MOUNTAIN VIEW, California, USA, December 19, 2024. Women in Localization (W.L.), the leading professional organization for women in the localization industry, is proud to partner with the Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey (MIIS) on a scholarship for the 2025-2026 academic year.
MIIS is a specialized graduate school of Middlebury College based in Monterey, California, offering several industry-recognized graduate-level programs in translation, interpretation and localization management, among others.
The W.L.-MIIS partnership offers Women in Localization volunteers and members an opportunity to receive a 25% tuition scholarship toward any residential (in-person) localization program at MIIS.
“This is an incredible opportunity to get a comprehensive localization management education or for early-career professionals to uplevel their existing skills,” says Eva Klaudinyova, co-founder of Women in Localization and Program Chair of the Translation and Localization Management (TLM) Program at MIIS, who has spearheaded this collaboration since 2022.
Eligible Programs
Women in Localization members and volunteers are guaranteed a 25% scholarship in any of MIIS’ residential, in-person localization programs:
- The popular, flagship two-year M.A. in Translation and Localization Management, including the:
- Accelerated Entry Program (three semesters) for students with some previous localization training and
- Advanced Entry program (two semesters) for anyone with more than two years of previous experience in the localization industry.
- A 3-year joint degree program in which you can combine a Master’s degree in Translation and Localization Management with a second Master’s degree in Translation, Translation and Interpretation, or Conference Interpretation.
The residential programs offer the broadest localization management curriculum of their kind including classes focused on technology, management, business, language and intercultural competencies. Students are able to specialize not only in localization project management, but also follow other career paths in localization thanks to a number of specialized electives, such as localization engineering, localization technology management, quality management, vendor management, program management, account management, sales and solutions architecture, etc. Many TLM graduates elect to work in games or entertainment localization thanks to courses such as Audio-Visual Localization, Advanced Audio-Visual Localization, and Games Localization.
U.S. Work Opportunities for International Students
After completing a minimum of two semesters of in-person courses, international students are eligible to secure internships working for US-based companies during the summer and/or during their second year of study. Since the TLM program is STEM-certified, international students graduating from the residential, in-person programs are not only eligible for one year of sponsored work in the US after graduation, but can extend the Optional Curricular Training (OPT) to 3 years in total. The STEM certification also allows US citizens and permanent residents access to scholarships for STEM-designated degrees.
Online Program
For students who are not able to move to California or students who like the flexibility of an online program while they’re holding a full-time or part-job, the Institute has recently launched a new asynchronous online M.A. in Localization Project Management. This shorter, 20-month online Master’s allows for a quick entry into the industry as localization project coordinator or localization project manager.
Note that the 25% W.L. scholarship does not apply to the online degree since the rate is already discounted compared to the residential program. “Those who are interested in our online Master’s should also check with their employers to see if their company offers educational funding,” Klaudinyova says. “This benefit is a wonderful way to accelerate your career.”
Learn More
“We are excited to offer this learning opportunity to our volunteers and members,” says Klaudinyova. “We hope this scholarship will help you achieve your career aspirations in our thriving field at the intersection of language, culture, business, and technology.”
The FAQ below has more information on classes and the application process, including application requirements. The enrollment process can be found on the Translation and Localization Management Program’s website or by contacting MIIS Recruitment at [email protected]. Your exclusive advisor will be in touch within one business day to guide you through the application process, the program details, how to finance your education, and your career options.
About Women in Localization
Women in Localization (W.L.) was founded in 2008 by Silvia Avary-Silveira, Eva Klaudinyova and Anna N. Schlegel, and is the leading professional organization for women in the localization industry with over 11,000 members globally. Its mission is to foster a global community for the advancement of women and the localization industry. It aims to provide an open, collaborative forum where women can share expertise and experience and help each other move forward in their careers. Started in the San Francisco Bay Area, W.L. has expanded its membership to include women across the globe, encouraging members to meet in other local geographies. To learn more, visit www.womeninlocalization.com. You can also follow W.L. on LinkedIn, Facebook and X (formerly Twitter).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Which programs are eligible for the 25% scholarship?
All of the residential localization programs are eligible, including the completion of a three-year joint degree (M.A. in Translation and Localization Management, plus a second degree in Translation, Translation and Interpretation or Conference Interpretation). See the Localization Program comparison at Program details: Translation and Localization Management
Can I apply the scholarship to the online M.A. in Localization Project Management?
No. The scholarship only applies to residential programs as the online program is already offered at a discounted rate compared to the onground program.
I’m interested, but what about the time zone difference?
If you are unable to move to Monterey, California and attend classes in person, there is an online Localization Project Management Master’s degree program that you can complete asynchronously, on your own time, from anywhere in the world.
How can I minimize the cost?
The MIIS scholarship offers a 25% discount for any of the three residential (in-person) programs, which might be supplemented by the educational funding provided by your employer. Please check with your manager or your HR team regarding your company’s financial assistance program for continuing education.
How do I apply?
– Determine your program: Program details: Translation and Localization Management
– Submit your application by the next deadline. (There are multiple deadlines throughout the year so don’t stress out if you miss the current one!)
– Indicate your affiliation with Women in Localization when prompted on the online application.
– On your resume or CV, indicate your affiliation and role with Women in Localization. If you are a member, specify your chapter or Global Community affiliation. If you are a current or past volunteer, please indicate your chapter or program affiliation and the year(s) in which you have volunteered at W.L.
– As a W.L. member, you can get a waiver of the $65 application fee by entering the code WLOC in the Fee Waiver Request Reason field.
What are the application requirements?
MIIS does not require the GRE for admission, but may require proof of English Language proficiency for non-native English speakers (e.g. TOEFL, IELTS, or an alternative proof of proficiency). On your application, please indicate that you are a Women in Localization Member or Volunteer in the partner section, and make sure that your membership or volunteering is noted on your resumé.
When to apply?
Submit your application by the next deadline. Please don’t stress out if you miss this deadline as there will be at least two more deadlines in 2025, but do not delay and start your application or communication with your personal enrollment advisor ASAP!
Where can I get help or find more information?
You can find a lot of information on the pages dedicated to the Translation and Localization Management Program at MIIS. Please don’t forget to check out the sections in the upper navigation bar!
If you require more information about the classes, which classes to take to accomplish your career goals, or the enrollment process, please contact the MIIS Recruitment team at [email protected] or fill out this form. They are standing by to walk you through the whole process.