Are all degree candidates at the Monterey Institute required to work at an advanced level in a foreign language?
All degree candidates who are native speakers of English, except those in the MA program of Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL), are required to work at an advanced level in a foreign language. (You are considered a Native Speaker of English if you have attended both high school and college in the U.S.).
Is there a foreign language requirement for graduation?
Yes. Native speakers of English in the MBA, MAIPS, MATP, and MAIEP degree programs have a 12-unit language requirement at the 300 level (beyond two years of college study) or above.
Exceptions:
- Advanced entry MBA or IPS: eight units of Language at 400 level
- MATFL: 12 Units at 400 level (or less for native speakers of the target language)
- MATESOL: No Language requirement
What languages, other than English, are taught at the Graduate School of Language and Educational Linguistics (GSLEL)?
We offer 300 and 400 level courses in Chinese, French, German, Japanese, Russian, and Spanish, and 200-400 level courses in Arabic. 300 level is 3rd year and 400 level is 4th year university level course.
Which programs have the highest foreign language proficiency requirements?
The MA programs in Teaching Foreign Language and all programs in the Graduate School of Translation and Interpretation require that students demonstrate a high proficiency (4th year +) in English and in one other language prior to admission.
How do I know whether my language skills are adequate for admission?
You must be prepared to work at a minimum third-year university level in your language of study. To help evaluate your language skills (other than English), you may download a Diagnostic Language Test. The test is self-administered and will indicate whether you have the required level of language proficiency.
Is there any difference for “advanced entry” students?
Advanced Entry programs usually require a higher level of language proficiency (4th year equivalent). Those testing below that level will require additional study to complete their degree.
If my language is not at the advanced level, what shall I do?
You may enroll in the "Plus" Programs, which require enrolling in our Summer Intensive Language Program before enrolling in the MBA or IPS programs. Students with some language background may achieve the 300 level in one summer, but many will need to take a bridge course (at the 2nd year level) in fall and possibly the WINTER interim course (at 2nd year level), and even further study to qualify for 300 level courses.
Will my tuition cover the cost of the “Plus” programs?
No. Students who arrive with inadequate language preparation are fully responsible for their own work until they reach the 300 level. The Monterey Institute may sometimes be able to provide a “250” level for students at an additional charge. We strongly recommend the Summer Intensive Language Program before matriculation for those with weak language skills.
Can I take lower level foreign language courses during the academic year?
Not at the Monterey Institute. Because only advanced courses in language are offered during the academic year, students who do not achieve the minimum level should strongly consider beginning their studies by enrolling in the Institute’s Intensive Language Program in order to bring their language up to the appropriate level.
How do I know which language course to take?
All new students need to participate in the orientation and placement examination during the three days before the beginning of class each semester.
What is the placement test like?
It consists of a written and an oral part. Generally speaking, the written exam will take less than 2 hours and the oral test 10-15 minutes.
When can I take the placement test?
It is given before the beginning of class each semester, early in the orientation process.
Is the placement test mandatory?
Yes. Based on the placement exam, students will be placed in 300 or 400 level courses or they may be told they need additional preparation before entering the advanced language program.
If I have missed the language placement test, what shall I do?
Make up exams are usually given at noon on the Tuesday following orientation (during the first week of classes).
If I am an advanced speaker of a foreign language that is not taught at the Monterey Institute, what shall I do?
If you have 300 level proficiency in a language not normally taught at MIIS (such as Indonesian, Korean, Farsi etc.), we may be able to arrange special study for you to fulfill the language requirement in your second language. To enroll in such a language, you must declare the language as your language of study at the time of application and:
- Contact the GSLEL (angela.quesenberry@miis.edu) to determine if your language can be taught.
- Pay an additional $1500 per semester for the three semesters of your required courses.
Can I study two languages at the Institute?
The basic intention at MIIS is that student should perfect their ability to use a single second language for professional purposes. However, due to changes in focus in the major, a student may sometimes apply to change languages while at MIIS. Students wishing to switch languages may do so under the following circumstances:
- They are at 300+ level in both languages
AND
- They have or will have completed at least one 400 level course in one of the languages
You cannot switch to a special language (language where no regular classes are taught) after enrolling at MIIS.
Can I obtain a language certificate?
Students wishing to go beyond the basic 12 unit language requirement may obtain a Certificate in Language Study in addition to their MA under the following conditions:
- Take 20 units of any single language at 300-400 level, with no grade below A-
OR
- Take 16 units of Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Russian or German (all one language), at 400 level with no grade below a B+
OR
- Take 20 units of French or Spanish (all one language) at 400 level, with no grade below a B+
If I plan to take foreign language courses at another university, can I transfer any credit?
Up to four units of credit in advanced language can be transferred in to the graduate programs, provided:
- It is at 300 level or above
- It is taken at an accredited university (not a private language school)
- An official transcript explaining level and units or hours of instruction is provided (not a certificate of completion)
We strongly advise that students clear their planned program of off-campus language study with the dean of GSLEL before leaving to ensure acceptance of the credit. A printout of the university information showing course levels and units should be attached to the petition to take credit for transfer.
If I have taken the Institute’s Summer Intensive Language Program, can I transfer any credit?
The same transfer of credit rule applies to our own SILP program as to outside programs (i.e., 4 units of 300 or 400 level credit can be used to fulfill part of the 12 unit requirement).
Is there any exceptions for credit transfer?
More than four units of credit may be accepted from the Middlebury summer language program or Middlebury Centers Abroad if it is demonstrated to be relevant to the student’s program of study and at upper division level. This should be documented in advance and approved by the GSLEL Dean.
If I am truly bilingual, can I waive the language requirement?
In special cases, students may be given a waiver of part or the entire language requirement. The language program head will do this, by exam only. The student will be asked to function at near-native ability in a professional setting in the second language.
