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 immersion at Middlebury College.
Questions and Assistance
Mimi Clark, Assistant Director
Middlebury Chinese School
mclark@middlebury.edu (email contact preferred)
802-443-5520
Chinese Immersion Learning at Middlebury College
The Middlebury Chinese School is an accredited eight-week residential language learning program on the campus of Middlebury College in Middlebury, Vermont. Founded in 1966, our program is the longest running program in the United States for Chinese language learning. As one of the languages available through the Middlebury Language Schools, the Chinese School has set the highest standard for Chinese language instruction.
The Chinese School provides five levels of instruction in modern Chinese, from beginner to advanced, designed to develop and improve the listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills of our students. Our primary goal is to help all students (adults aged 18 and over) increase their ability to use Chinese as much as possible within the eight-week session, and expand their knowledge of Chinese culture.
Both formal and informal opportunities are available each day in a variety of settings to challenge our students to keep practicing and learning wherever they are. The pace of our summer course is very fast, and the volume of material is high. The 8-week session is equivalent to one academic year of college-level language class. One day is roughly the same as one week of classes in a regular college-level semester. Students tend to study 3-4 hours each day, before and after classes, alongside fitness, social, and co-curricular activities. By the end of the term, our students will have made amazing progress!
PROGRAM FEATURES
- Eight weeks of fast-paced, engaging, and intensive instruction.
- Four units of transferable credit.
- One academic year of college-level material.
- Low student-teacher ratio (average 4:1) with world class, experienced, innovative, and dedicated faculty to ensure each student’s ability to understand, speak, read, and write Mandarin Chinese improves dramatically each day throughout the session.
- Five levels of study, with placement determined by pre-program assessments in grammar, writing, speaking.
- Individualized guidance for focused exploration and practice.
- Daily small groups (lecture: 8-12 students; drill groups: 4-6 students) tailored to students’ needs, and focused on active participation and practice.
- Exclusive use of Chinese by professors during instruction and interaction with students.
- Small group study and opportunities for conversation and activation of new vocabulary and grammar.
- Serious and motivated adult (aged 18+) students.
- Cultural exploration workshops to practice informal language with students of all ages, backgrounds, and skill levels.
- Social opportunities to encourage casual conversation, friendships, and professional networking.
Summer Program 2024
- Tuition: $10,140
- Housing and Dining: $4920
- Credit: 4 units (More info: LS Handbook & Midd Credit Info)
- Financial aid up to 45% of tuition available.
DATES
- June 21, Friday – Campus arrival.
- June 22, Saturday & June 23, Sunday Welcome Weekend Schedule
- June 24, Monday – Classes begin. (Classes are held Monday-Friday)
- August 15, Thursday – Finals exams. Final Ceremony. Language Pledge ends.
- August 16, Friday – Last class in the morning.
- 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-END
We look forward to meeting new students and welcoming back our returning students! Please refer to the schedule details here:
Welcome Schedule 2024
Immersion 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 final exams (Thursday, 8/15/24) at the earliest.
-The Final Ceremony (Thursday evening, 8/15/24) will celebrate student achievement and end of the Language Pledge, followed by a festive Final Dinner for all Language Schools.
-The last class (Friday morning, 8/16/24) is an opportunity to review course materials and meet with classmates and instructors for the last time.
-Dorm rooms must be cleaned out and vacated by 10:00 am on Saturday, 8/17/24.
Immersion Program Details
Please review:
CAMPUS ARRIVAL PLANNING & REQUIREMENTS
CAMPUS LIVING INFORMATION & RESOURCES
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Students attending the Middlebury College Chinese School will take part in classes appropriate for their language skill level, and participate in activities with students of all ages in all levels.
The Chinese School provides five levels of instruction in modern simplified Chinese, from beginner to advanced, designed to develop and improve the listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills of our students. Enrolled students will complete a set of online skill assessments in the Spring to determine their appropriate course level.
From the first day, the pace of this summer course is fast, and the volume of material is high:
The 8-week session is equivalent to one academic year of college-level language class.
One day is roughly the same as one week of classes in a regular college-level semester.
The Middlebury Chinese School curriculum and instructional design are successful due to consistent and intentional teacher-student contact throughout the day and in a variety of settings. Chinese School faculty are dedicated throughout the session to providing the highest level of personalized and intensive instruction to each student, from beginner to advanced. Our primary goal is to help each student increase their ability to use Chinese as much as possible within the eight-week session, and expand their knowledge of Chinese culture.
With the Middlebury Language Pledge in place 24/7, students are expected to use Chinese at all times when communicating with teachers and classmates in all classroom and campus activities. As the course is rigorous and intense, with high demands on time and work load, students tend to study 3-4 hours each day, before and after classes, alongside fitness, social, and organized activities. By staying true to the Pledge, mindful of personal learning goals, and active and connected within our community, our students make amazing progress!
For more course detail, see Course Detail.
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
The eight-week session of the Middlebury Chinese School is approximately the same as one academic year of college-level language material. Students who finish the session in good academic standing and meet expectations for class attendance, assignments, as well as quizzes and tests (including a midterm and final exam) will receive 4 units of credit and a letter grade. Specifically, our accredited program is divided into four 2-week sections, so students will receive 2 units before the mid-term, and 2 units for the second half of the session for a total of 4 units per summer. Credits earned may be transferred to another academic institution upon request with the Middlebury College registrar (or automatically for Middlebury students).
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.
DAILY CLASS SCHEDULE
Classes and co-curricular activities are scheduled for Monday-Friday, while films, hikes, performances, and social gatherings are scheduled for the weekends. Our typical class schedule:
Pre-Recorded Teaching Video – morning on own time
Class Lecture – 8:30-9:45 am (75 mins)
Small Group Drill – 10:00-10:50 am or 11:00-11:50 am (50 mins)
Individual Practice – between 1:30-3:30 pm (30 minutes session, twice/week)
Co-Curricular Activities – 4:00-5:30 pm
Homework – 3-6 hours per day, depending on your level
IMMERSION LEARNING OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM
The hallmark of the Middlebury Language Schools is our ‘learn by doing’ feature. Students in the Chinese School will be expected to participate in activities outside the classroom to extend their language learning and practice. With the Language Pledge in place, informal interactions with other students of all ages and language skill levels during each day provide a variety of opportunities for learning and practice. From doing laundry, fitness center workouts, and dining hall meals to weekend hikes, group activities, or a walk around campus will enhance language acquisition, develop listening and speaking skills – these informal peer-to-peer interactions, enrich comprehension in class, and provide an overall positive experience and sense of community within our School.
Organized co-curricular workshops ‘in language’ provide students with hands-on exposure to Chinese culture and customs as well as social interactions with teachers and/or students at all levels. Sign ups, times, and locations will be posted after the first week, and may include: cooking, folk songs, mahjong, calligraphy, tai chi, martial arts, meditation, and crafts.
Sports offered each summer include team practices and games (in language!) with other Language Schools may include: volleyball, badminton, soccer, ping pong. Please provide your own equipment, i.e. cleats, shin guards, racquets, etc. although the Chinese School has some equipment to borrow.
China Night is our summer talent show, and provides an opportunity for solo and group performances (in language!) including skits, poetry reading, dance, music, and singing. Please bring your own musical instrument, dancing shoes, etc.
The more you interact with others in our community, the more you will expand your Chinese and enjoy your summer!
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 LEVEL
The Chinese School offers five levels of instruction: Level 1, 2, 2.5, 3, 4. As a student in the Middlebury College Chinese School, you will take part in classes appropriate for your language skill level, and participate in activities with students at all levels. Courses are organized into five skill sections, from Beginner to Advanced.
Admission to the Chinese School does not assume or guarantee placement into a particular level of instruction. Our main goal is to help all students increase their ability to use Chinese as much as possible within an eight-week period. As students come from many different backgrounds and various instructional programs, students may find themselves placed at a level below or above what they may have expected.
By enrolling in the Chinese School, you indicate your willingness to accept guidance from the School as to your placement in the course (level) most appropriate to your needs and current proficiency. Upon completion of an online placement test, and an oral interview on the first day of the session, you will be placed in one of five levels for targeted learning and practice.
Review Chinese School Level Descriptions.
LANGUAGE LEVEL PLACEMENT
Language class assignments and course registration will take place after all required placement tests have been completed. Your Level placement will be sent to your Middlebury email after you have completed all placement testing as required. To get a rough idea of where you might place, please view the information about national proficiency standards in Chinese. ACTFL levels roughly correspond to Chinese School language levels: 1, 2, 2.5, 3, and 4. You will be welcome to discuss your placement with Chinese School teachers once classes begin, and throughout the session.
Placement level is determined by an assessment of proficiency in four areas: grammar, reading, writing, and speaking. The placement test requires a Middlebury account and email. Instructions and access to the test will be sent by email starting in April. Grammar, reading, and writing tests will be done online, and a speaking proficiency check either on campus or online. Notification of your placement level will be sent to your Middlebury email to confirm your purchase of any required textbooks and materials.
LANGUAGE PLEDGE
All Language School students will commit to the focus of their chosen language of study for the duration of the summer session. The Pledge is like a ‘focus bubble’ that will enable you to concentrate on your target language without interruption and thus get the most out of your efforts, studies, and time.
“In signing this Language Pledge®, I agree to use Chinese as my only language of communication while attending the Middlebury Language Schools. I understand that failure to comply with this Pledge may result in my expulsion without credit or refund.”
The Language Pledge supports a solid foundation in language—reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Outside the classroom, the Pledge encourages meaningful engagement and fluency acquisition as students participate in daily activities. Adherence to the spirit of the Pledge and a sincere effort to use Chinese as exclusively as possible during the session will increase language skill. By staying in your target language 24/7, you will assist yourself in training your brain to think in Chinese, and support your peers in their language-learning commitment as well. Students in the Chinese School will commit themselves to the Language Pledge on the first Monday night of the session.
Students who violate the Pledge risk expulsion and loss of future admission to the Language Schools.*
*While conversations with family, friends, and/or colleagues may be necessary, it is recommended that communications not in Chinese (calls, texts, email, social, news) must be firmly limited, i.e. once a week. Non-Chinese conversations must be done out of earshot of other language students. Speaking English in the presence of other students attending the Chinese School, and other Language Schools, is a direct violation of the Pledge and must be avoided at all times.
Please see:
Prepare for Immersion
Language Pledge defined
Strategies for managing language immersion
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
