Why immersion learning? Because it works.

Since 1915, the summer Language Schools of Middlebury College have been pioneering the full-immersion approach to language learning. Now for the first time, this expertise is available to middle and high school students through the Middlebury-Monterey Language Academy.

Immersion learning works by engaging the whole learner, by building a community that is completely devoted to language learning, and by turning every aspect of every day into a learning opportunity. Educators have long recognized that the younger a learner is, the more readily he or she tends to absorb a new language—so it’s no surprise that Academy students and their teachers often report dramatic advances in skill levels through this summer program.

It isn’t easy! Immersion learning requires commitment. You have to take a breath, make the leap, and stay in the water. At the same time, we make it safe.

With small classes, creative group projects, and individual attention from faculty, residential counselors, and staff, the Academy builds an atmosphere of shared support and excitement about learning. We’re all in this together. We’re a community, and everyone contributes. That’s how this works.

For an in-depth conversation about immersion learning at MMLA, here’s a conversation with our Director, Roberto d’Erizans.

Immersion works. A teacher recently wrote: 

"I had one student who recently went through your summer program and all I can say is "Wow!! What a difference!" She jumped one French Level and is now in an AP course after having taken one of my advanced courses."

French Teacher, Princeton, NJ