Thank You to MIIS for Their Partnership with the JET Alumni Community
It is with both appreciation and sadness that we share news of the upcoming closure of the graduate programs at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies (MIIS). MIIS, a graduate school of Middlebury College, announced that it will conclude its post-graduate programs in 2027 due to financial reasons. The final cohort of students will be admitted in fall 2025. To our knowledge, all other Middlebury programs and campuses will remain fully active.
USJETAA has been fortunate to enjoy a close and meaningful partnership with MIIS. In fact, MIIS welcomed the JET alumni community to its Monterey campus in 2023 by hosting the JETAA USA National Conference. Beyond that, MIIS has been a destination for many JET alumni pursuing graduate studies.
The administration, staff, and faculty at MIIS recognized the value and talent of JET alumni. They generously offered dedicated scholarship packages through our University Partnerships program that made graduate education more accessible for JETs. Over the years, we’ve heard consistent, positive feedback from alumni who studied there, highlighting not only the academic excellence of MIIS programs but also the supportive environment for professional and personal growth.
While we regret the decision to close these programs, we remain deeply grateful to MIIS for the role it played in advancing the careers of so many JET alumni. Their support of our community was unwavering, and their commitment to fostering global leaders resonated strongly with USJETAA’s mission of strengthening U.S.–Japan relations through alumni engagement and grassroots diplomacy.
On behalf of the JET alumni community, we thank MIIS for their long-standing partnership, generosity, and commitment. The legacy of collaboration between MIIS and USJETAA will remain a meaningful chapter in our shared story, and we will continue to celebrate the impact MIIS has had on countless alumni who carried their experience into new careers and global contributions.
For more details surrounding this decision, please click here.
