About Us

BUILD (Beyond yoUrself In Language Development) is a student-run organization that promotes language learning by providing casual language classes and tandem language partnerships to the MIIS and Monterey community.

BUILD was started in 2009 on the MIIS campus to provide the MIIS community with low-level language classes taught by TESOL and TFL students in a fun, rewarding, and low-risk environment.

Since its inception, BUILD has grown beyond the TESOL/TFL programs and beyond the MIIS community. BUILD classes are currently taught by students of all programs who are interested in sharing their languages and cultures with others. As of 2023, BUILD also connects language partners through Tandem for one-to-one language exchanges.

We look forward to welcoming you!

How to Join

If you want to learn in a small group setting, sign up for one of BUILD’s classes. If you prefer one-on-one learning, try finding a language partner through our tandem program. If you are interested in tutoring, check out the “Become a Tutor” page. Please reach out to Kari (knaumova[at]middlebury.edu) and Elisabeth (eampthor[at]middlebury.edu) if you have any questions.