Language Pledge
The pledge you will sign in Italy reads:
To take fullest advantage of my time abroad, I will maintain the spirit of the Middlebury College Language Pledge to speak only the language that I am studying. I understand that no English is to be used, except in emergency consultations with the Director and his or her staff. I recognize that the Language Pledge plays a major role in the success of the academic, social, and personal dimensions of my time abroad, both as a symbol of commitment and as an essential part of the language learning process, as proven by the successes of the summer Language Schools. I understand that speaking the target language with other students on the program as well as with locals will help me focus my energies on the acquisition of the language and internalize the patterns of communication and the cultural perspectives associated with the language.
Violation of the Language Pledge deprives me and my fellow students of a valuable opportunity. By signing this, I agree to abide by the Middlebury College Language Pledge.
For Beginner/Intermediate Track Students:
As a Beginner/Intermediate Track student signing this Language Pledge, I understand that although my proficiency in the language of my host country may be limited, I will do my best to keep the Pledge as defined by my School. I signed the Language Pledge, understanding that there will be reasonable accommodation for Beginner/Intermediate Track students, which my School’s Handbook and on-site staff will explain.
Italian must be spoken at all times, except in the case of a genuine emergency, a visit from family (English may not be spoken with family when within earshot of anyone related to the program), or when an exception is made by the staff in Italy. Calls to family and friends overseas are allowed as long as one is out of earshot of other students.
All students are encouraged to visit the School in Italy’s Pre-Immersion website for more information and student testimonials about studying under the Middlebury Language Pledge®.
