2019 Summer Chinese Student Immersion

STARTALK 2019 Summer Chinese Student Immersion Program at North Central College: The Blended Model
(June 15- June 29, 2019)

The North Central College Chinese Program, in conjunction with STARTALK, will offer summer Chinese language programs to 20 qualified participants for intensive language instruction and rich cultural experiences. This will be a 13-day hybrid, part-online non-residential program with two-levels of classes. The Level One (novice-low) program has the theme "Journey to the Great Wall of China." The Level Two (novice-mid) program is “Working Together with China.” The program will start with a full-day orientation on June 15, 2019, and is followed by a week online instruction and finally, a week of full day onsite activities with field trips. It will conclude with a closing ceremony on June 29, 2019. Online students will receive a total of 90 hours of instruction in Chinese language and culture. Upon successful completion of the program, participants will earn a certificate of achievement.

Program Highlights

  • No tuition costs for the students. Study materials, snacks, lunches and field trips are included at no extra charge

  • Students who complete the Level 1 or Level 2 program will earn college certificate

  • Students will experience a wide variety of cultural activities such as Chinese calligraphy, Chinese martial arts and Chinese folk music

  • More advanced students in the Level 2 program will be challenged to enhance their language skills through a more intensive level of interaction with their teachers

STARTALK LEVEL ONE

“Journey to the Great Wall of China”

STARTALK Level One provides students who have zero to two years of prior Chinese language learning experience with basic knowledge of the Chinese Pinyin system, pronunciation, tones, the writing system, vocabulary, sentence structure and cultural context. Students will learn to perform basic everyday tasks such as exchanging information about oneself/families, asking/telling time, making simple traveling plans, and introducing basic information about Chinese cities. Students will also learn about China’s geography, customs and traditions, as well as explore cultural similarities and differences between China and the United States. The format of the program will be loosely modeled on the popular reality show "The Amazing Race," so students will work in teams as they “travel” to meet their objectives and will demonstrate what they “can-do” at weekly journey checkpoints.

STARTALK LEVEL TWO

“Working Together with China”

STARTALK Level Two students will explore and engage in Chinese language learning within the context of a professional environment. This course is designed for students with one to three years of Chinese learning experience. Topics to be explored include job interviewing, asking questions in a business context, introducing oneself and engaging in appropriate conversation for the professional world, using modern technology, and the importance of teamwork. This summer program aims at providing students with opportunities to enhance their language skills and to learn about China’s major industries, customs and traditions, as well as explore similarities and differences between STEM-based careers in China and the United States. The format of the program will be loosely modeled on the popular reality shows "The Apprentice" and "Shark Tank," so students will work in teams to develop strategies to market a product in China and will demonstrate what they “can-do” at weekly board meetings.

Program Schedule:

(from Saturday, June 16 through Saturday, June 29)

  • 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., June 15, 2019 (Orientation Day)
  • June 17, 2019 - June 22, 2019 (Online)
  • 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., June 24, 2019 - June 29, 2018 (Face-to-face; classes meet daily from 9:00 a.m. - 5 p.m.)

Eligibility:

  • Open to 20 high school students entering 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th grades with zero to three years of prior Chinese language learning.

  • Admission is selective. Applicants are expected to demonstrate commitment to continue studying the language beyond the summer program.

Application Process

For inquiries, please contact:

Dr. Jinai Sun
Assistant Professor of Chinese
Modern and Classic Languages
North Central College
30 N. Brainard Street, Naperville, IL 60540

Email: jsun@noctrl.edu
Phone: (630) 637-5263