Modern Languages Students Accepted With Scholarships into Middlebury Summer Language Immersion Program

Two Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC/CUNY) Modern Languages (MLD) majors—Gloria Castillo and Mia Greene—have been accepted into the prestigious Middlebury Summer Language Summer Immersion Program. Both students also received scholarships.

The Middlebury Summer Language Immersion Program—administered by Middlebury College in Vermont— is a seven-week course for learning foreign languages, where participants commit to speaking their chosen language at all times, 24 hours each day, seven days per week. The program was established decades ago and offers French, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, and English, among other languages, to individuals from all backgrounds, including international students, diplomats and graduate students.

MLD Professor Sophie Maríñez, who serves as MLD Program Advisor, said students who complete the immersion program earn nine academic credits toward graduation.

“Last fall, when I advised Gloria and Mia, I told them about the Middlebury program, and they did all the work themselves,” said Professor Maríñez. “While Mia specializes in French, Gloria focuses on Spanish Translation and Interpretation, but recently decided to complete our Language Proficiency in French certificate program in addition to her regular Associate degree.”

Ms. Castillo—whose scholarship covers 100 percent of her summer immersion tuition— is also active in the French-Speaking World Club. Castillo maintains a 4.0 GPA and has received invitations to transfer to other highly selective colleges.

“I have always had a passion for languages,” said Castillo. “ I taught myself English and then Italian and dreamed of pursuing Languages as a career for many years.”

Though she always loved Francophone and French culture, she never formally got the chance to learn it.

“At BMCC, I fell in love again with French, and because of that, I decided to pursue my certificate and be involved in the BMCC French Club as vice president,” said Castillo. “All of my professors have one common denominator, they always try to get everyone involved in the learning process.”

In the classroom, Castillo said both Professor Maríñez as well as Academic Literacy and Linguistics Professor Jamie Michel both provided especially supportive environments where she felt comfortable expressing thoughts and ideas. Castillo adds there are numerous reasons students should choose Modern Languages as a major.

“Learning a new language will open doors and make you stand out among your peers in an increasingly competitive world,” said Castillo who hopes to seek career positions in the non-profit sector or diplomacy. “The array of opportunities that will be available makes me feel so excited about my future.”

Since its inception in 2015, the BMCC’s MLD programs have graduated 111 students who maintained an average GPA between 3.3 and 3.5, according to Professor Maríñez. She said that level of success has much to do with the personalized attention BMCC MLD faculty provide their students.

“We provide intensive classes for beginners in French and Spanish, and students can also take courses at other campuses within the CUNY system,” said Professor Maríñez. “Students often participate in internships and BMCC’s study abroad programs in France, Spain, and Italy. Additionally, they can build community through student-led conversational hours in Spanish and student clubs in French, Spanish, Mandarin, and Arabic.”

She says the BMCC MLD program provides its students with an excellent foundation to pursue a higher education degree or transition directly into the job market.

“I am thrilled for Gloria and Mia and proud of their commitment to becoming fluent in French,” said Professor Maríñez. “I can’t wait to see them next fall and hear about their experience during those fantastic seven weeks in Vermont.”