2010 STARTALK Student Program

DATES: Monday, July 12 through Saturday, July 24, 2010 (No activities on Sunday, July 18).Daily activity runs from 9am to 3pm. There will be free breakfast (optional) at 8am and lunch at 12pm on campus.

LOCATION: Bryant University campus

FEE: $150, including $50 material fee and $100 deposit. The $50  material fee shall be paid upon acceptance.  The $100 deposit will be collected on the first day of the Program and will be returned to participants who have satisfactory attendance and a passing grade after the completion of the Program.

MAJOR FEATURES

• Customized lessons based on National Standards of  Foreign Language Education, taught by experienced Chinese language instructors
• Student-centered small class instruction to accommodate multiple levels of Chinese proficiency and different learning styles
• Interaction with visiting Chinese students
• Optional subsidized study trip to China (high school participants only)

MAJOR ACTIVITIES

• Intensive Chinese language classes at multiple levels by experienced Chinese language instructors
• Customized lessons on a theme-based curriculum: “My Chinese Birthday” and “Explore Modern China”
• Cultural workshops and activities in the afternoons, including martial arts, calligraphy, folk arts, table tennis, Chinese movies, and more
• Weekend field trip to the Peabody Essex Museum, Salem, Chinatown in Boston, and Kim Man Market in Quincy, MA
• Performances and presentations in the Final Talent Show to teachers, student peers, and family members

OPTIONAL STUDY TRIP TO CHINA

High school student will have the opportunity to travel to China for two weeks. For more information, please visit 2010 Study Trip to China. 

APPLICATION

Previous Chinese experience is NOT required. Applicants should complete the Application Form (downloadable) and the following materials:

• Bryant University Waiver Form and Media Release Form.
• Cover letter addressing “Why I want to participate in the STARTALK Chinese Program.”  (for return applicants, “Why I want to return to STARTALK ” )
• Latest copy of your transcript
• One (1) recommendation letter from a teacher

All application materials shall be mailed in a sealed envelope to the address below: 

STARTALK PROGRAM
Ms. Kun Xie
US-China Institute
Bryant University
1150 Douglas Pike
Smithfield, RI 02917

Application deadline is extended to Monday, May 17th.  Acceptance priority will be given to first-time applicants. Return applicants are required to take a placement test and only those demonstrating progress in Chinese language learning in the past year will be accepted. 

WHAT 2009 STARTALK PARTICIPANTS SAID

"I made many new friends, had fun, and learned a great deal about Chinese language and culture that I would not have been able to learn without the program", - Carolyn McLnerney

"The Startalk Chinese Program I participated in July, 2009, has completely opened me to the culture and language of the Chinese people, which prior to this program I knew so little of…it was an immersion which, for all of its intended purposes, was a huge success, and which has set me up with a solid base to learn more about Chinese culture in the future."
- Patricia Cafferkey

"What I enjoyed most about the program was the blend of cultural and language classes, the knowledgeable teachers and presenters, the kind staff, the field trip, and the Chinese food for lunch tasted very good". - Patrick Reynold

For more information, please contact Ms. Kun Xie, Assistant Director for Confucius Institute at (401) 232 6883, or china@bryant.edu.