Middlebury College, founded in 1800, is a private liberal arts institution nestled in the small town of Middlebury, Vermont. Revered for its bucolic campus that spans approximately 350 acres, Middlebury offers a close-knit academic community, with an undergraduate enrollment typically hovering around 2,500 students. This picturesque college boasts a student-faculty ratio that fosters intimate classroom settings and personalized attention, ensuring an environment where students can thrive both academically and personally.
Distinguishing itself within the landscape of higher education, Middlebury College is lauded for its progressive language and international studies programs. The Middlebury Language Schools, operating since 1915, offer immersion instruction in ten languages, underpinned by its renowned Language Pledge-a commitment to speak only the language of study. Furthermore, the College's Bread Loaf School of English and its prestigious Bread Loaf Writers' Conference exemplify its strength in literature and exemplify Middlebury's dedication to humanities. Additionally, Middlebury's affiliation with the Monterey Institute of International Studies expands its global reach and provides students with unparalleled opportunities in international policy and education.
Middlebury's environmental studies program stands out as another crown jewel, recognized for its interdisciplinary approach and commitment to sustainability. The College has achieved significant milestones in sustainability, such as its biomass gasification plant, which significantly reduces the campus's carbon footprint, and its pledge to achieve carbon neutrality. Campus life is deeply enriched by a spectrum of cultural events and a vibrant outdoor culture, taking full advantage of its Vermont setting. The College's athletes are known not only for their sportsmanship but also for excelling in competitions, particularly in winter sports, reflecting the school's mountainous and snowy locale.
However, Middlebury College faces certain challenges, reflective of its unique profile. Its rural location, while picturesque, can sometimes limit students' access to the diverse internships and experiential learning opportunities typically found in more urban settings. The college has been known to grapple with creating a diverse campus community, both in terms of student socioeconomic backgrounds and ideological perspectives, which has sparked the necessary yet challenging conversations and initiatives to widen inclusion and equity. Additionally, the intense focus on maintaining a traditional liberal arts curriculum has, at times, been at odds with the growing interest in pre-professional programs and the evolving landscape of higher education demands.
