Questions about Eligibility Who is eligible for the CTY/Middlebury-Monterey Language Immersion? The language immersion program is open to all CTY Talent Search participants who will have completed grades seven through ten by this summer. Please note that the age range for students is a change from the 2008 program. Is any prior experience with the desired target language required? No. The program is designed to be fun and successful for young people who are learning a new language—from the absolute beginner to the student who is already making good progress in middle or high school. We are limiting enrollment for beginners in each language so if your child is a beginner, please consider enrolling him or her as soon as possible. Based on the experience of students in 2008, beginning students in Chinese will find the program most difficult. Chinese is very challenging and students progress more slowly than their counterparts taking French and Spanish. Students should be prepared to communicate only about very limited topics in Chinese – especially for the first two weeks. Students who are not prepared to experiment with non-verbal communication and to accept the rigors of the Language Pledge should think carefully about whether this is a good program for them.
Questions about Course Assignment How are students assigned to courses? We use a computer ranking system based on test scores and previous participation in our programs. The first date on which we will run course assignments is January 8, 2009. All applications received in our office by that date will be included. After January 8, we will run course assignments weekly. Students should apply as early as possible for best consideration.
Should students sign up for additional courses if they think they want only their first choice? No. Each course you request represents a commitment on your part. If you would rather not come to the program than attend a course other than your first choice, you should request your first choice only.
What is the Course Assignment Packet? The Course Assignment Packet includes your course and site assignment, as well as detailed information about the site, including directions, a list of items to bring, and an opening and closing day schedule. In addition, it contains several forms for you to return to us: the medical forms and the student services forms, which you can use to request services such as a shuttle to and from a designated airport. You will receive the Course Assignment Packet within two weeks of receiving your course assignment notification. If you are not assigned to a course, you will also be notified at this time.
Questions about the Classes Who are the teachers? The Middlebury-Monterey Language Academy recruits the best teachers from around the country. To ensure that students get personal attention and support, the staff-to-student ratio is under 1 to 6.
Will my child have access to a computer for word processing or email? Should my child bring a personal computer to the site? Students may bring a computer to the Language Immersion Program. Students may use computers about 60 - 90 minutes each day for research and writing in the target language. Students also have access to computer labs so computers are not required for the program. CTY and MMLA are not responsible for damage to or loss of computers. Neither CTY nor MMLA will be able to provide IT support for student computers. How much work will be expected? Like all CTY programs, Language immersion students will work hard but truly enjoy the academic challenge the program presents. In 2008, four out of five students reported that they found the program academically challenging and that their interest in language learning increased while they were in the program. Students will spend about seven hours in structured academic settings. During those seven hours, however, students engage in a wide variety of hands on learning tasks geared to their language skill level. This approach develops and stimulates students’ many interests and learning styles and keeps students engaged. Students do not have homework. Questions about Student Life Is English ever spoken in the program? For over 90 years, students have made remarkable progress in language study at the Middlebury College Language Schools. The Language Pledge®, in which students pledge only to speak their chosen target Language, is a famous and important part of the Language Schools. In 2008, students at the CTY/MMLA site were allowed to speak English for one hour in the late afternoon and after 9:00 p.m. in the evening. Students were encouraged to abide by the Language Pledge® at all other times. We anticipate having a “language relaxation” period again in 2009. When students do not fulfill the Language Pledge®, it undermines the integrity of the program and inhibits learning. Students need to think carefully about whether they can abide by this rigorous standard before choosing to attend. Of course, every student and adult at site is aware that English is always used in any situation in which student safety or health is involved.
My child has a disability or special need. Where can I find information about possible accommodations for students with disabilities or special needs? Please see “Students with Learning, Physical, or Medical Disabilities” in the Information for Parents section of the catalog. In 2008, students with a variety of special needs participated very successfully in the Language Immersion Program. Early planning for necessary accommodations is critical for laying the foundation for a successful experience.
My child requires a special diet. Are special meal plans available? The dining services at our sites offer a wide selection of food at every meal, and their menus are varied enough to accommodate vegetarian and other diets. Neither kosher meals nor halal meals are available at this program. If your child has food allergies or needs a special diet for other medical reasons, you must note this when you fill out the Medical Information Page, which will come with the Student Site Information Packet. You should also call the program manager for your site, whose phone number will be listed in the Course Assignment Packet. How are rooms in student residences assigned? Is my child guaranteed a roommate? Are single rooms available? May I make a specific roommate request? Students live in a mix of single and double rooms. Roommates are chosen by age, gender, and language. Roommate requests may be submitted so long as the two students have selected the same target language. We cannot, however, guarantee roommate assignments. Dormitories are separated by gender, age and language, sometimes using separate floors, sometimes separate buildings. All floors are single-gender and single-language. There is at least one resident assistant of the same gender for every 12 students. Resident assistants are fluent in their group’s chosen language.
Are the residence halls at Bard College at Simon's Rock air conditioned? No, the residence halls at Simon’s Rock do not have air conditioning, and students may not bring window units; however, the classrooms and dining hall are air conditioned. Are religious services available? We welcome students of all religious beliefs. We will make a concerted effort to take interested students to worship services on or off campus.
We live in the same town as a summer program site. May our child attend as a commuter? No. Because of the unique nature of this program, and because students are expected to immerse themselves in speaking the target language at all times, commuting to the program is not an option.
Questions about Medical Issues What are the arrangements for children who need to take medication? Our administrative staff will secure all medications and dispense them. The only medications students may keep with them are topical skin medications, asthma inhalers, EpiPens®, and insulin. Please see Medical Information for more details.
My child recently had a complete physical examination. Does she need another physical examination to participate in the program? The Physician’s Signature page must be signed by your child’s examining physician. Ask your physician whether or not she requires another office visit.
Questions about Traveling to and from the Site How will students traveling on public transportation (plane or train) get to the site? Who will meet them at the airport or station? A shuttle service is available from Bradley International Airport (BDL) in Hartford, Connecticut and from the Amtrak station at Hudson, NY. Bus service to Lee and Great Barrington is also available (please note that shuttle service is not available from the bus terminals). Unless otherwise directed by airline or airport policies, a staff member wearing a CTY t-shirt will be waiting for students outside of their gates’ security checkpoint. The staff member will greet students, help them with their luggage, and escort them to the site. This service costs $60 and is only for students traveling alone. You will receive more detailed information for making arrangements in the Course Assignment Packet. Is it possible for my child to arrive a day early or depart a day late? We can grant permission only in the most extenuating circumstances (generally international travel). To arrive a day early or depart a day late, students must request permission from us and, if the request is approved, pay a fee of $75 per night. If you have difficulty with transportation schedules, call 410-735-6185 before you confirm any reservations or purchase nonrefundable tickets. We cannot late departures at this site.
My child lives in and is a citizen of a foreign country. What visa is required and how do I go about getting it? Non-US citizens will receive information about visa and travel insurance requirements in the Course Assignment Packet.
My child is flying as an unaccompanied minor? How should I go about making travel arrangements? When you reserve your child’s ticket, please tell them only that a CTY staff member will pick up their child. Someone from the CTY office will call you the day before your child’s arrival to confirm the name of the staff member meeting the student, which you can then provide the airline with. Please make sure that unaccompanied minor fees have been paid in advance.
Questions about Payment What credit cards does CTY accept? Only MasterCard and Visa are accepted.
Will I be notified of any remaining balance due after I have made the initial deposit and received the Course Assignment Packet? The balance of tuition and fees will be invoiced at the time of your course assignment. Payment is then due in accordance with the invoice, unless you are enrolled in the Installment Payment Plan. Please see Tuition and Fees.
How do I make an online payment? Click here to pay
Where do I send the application, checks, and all other payment information? Johns Hopkins University
Center for Talented Youth
P.O. Box 64434
Baltimore, MD 21264
What address do I use for all correspondence not related to payment? Johns Hopkins University
Center for Talented Youth
McAuley Hall
5801 Smith Avenue, Ste. 400
Baltimore, MD 21209-3652
Attn: CTY Registration
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