Learn Chinese for free this summer with Monmouth University in collaboration with STARTALK! Monmouth University, in partnership with STARTALK, is excited to offer a free Mandarin Chinese Immersion program for rising 9th-grade students through seniors in college with proficiency levels ranging from novice-low to intermediate-high in Summer 2025.
This program will run from June 23 to July 18, 2025, combining a 1-week virtual introduction with a 3-week in-person at Monmouth University, West Long Branch, New Jersey.
This opportunity is made possible through STARTALK, a federal grant managed and funded by the National Security Agency, aimed at enhancing the teaching and learning of one of the critical languages, Mandarin Chinese, for U.S. citizens.
Dates
Virtual Camp
June 23-27
(Introduction to essential language skills, 2 hours per day, Time TBA)
In-Person Camp
June 30 – July 18,
Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. at Monmouth University
Eligibility
- Rising students entering Grades 9-12, along with college freshmen to seniors in Summer 2025
- U.S. citizens
- Proficiency levels ranging from novice-low to intermediate-high
Registration Process:
- Completed Registration Form: The form will open at a later date.
- Teacher Recommendation: Applicants must have two recommendation forms completed by teachers who have taught them within the past two years. The forms should highlight the student’s potential for success in the program. The recommendation form can be found on the registration page.
- Proof of U.S. Citizenship
- Self-Assessment: Applicants must complete a 3-minute self-assessment on “Interpersonal Language” under Reading/Writing. [Link to Self-Assessment]
- Student Essay (based on the assessment results):
- Novice-Low to Novice-Mid applicants: Submit a 200-word handwritten essay in English explaining why you should be selected.
- Novice High applicants: Submit a handwritten essay in Chinese based on the given topic (minimum 6 sentences).
- Intermediate and above: Submit a handwritten essay in Chinese based on the given topic (minimum 8 sentences).
- Interview: After all required documents are submitted, applicants will be contacted for an interview to assess their eligibility, Mandarin Chinese language proficiency, and potential for success. Class placement will be based on their proficiency levels.
- Commitment: Priority is given to applicants with a commitment to learning and a strong interest in continuing Chinese studies beyond the program.
Program Highlights
- Rooted in STARTALK Principles for Effective Teaching and World-Readiness Standards
- Focused on developing Chinese communicative skills for daily life and professional settings
- Immersive instruction with over 90% of teaching in Chinese
- Cultural workshops and activities
- Excursion to NYC’s Chinatown:
- Hands-on problem-solving tasks
- Scavenger hunt to apply language skills in real-world contexts
Class Size
Limited to 30 participants for a personalized learning experience. Students are grouped into three classes based on proficiency levels (novice-low to intermediate-high) following ACTFL guidelines
Assessment
At the end of the program, participants will have the opportunity to take the AAPPL assessment to determine their language proficiency levels. Tailored materials and recommendations will be provided to support the continuation of their Chinese language learning journey.
Information Sessions
Select one
December 7, 2024 (Saturday): 9:00 – 10:00 AM
January 12, 2025 (Sunday): 7:30 – 8:30 PM
Registration
Opens January 1, 2025
Contact
Chiu-Yin (Cathy) Wong, Ph.D.
Professor; TESOL Teacher Education; Director of the M.Ed./ESL Program; Director of STARTALK Program at Monmouth University