Welcome to the Middlebury Chinese School!
Please refer to the information below and at the links provided as you prepare for your summer of language study at Middlebury College.
Questions and Assistance
Mimi Clark, Assistant Director
Middlebury Chinese School
mclark@middlebury.edu (email contact preferred)
802-443-5520
Graduate Program in Teaching Chinese at Middlebury College
The Middlebury Chinese School, founded in 1966, is the longest running program in the United States for Chinese language instruction. The Middlebury Chinese School is an accredited residential language learning program on the campus of Middlebury College in Middlebury, Vermont. One of 13 languages available through the Middlebury Language Schools, the Chinese School has set the highest standard for Chinese language instruction.
Courses offered each summer are designed for students currently enrolled in our Chinese Master’s Degree
program to continue with their studies and progress toward completing their degree in Teaching Chinese. All graduate students must enroll in the required full course load of three courses.
PROGRAM FEATURES
- Multiple Pathways:
- Master in Chinese focuses specifically on Teaching Chinese as a Second Language during four summers in Vermont.
- Master in Teaching (MAT) with Licensure during two summers in Vermont and coursework during the academic year.
- Credit Transfer: Students may transfer up to three credits with pre-approval from the director after successfully completing the first summer.
- Flexibility: All students enrolled in the Master’s program have ten years to complete the degree.
- Total Immersion: All required and elective courses during the Chinese School summer session in Middlebury, Vermont, are taught in Chinese by master teachers from both the U.S. and China, and focus on the development of and best practices in teaching Chinese as a second (or third) language. Students immerse themselves in language and culture through academic work, the Language Pledge®, and participation in co-curricular activities.
- Living Laboratory: The Master’s program works alongside our first-rate intensive language program, providing an ideal environment to refine teaching skills and carry out research projects.
- Faculty: Our faculty members are leading figures in their own field and often serve on the board of directors of both regional and national Chinese teachers associations and education organizations, including CLTA, NECLTA, and AP Chinese.
- Students: Our grad students are both native and non-native speakers of Chinese, with a variety of backgrounds and experience, and all with the common goal of becoming highly skilled teachers of Chinese language and culture. Our most dedicated, hardworking students have received recognition for a wide variety of accomplishments both while enrolled in the program and post-graduation, including national outstanding teaching awards; serving as school deans or department chairs and members of the AP Chinese Development Committee.
Summer Session 2024
- Tuition: $7605
- Housing and Dining: $3640
- Credit: 1 unit per course (See: LS Handbook & Midd Credit Info)
- Financial aid available
DATES
- July 2, Tuesday – Campus arrival. (See Before Campus Arrival and Welcome Schedule)
- July 3, Wednesday – Orientation & Welcome
- July 4, Thursday – Classes begin
- August 13, Tuesday – Classes end.
- August 16, Friday – Graduation ceremony.
- August 17, Saturday 10:00 am – Dorm move-out deadline.
Due to the high volume and fast pace of the curriculum, it is vital that students arrive and leave as scheduled. Missing more than three class days will result in a failing grade. Permission to start late or leave early may be granted for extraordinary situations only, and must be requested in writing by email to chineseschool@middlebury.edu.
WELCOME WEEK
We look forward to meeting new students and welcoming back our returning students! Please refer to the schedule details here:
Welcome Schedule 2024
GRADUATION
Please see details here: Graduation FAQ
Master’s Degree Program Enrollment Requirements
For essential planning details, please refer to:
Website for Students Admitted to Middlebury Language Schools 2024.
BEFORE THE SESSION
1) Enroll – Submit your tuition deposit, housing information form, etc.
2) Set up Student Account – Email, tuition, student ID card, etc.
3) Review Policies and Standards – Student Handbook, Community Standards, etc.
4) Confirm Travel Details – Campus arrival, packing list, airport shuttle tickets, and more.
5) Prepare for Health Requirements and Recommendations – Covid updates, etc.
END OF THE SESSION
-Students may leave campus after their last class. (Tuesday 8/13/24)
-The Final Ceremony (Thursday 8/15/24) will celebrate student achievement and end of the Language Pledge, followed by a festive Final Dinner for all Language Schools.
-Ceremony for all graduates of the Language Schools. (Friday 8/16/24)
-Dorm rooms must be cleaned out and vacated by 10:00 am on Saturday, 8/17/24.
Master’s Degree Program Details
Please review:
CAMPUS ARRIVAL PLANNING & REQUIREMENTS
CAMPUS LIVING INFORMATION & RESOURCES
COURSE INFORMATION
The Chinese School master’s degree program focuses specifically on Teaching Chinese as a Foreign Language, and is designed for current or aspiring teachers of the Chinese language. A total of 12 units are required for the Master of Arts degree. Each successfully completed class qualifies for one unit. Course requirements for the degree are:
- Linguistics for Chinese Language Teachers (3 classes)
- Pedagogy: Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment (4 classes)
- Culture: Core and Manifestation of Communication (2 classes)
- Special Topics/Electives (2 classes)
- Experiential Learning/Teaching Practicum (1 class)
Students in their first year must take the Teaching Chinese as a Foreign Language and Introduction to Chinese Linguistics. Students in their final year must take the Teaching Practicum class.
Classes offered in the upcoming session will be posted when available.
COURSE REGISTRATION AND TEXTBOOKS
Course advising and registration this year will take place virtually before arrival on campus to facilitate the purchase of materials for courses.
Required text books are listed with each class on the Course Detail page.
Please see information and ordering instructions on the Course Detail page.
CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
Students of all ages and language levels are encouraged to participate in our co-curricular workshops, social activities, sports teams (badminton, soccer, volleyball), lectures, concerts, off-campus lake visit and hikes., and performance night.
Review Chinese School activities.
CREDIT and GRADES
Please see Course Credit
Grades may be viewed online in your Middlebury student account after they are posted: http://www.middlebury.edu/offices/academic/records/bannerweb/grades
Transcripts of your completed Middlebury courses may be obtained from the Middlebury registrar:
http://www.middlebury.edu/offices/academic/records/transcripts
For additional information and assistance with transcripts and credit transfer, please contact the Registrar’s Office.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
The International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) office at Middlebury College will send an email to admitted students after March 1 to assist with any visa documentation required to attend the Language Schools. All students who are non-U.S. citizens must please see Item 1.3 here: https://prearrival.middcreate.net/students/lsmidd/enroll/
After March 1, International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) at Middlebury College will contact via email each enrolled student identified as non-U.S. citizen or non-U.S. permanent resident to assist with any visa documentation required to attend the Language Schools.
By May 1, please complete all visa requirements as directed by ISSS.
>>See visa information and requirements here: http://www.middlebury.edu/international/isss/visas
LANGUAGE PLEDGE
The Language Pledge will be in place for all students when you arrive on campus in July. The Pledge encourages students to practice their language skills, and during campus life throughout the day. Chinese School graduate students are encouraged to assist and mentor students at all levels during meal times and social events!
POLICIES
Each student attending the Language Schools must understand and abide by Middlebury College policies. Please review important policies here:
https://chineseschool.middcreate.net/middpolicies/
TECHNOLOGY REQUIREMENTS
Students must be able to access course materials online, including PDF documents, video, media, slides, etc. A reliable internet accessible device such as a laptop or desktop computer with audio speakers/headphones will be required.
Tech support resources
Language Resources
Computer Support on Campus
Email/Account Support
TEXTBOOKS
Required books are listed with each class on the Course Detail page.
TUITION PAYMENT
A tuition bill will be emailed starting in April. To access your tuition bill and make payments online, you will need your Middlebury ID number (See Item 2.2 here.). Final payment of your tuition balance is due before the session begins. See Dates & Fees.
Payment: To pay your tuition, please follow the instructions here:
http://www.middlebury.edu/offices/support/sfs/payment/summer_payment
Cancellation/Withdraw: If you decide that you are not be able to attend the Chinese School, please notify the Chinese School Assistant Director as soon as possible. Please see the Language Schools Handbook for details on withdrawals and refunds.
More Information
Please refer to the following resources for additional information:
Middlebury Resources (on this website)
Middlebury College website
Language Schools Handbook
Language Schools YouTube channel
Campus tour
