What's it like?

Can you tell me about the program?

• Language Pledge

The hallmark of the Middlebury College Language Schools is the Language Pledge, a promise made by students, faculty, and staff to communicate solely in their language of choice for the duration of their time in the program. Within the classroom, the Language Pledge supports the creation of a solid foundation in language—reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Outside the classroom, the Pledge fosters meaningful engagement and fluency acquisition, as students participate in a vast range of co-curricular activities, all of which happen in language.

• A Typical Day

8:00 a.m. - Wake up, eat breakfast, and prep for class
9:00 a.m. - Morning classes (class time ranges from 3 to 5 hours in the morning, depending on the School)
1:00 p.m. - Lunch and rest
3:00 p.m. - Cocurricular activities, free time, homework, and class preparation
4:00 p.m. - Afternoon classes (afternoon class time varies, depending on the School)
5:00 p.m. - Films, lectures, or presentations
7:00 p.m. - Dinner
8:30 p.m. - Faculty office hours, cocurricular activities, homework, class preparation, dances
10:00 p.m. TV and . . . sleep (both in-language)
(Please note: this is a general guide only!)

• Activities

Outside the classroom, language learning extends into cocurricular activities, picnics, afternoons at the lake, and evening gatherings.

For example, the Chinese school offers Calligraphy, Majiang, Taiji, Soccer, Tea Tasting, Chinese Chess, Poetry, Folk Music and Dance, Radio Show, Cooking Class, and Volleyball.

• Classes

The Language Schools are a 24/7 immersion program. Classes take place all morning, Monday through Friday, and in some schools for part of the afternoon, as well.