The Middlebury-Monterey Language Academy (MMLA), a summer language immersion program for pre-college students, began its third year of programming on Sunday, June 27. NYA rising juniors Hillary Detert (Brunswick) and Charlie Gerrity (Cumberland) were accepted to and attended the four-week residential session at Green Mountain College in Poultney, Vermont. MMLA offers immersion programs in Arabic, Chinese, French, Spanish, and German; Detert and Gerrity spent the four weeks studying Spanish.
MMLA’s mission is an excellent fit with NYA’s focus on preparing 21st century learners to succeed and contribute in a global environment. The Middlebury Language Schools, which began in 1915 with the founding of the German School, have long been a leader in the immersion approach to language learning. According to Middlebury College Vice President of Language Schools, Schools Abroad and Graduate Programs Michael Geisler, the success of the program has more than affirmed the demand for this type of high quality foreign language instruction for pre-college students.
“MMLA’s intensive immersion approach to the teaching of language and culture — like that of the internationally recognized Middlebury Language Schools — is without a doubt the best way to provide today’s young people with the skills and resources to become tomorrow’s global citizens and leaders,” said Geisler.
Detert and Gerrity joined more than 800 students in the program and studied under the guidance of almost 300 faculty and staff members, including experienced language teachers from schools throughout America, Europe, Asia and Africa. To reach their goals, they took the Middlebury Language Pledge® – No English Spoken Here. The Pledge is the defining aspect of the MMLA experience in which every student agrees to a formal commitment to speak, listen to, read and write the language of study as the only means of communication for the entire summer session.
Detert and Gerrity lived in Spanish-only residence halls, participated in language instruction, and spoke Spanish in every activity —cooking classes, group hikes, soccer competitions and social events. Through a carefully planned progression of language learning and culture studies designed for beginning to advanced levels, MMLA students are challenged to make language breakthroughs while cultivating new friendships and having fun.
“When Charlie got home, he had a hard time going back to English,” said Peter Gerrity ’05, Charlie’s older brother. “He switched back and forth from Spanish to English not realizing he was doing it. Nobody at our house speaks Spanish, so it was interesting re-entry for all of us,” he said.
The MMLA currently has sites at Oberlin College in Ohio, Pomona College in California, Green Mountain College in Vermont, and Bard College at Simon’s Rock in Massachusetts. Enrollment is open to students who have completed 7th grade through those completing 12th grade. For more information on the MMLA, visit www.mmla.middlebury.edu or call (802) 443-2900.
North Yarmouth Academy is an independent, college preparatory, coeducational day school serving students in grades five through twelve. NYA is dedicated to fostering integrity, character and intellect in young adults. For more information, please contact Kristi Belesca, NYA’s Director of Community Development and Communications.
