week Immersion, Graduate
Level: 2 (2024), Master’s (2025)
What surprised you about your experience at the Middlebury Language Schools?
What surprised me most about the Middlebury language experience is the reassuring & supportive environment. The students’ bond with one another naturally. We attend classes together, form study groups, dine together and jointly engage in the many extra-curricular activities. The Director, the teachers and the staff are always available. They are native speakers and the commitment to the Language Pledge® is ever present.
Why did you choose to study at the Middlebury Language Schools?
I researched a wide variety of Italian language programs prior to choosing Middlebury.
At first, I considered studying in Italy, but my primary consideration was being in an environment that offered a complete immersion.
I was aware of Middlebury’s extraordinary reputation as the leading American based program in language studies. I also knew two people who had attended the language program. Both were of different ages so they each offered different perspectives. I spoke with both, and this helped my decision to attend Middlebury. I also liked the idea of being close to home. Vermont is beautiful and I thought it would be a wonderful place to spend the Summer.
Why did you choose to return to the Italian School to study at the graduate level?
I tested into Level 2 my first Summer at Middlebury and at the end of the Summer I saw considerable improvement in my proficiency in Italian. I continued to study Italian after returning home and decided I wanted to reach the next level of proficiency. I wanted to pursue the most ambitious program possible. In discussions with Director Donato Santeramo and faculty, they suggested I register for the Master’s Program. They thought it would be a good fit, and I enjoyed the challenge.
Please describe how your language skills improved due to your studies at Middlebury?
My skills improved significantly in all areas of the language – grammar, conversation, writing, and reading. I became very comfortable watching movies, reading serious literature, listening to lectures, participating in class, and enjoying social gatherings with my classmates.
It gave me a strong sense of confidence and speaking Italian became relaxing and fun.
Describe your typical day at the Italian School.
You are truly in an Italian bubble and with the Language Pledge® in effect.
You are only hearing and speaking Italian. Breakfast, lunch and dinner is with the entire school including the faculty. We have classes every day 5 days a week. The morning class consists of conversation, grammar and culture. The afternoon is reinforcement of your speaking skills, with a focus on pronunciation and intonation of the language. After class there are usually volleyball and soccer games, or many go to the gym. The evenings can consist of a movie, a musical event, a lecture, a cooking class, a limoncello making class, fun games like Italian Trivia, or you can join a study group. And yes, there’s always homework!
What advice would you give someone wanting to attend the Italian School?
If you really want to learn the language, the Italian school is the best route to take, but you must honor the Language Pledge® and be committed to the 7 weeks away from home.
You must be disciplined and focused and plan to have fun.
What are you up to now?
I continue to study Italian. I watch films, listen to Italian music, I read in Italian and converse every chance I get. Becoming fluent in a language is an ongoing process. I am lucky, I am spending part of the year in Italy.
Connect with Amalia or one of our other immersion and graduate ambassadors.
Check out our Italian immersion and graduate programs.
Language Schools applications open on November 3 - Check out our instructions to apply.
