IES Abroad’s Customized Programs department has wrapped up its second summer of successful programs with Middlebury Interactive Languages (MIL). Through the partnership with MIL, whose programs focus on language and cultural immersion, rising ninth- through twelfth-grade students were able to spend four weeks in Quebec City, Canada, and Granada, Spain. We’re pleased to announce that, in Summer 2017, the program will run for the third time in Granada, as well as for the first time in Salamanca, Spain, and Nantes, France.
In all programs, students take Middlebury’s Language Pledge upon arrival at their program site. This is a verbal oath as well as a signed pledge that they will speak only in the target language the entire program. Students surrender their phones, electronics, and any English-language materials at the start of the program so they can be fully immersed in the host language.
In addition to the intensive language component, students fully live in and experience the culture of their selected program location. All of the activities and excursions are intentionally designed for students to learn and use new vocabulary and grammar. Looking ahead to Summer 2017, here are some expected highlights:
 | Students in Granada will live in close proximity to the historic Alhambra at the Colegio Ave María Casa Madre. Beyond touring the Alhambra and Palacio de Generalife, excursions to the mountainous town of Ronda, Nerja on the Mediterranean, and a nautical day camp supplement the programming occurring within Granada. |
 | In Nantes, participants will get a true French student experience when they reside at Blanche de Castille, a private boarding school in the heart of Nantes. In addition to exploring classic Nantes with a baking lesson at a boulangerie and a visit to the Naval Museum, students will take trips to the Loire Valley, the walled city of Saint-Malo, and Mont Saint-Michel in Normandy. |
 | In Salamanca, participants will live in homestays with local residents, making this program a great option for students seeking deeper Spanish-language and cultural immersion. Outside of the home and classroom, Salamanca students will venture to the capital city of Madrid, Sanabria Lake, and Arribes del Duero Natural Park along the Duero river, which serves as the Spain-Portugal boundary. |
IES Abroad is excited to continue this partnership with Middlebury Interactive Languages in these locations next summer thanks to the work of our Customized Programs Department.Of the partnership, IES Abroad President and CEO Dr. Mary M. Dwyer has said: “When IES Abroad developed the IES Abroad MAP for Language Learning, we set out to codify and measure the important standards we use to help our students with second language acquisition. With Middlebury Interactive employing its well-respected pedagogy, we feel this is a perfect academic fit for furthering young students’ language and intercultural competencies.”
Interested in building a faculty-led or customized program for your students? Learn more about IES Abroad’s Customized Programs here!
