Advisor FAQs

We know your guidance is essential in preparing students for a meaningful off-campus experience. Below you’ll find answers to common questions about our programs to help you support students as they navigate choosing a program.

How does the Language Pledge work?

A cornerstone of the Middlebury Schools Abroad is the Middlebury Language Pledge®, a formal commitment to speaking only the target language for the duration of the program. This supports deep linguistic and cultural immersion, and while it can be challenging at first, students often report that the Pledge is what truly accelerates their fluency and cultural understanding. 

Under the Language Pledge, students take all of their courses in the target language, and they are expected to use it exclusively in their daily life, including in their housing, on excursions, and during extracurricular activities, fostering full immersion in the host culture.

Are there any exceptions to the Language Pledge?

Yes! Our programs in the United Kingdom, California, and our summer programs are all taught in English. The Pledge is also suspended in various circumstances, such as the following:

  • Students are always encouraged to prioritize their safety and well-being. In cases where clear communication is necessary, such as medical needs or emergencies, students may speak English to ensure they are understood.
  • During scheduled breaks or certain group activities, program directors may temporarily suspend the Pledge to allow for structured reflection, particularly around themes of identity, adjustment, and intercultural experience.
  • We don’t intend to cut students off entirely from their support networks at home. Staying in touch with loved ones in English is permitted. However, students are also encouraged to be mindful of balance; excessive time spent in English can reduce the depth of their immersion and language growth.

All of our program directors and staff speak English, and students can turn to them for help, guidance, or clarification in English when needed. While the Pledge represents a serious commitment to language development, it is not inflexible. We aim to support students in their learning and well-being, while still upholding the immersive principles that make the Middlebury model so effective.

How many semesters of language study are required?

Language prerequisites vary by program. While Middlebury is well-known for its advanced language programs, we have introduced, in several locations, beginner- or intermediate-level tracks to accommodate students at different language levels.  

For the advanced tracks, we require the equivalent* of at least four semesters of college-level language study. For programs in French and Spanish, students must have completed at least one content course beyond the second-year language sequence. This should be a course that focuses on literature, culture, history, or another academic subject - not just grammar, conversation, or pronunciation.

The following beginner- and intermediate-level tracks are available:

Advisors should check each site’s specific eligibility requirements, as prerequisites can vary by program and language.

*Students may apply previous language learning, including summer coursework, toward the total number of semesters, as long as their final semester of required study was completed at the appropriate college level. Heritage speakers who did not complete high school in the target language are typically asked to take at least one advanced course in the language at the college level before applying. If there is any uncertainty about a student’s readiness for a particular track, we’re happy to arrange a brief informal interview with the program director to assess their proficiency and help determine fit.

What kind of academic and personal support do students receive on site?

Each School Abroad is led by on-site Middlebury staff—typically native or near-native speakers with deep ties to the host culture. These teams provide:

  • On-site advising and orientation
  • Housing arrangements
  • Ongoing academic support, including help navigating host university systems
  • Identifying tutoring and writing support in the target language
  • Health, safety, and wellness resources
  • Placement into cultural integration activities, internships, and volunteer opportunities

Our team at Middlebury College supports students as well. Advisors in the International Programs office provide pre-departure advising and orientations and visa guidance before students travel abroad. We also draw from the resources of Middlebury’s Global Operations Committee, Faculty Advisory Boards, Counseling office, Title IX and Civil Rights office, and Dean of Students. 

How do finances and billing work?

Middlebury Schools Abroad programs can either bill students directly or bill the home institution. Depending on the program, we may bill for tuition only (including health insurance), or we may include housing costs in the program fee. Students are responsible for other costs such as meals, travel costs, and personal spending, and we have budgets for estimated out of pocket expenses. You can find the program fees for each program and links to the individual program pages to find more in-depth information about expenses by School.

We do have several sources of funding available for students coming from schools outside of Middlebury. 

  • The Cason Scholarship is a need-based award of $4,000. Preference is given to students whose home institution’s financial aid is not transferrable.
  • There is a package discount for students who spend a summer at the Middlebury Language Schools followed by a semester at a Middlebury School Abroad. This is a guaranteed $3,000 scholarship, and more information can be found here.
  • We have funded research assistantships in Cameroon, Morocco, and Kazakhstan with stipends ranging from $1,200 to $2,000. Two students will be chosen in each location for the spring 2026 and spring 2027 semesters.

Questions? We’re Here to Help

We are happy to connect directly with study abroad advisors to answer questions or schedule a virtual info session for your office or students. Reach out to us anytime at studyabroad@middlebury.edu.