Middlebury Global Security Semester

“The Global Security Semester at MIIS was an unparalleled experience. I took classes on counterterrorism, international security, anti-money laundering, and briefing preparation. Simply put, it was awesome. I could not feel better prepared to enter the professional sphere - and specifically public service - after my time in Monterey. To be honest, I am surprised that more Middlebury College students are not studying away in Monterey…they are missing out on a treasure!” - Eli Drachman, Fall 2022

Academic Structure

Curriculum

With the Global Security Semester, students take up to 18 credits, at least 8 of which should be from the Nonproliferation & Terrorism Studies (NPTS) curriculum. Students may enroll in MIIS courses outside of NPTS, including content-based language classes and courses in Departments such as International Policy & Development, Environmental Policy and Management, Language & Intercultural Study, or International Trade.

Sample NPTS Classes

• Science and Technology for NPTS (4 credits)
• Global Politics (4 credits)
• Open Source Tools for NPTS (4 credits)
• Introduction to WMD Nonproliferation (4 credits)
• NPT Simulation (requires prior approval by instructor) (4 credits)
• Counterterrorism (4 credits)

Note: Use the course schedule to find details about each course. This is not a comprehensive list and may change from semester to semester. 

Sample Language Classes

Students are invited to take content-based language classes in Arabic, Chinese, French, Japanese, Russian or Spanish. Students need to be at the second-year college level (minimum) and will be required to pass a language placement test offered just before the semester starts.

• Arabic: Islam in Central Asia
• Chinese: Three Kingdoms & International Affairs
• French: Security & Development in the Francophone World
• Japanese: Modern Japanese Society
• Russian: Russian from the Source
• Spanish: US Foreign Policy in Latin America

Note: Use the course schedule to find details about each course. This is not a comprehensive list and may change from semester to semester.

Sample Policy or Intercultural Competence Classes

• Power, Social Change & Organizations
• Introduction to Trade Policy & Institutions
• Public Policy & the Environment
• Trust Across Cultures
• Introduction to Intercultural Competence

Note: Use the course schedule to find details about each course. This is not a comprehensive list and may change from semester to semester.

Dates

The program runs both fall and spring semesters.

Click here for the 2024-2025 MIIS calendar and check out the following pages for more information about Dates and Fees, Admissions, and Housing.

For Middlebury College students: If you study away at Monterey for the spring semester, you may not enroll in J-term on the Vermont campus. You will earn a Winter Term Equivalent credit (WTEQ) if you enroll in a full load of courses at MIIS.

Professional Opportunities

Global Security Semester students are eligible for a wide range Research Assistantship (RA) positions through the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies (CNS) and the Center on Terrorism, Extremism, and Counterterrorism (CTEC). RAs work alongside globally renowned experts, gaining valuable professional skills and a competitive edge in their future endeavors. RA positions can take place during your semester in Monterey, during the summer, or during J-term.

Global Security Semester students benefit from unique high-level networking and mentoring opportunities. CNS and CTEC host frequent seminars featuring visiting diplomats, heads of international organizations, government officials, and nongovernmental experts. GSS students and alumni will also be eligible to apply for a limited number of funded opportunities through CNS to participate in high-level policy meetings such as the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty Review Conference in New York. 

All undergraduates are eligible to apply for CNS’s paid Summer Undergraduate Fellowship Program. Email Masako Toki at mtoki@miis.edu for more information on the summer fellowship program and J-term RA opportunities. Email Eduardo Fujii at efujii@middlebury.edu for more information on RA opportunities during the fall/spring. 

Study Away + Study Abroad

Many SAAM students have successfully combined Study Away with a Study Abroad program, spending one semester in Monterey and one semester abroad. It is important to keep academic calendars and visa requirements in mind. Middlebury students should click here to schedule a meeting with an advisor to discuss options. Students from other institutions should speak with their study abroad advisor to determine if they could participate in both Study Away and Study Abroad.