Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey

Source: https://www.middlebury.edu/institute

Archived: 2026-04-23 15:36

Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey
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Middlebury Institute Programs
The Middlebury Institute of International Studies will conclude all of its programs by the summer of 2027. We are committed to supporting all of our students through the completion of their degrees.
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Middlebury Institute Concluding Programs
In August 2025, Middlebury’s Board of Trustees voted to
conclude all in-person programs and two online programs
at the Middlebury Institute. In April 2026, after careful consideration, Middlebury leadership made the decision to wind down our remaining online master’s programs in August 2027.
The
James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies
(CNS) will continue to operate as part of Middlebury, with locations in Monterey; Washington, D.C.; Middlebury, Vermont; and Vienna, Austria.
We are committed to supporting all of our students through the completion of their degrees with rigorous academics, experiential learning opportunities, and career planning.
New Students
We will enroll new students in
some exchange and non-degree programs
in summer and fall 2026. We are no longer enrolling new students in any other programs or semesters.
You want to change the world. We will teach you how.
The Middlebury Institute of International Studies is a graduate school of
Middlebury College
and training ground for developing and implementing practical solutions. Offering
in-person and online programs
, it is home to some of the world’s leading experts in global security, sustainability, development, education, and language services. They will be your mentors, teaching you how to advance understanding, promote peace, and drive change in pursuit of a more just world.
Featured News
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J-Term 2026: Global Courses Across Three Continents
Nearly 40 Middlebury Institute students recently participated in experiential learning trips to South Africa, Czechia, Austria, and Bhutan. These global courses were grounded in local partnership, applied learning, and critical reflection.
Middlebury Institute Hosts International Cyber 9/12 Strategy Challenge
The Middlebury Institute of International Studies made history this November by hosting the first-ever West Coast edition of the International Cyber 9/12 Strategy Challenge, the Atlantic Council’s flagship cyber policy competition.
Middlebury cohort participates in global climate solutions at COP30 in Brazil
Five delegates from Middlebury Global Climate Policy Network are joining the international climate conference in Belém, Brazil November 10-21, 2025
Field Work: Interning at the UN Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA)
Middlebury Institute alum Aleksandra Zubenko interned at the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA), supporting global disarmament and nonproliferation to promote global security.
Field Work: Connecting Costa Rican Medical Devices with Patients in the U.S.
International trade student Andrew Sang worked on a team researching possible openings in the trade market for Costa Rica’s export agency.
Conflict Transformation Fellowship Gives Students the Chance to Apply Their Ski…
Through a yearlong fellowship supported by the Conflict Transformation Collaborative, 40 students applied their skills to develop creative approaches to conflict.
Middlebury Experts Weigh In on Israel-Iran Conflict
Nuclear nonproliferation and Middle East experts from the Middlebury Institute of International Studies shared their knowledge across national and international media.
What We Could Learn from the Massive Youth-Led Protests in Serbia in March 2025
International policy student Roo Luo shares what she thinks changemakers could learn from Serbian youth during the largest protests in Serbian history.
Why The Middlebury Institute
Play
Learning in Language: Advance Your Global Career
Transcript
The Middlebury Institute differs from a lot of other institutions in that we’re required to study language here. But also we’re expected to put that language into practice. At the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies, I work as a graduate research assistant. And in that role, a lot of my research that I do is conducted in Chinese.
In the field, being able to access documents and media reports in a foreign language, firsthand, directly from sources, is something that’s really important.
We’re learning the language, not just to learn the language, but how to use it in conversations of what we would use in our professional careers.
I haven’t taken a Spanish course since high school. It was intimidating at first, but I was able to catch up. Remember what I needed, just like conversational phrases, and eased right back into it with the grammar and the vocabulary.
There are a lot of great things about being in Monterey and being at the Middlebury Institute. While I’m in school, I’m able to build a portfolio of work using the target language to show to future employers, or if I wanna go to get a PhD. These are real world skills that I’ve put into practice.
Learning language is one step that students who wanna be leaders in this field in the future should take if they have the opportunity. And I definitely felt that going to the Middlebury Institute was my opportunity.
There are just so many benefits and advantages with having a second language, especially in this globalized world. Things are changing, the world is changing. So the Middlebury Institute is taking us on to new approaches, to new methodologies and tools that we can use.
Play
Inspired Learning in an Inspiring Location
Transcript
Monterey is incredible, I moved from the East Coast, I’ve lived through many harsh winters. So first of all, the weather is unbelievable.
I love the fact that I live 5 blocks away from the beach and I can sort of fall asleep listening to the sea lion bark every single night.
The bike path runs along the coast for miles and miles, so if you need a break from work, school assignments then getting some fresh air and being on the water is amazing opportunity.
I love the ocean and we’re so close, we’re only a five minute walk from the beach.
The aquarium is one of my favorite spots. Every time I have somebody visiting town, I take the opportunity to go and visit the aquarium with them.
Because there are such large populations of people from all over the world here. There’s also food from all over the world here. So, you can take a five minute walk and you will find just about any food you want.
Bars, restaurants, shops, there’s plenty going on. But it is a small-town feel so you can still have that community component as well.
There are a lot of informal activities that I think make MIIS an enjoyable place to be in school. There is bike rides, there is hikes, there is a group that does swimming in the bay. There are so many outdoor activities to do in this area and I think those give a lot of balance to the more formal academic stuff that we also participate in.
It’s a quiet place but at the same time has other interesting places that are close enough to escape for a weekend.
I go hiking in Big Sur all the time. Whether it’s a backpacking trip for a whole weekend or you can do a day hike. It’s beautiful, it’s one of the most beautiful places in the world.
We’re close to Silicon Valley, we’re close to San Francisco. There are so many things that we can access from here. Both on the personal and the professional side that make it, to me, perfectly situated.
It’s unbelievable. I’ve never lived anywhere like this in my life.
Your Success Is Our Priority
At the Middlebury Institute, your career is our focus from your first day of classes.
You’ll not only take in-depth courses taught by world-renowned experts. You’ll also get personalized, comprehensive academic and professional advising, plus valuable internships and assistantships. You’ll graduate with a practical degree, fully prepared for a rewarding career.
Advance Your Career
Make a Smart Investment in Your Career
When you earn a graduate degree from the Middlebury Institute, you’ll be prepared to be a leader in high-demand global industries and organizations. With our scholarships, grants, and other aid, you’ll see that our programs are an affordable investment in your future.
88
%
of students receive scholarships
350
+
professional internships annually
96
%
working within one year of graduation
Our Graduates Work At
Why We Chose the Institute
Choose Your Path
Jorge Silva
Setting the tone for politics
International Policy and Development
Jorge Silva
Setting the tone for politics
Why the Institute
The tremendous diversity in the student body helped me understand issues from different points of view.
My Path
I worked for Hillary Clinton’s presidential campaign and then became vice president of communications at the Latino Victory Project, where I guide messaging for media consultants and politicians in Washington, DC.
International Policy and Development
Lisa Li
Combining language studies with technology
Translation and Localization Management
Lisa Li
Combining language studies with technology
Why the Institute
The Institute’s translation and localization management degree combines language studies with technology, plus great career opportunities. Not to mention beautiful scenery right outside your door!
My Path
I manage localization projects for a company that offers online early childhood education solutions.
Translation and Localization Management
Kyle Pilutti
Studying International Security and Arabic
Nonproliferation and Terrorism Studies
Kyle Pilutti
Studying International Security and Arabic
Why the Institute
I wanted to study international security while continuing with Arabic. The Institute has amazing faculty and far-reaching connections.
My Path
I hope to focus on international nonproliferation efforts at an international organization like the IAEA, or from a national position at the State Department or National Laboratory.
Nonproliferation and Terrorism Studies
Anna Galbraith
Building a Career on International Experience
International Education Management
Anna Galbraith
Building a Career on International Experience
Why the Middlebury Institute?
I wanted to foster the skills I learned living abroad into something marketable. Here I can continue using my Spanish and also gain hands-on experience with the education practicum.
What makes the Institute special?
I get to have class with some of the most dynamic people I’ve ever met and to learn from professors who are generous with their time and knowledge.
International Education Management
Michael Ross
A Rewarding Career Change
Translation and Interpretation
Michael Ross
A Rewarding Career Change
What made the Institute a special experience for you?
The Institute gave me the opportunity to use my language skills in a new career as a freelance translator and interpreter—and that change has paid off. I have a better quality of life and I’m much happier.
What are you doing now?
Some of my career highlight include working as a liaison interpreter for the State Department, and translating two published books about video games.
Translation and Interpretation
Alan Lovewell
Turning Business Plans Into Reality
Environmental Policy and Management
Alan Lovewell
Turning Business Plans Into Reality
Why the Middlebury Institute?
I wanted to work on ocean health and management issues, and the Institute exposed me to innovative ideas and solutions. People at the Institute are passionate about creating positive change!
What now?
I started a company called Real Good Fish based on a business plan a few colleagues and I wrote in our first semester.
Environmental Policy and Management
James Slaton
Bringing help to Romanian orphans
TESOL
James Slaton
Bringing help to Romanian orphans
Why The Institute
At the Institute, I could study both practical and theoretical applications of teaching and linguistics in the foreign language classroom.
My Path
When I served in the Navy, I started a nonprofit in Romania to help local orphaned children. I plan to return to Romania and expand my nonprofit to provide English language instruction and funding for post-secondary educational opportunities.
TESOL
Justin Arrington
Applying learning to life
Joint BA/MA Programs
Justin Arrington
Applying learning to life
Why The Institute
We don’t just talk about problems. Every day, we apply our learning to real-world issues and bring insight and experience into the classroom.
My Path
Before the Institute, I was with the “warrior diplomats” of the U.S. Army Civil Affairs teams. My next assignment is as an army aviator.
Joint BA/MA Programs
Learn from the Experts
Be taught by faculty with extensive professional experience at organizations around the world. You’ll be guided by the most up-to-date field information and technology along with expertise and mentoring.
I believe that progress is possible only when we grasp at a deep level what caused our missteps.
Xiaoyan Shen
Associate Professor, Translation and Interpretation
Meet Xiaoyan Shen
I study terrorism and nuclear weapons, particularly in South Asia: terrorist group strategies, nuclear tension in the subcontinent, and the security of nuclear weapons in Pakistan.
Sharad Joshi
Associate Professor, Nonproliferation and Terrorism Studies
Meet Sharad Joshi
I am committed to collaborative environments in which societal inequities can be both explored and resisted through the inclusion of diverse voices and ways of knowing.
Netta Avineri
Professor, TESOL and Teaching Foreign Language
Meet Netta Avineri
I encourage students to actively reflect on their thought patterns and experiences. I help learners uncover, examine, and potentially replace preexisting ideas and assumptions.
Mahabat Baimyrzaeva
Associate Professor, MPA, International Policy and Development
Meet Mahabat Baimyrzaeva
Centers and Initiatives
James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies
The Center for Nonproliferation Studies (CNS) is the largest nongovernmental organization in the world devoted to curbing the spread of weapons of mass destruction—and the only organization dedicated exclusively to graduate education and research.
Visit CNS
Center on Terrorism, Extremism, and Counterterrorism
CTEC researches terrorism and other forms of extremism using analytic tradecraft, data science, and linguistics to inform private, government, and multilateral understanding and response to threats.
Visit CTEC
Center for the Blue Economy
CBE provides economic and policy analysis that promotes a sustainable, robust, and equitable ocean and coastal economy (the “Blue Economy”).
Visit CBE
Monterey Initiative in Russian Studies
MIRS enables students with advanced Russian language skills to professionalize their interest in Russia and Eurasia through content-based programs.
Visit MIRS
Live and Study in Monterey
An Ideal Location for Your Graduate Studies
The Middlebury Institute is located in the heart of Monterey, California, known as the “language capital of the world.” With our culturally diverse population, educational opportunities, natural and scenic recreation areas, historic significance, and proximity to Silicon Valley, you’ll find a wealth of advantages when you choose to study here.
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Life in Monterey
From housing to recreation to food and history, the Monterey Bay area is one of the top graduate school locations in the U.S.
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International Students
Students from around the world study and work in Monterey and are supported by a dedicated staff and a welcoming community.
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New Student Information
All the resources you need to get started before you arrive on campus as a new student at the Institute.
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How will you change the world?
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What makes us different?
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