Program Introduction
The STARTALK Chinese Camp at UAB, funded by the National Security Agency, is tailored for beginners eager to dive into Chinese language and culture. The program follows STARTALK’s principles for effective teaching and learning, with an emphasis on implementing a standards-based curriculum and conducting performance-based assessments. Through a festival-centric curriculum, learners not only acquire a new language but also employ AI technology to showcase their skills in a fun and interactive way. By the end of the program, students are expected to achieve between Novice-mid and Intermediate-low on the ACTFL proficiency scale.
Student Application
Application Qualifications
Rising 6th -12th students in the summer of 2023 are eligible for participation in the program. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Preference will be given to applicants who show a commitment to the full length of the program. Online learning offers flexibility to accommodate scheduling conflicts. If you can catch up on missed classes by studying the recorded online sessions and complete all assignments on time, you are still eligible to apply.
Application Deadline
December 1, 2023. This previous program application has completed. Please check on the new program application page.
Program Cost
The program is tuition-free and includes complimentary camp t-shirts, water bottles, and learning materials. Additionally, breakfast, lunch, and two snacks will be provided throughout the duration of the summer camp.
Program capacity
The program is open to 30 students due to limited space capacity. Spots will fill quickly so we recommend that you submit your application as early as possible. Admission is based on the dates when we receive the completed applications.
Admission Notification
By December 22, 2023, notifications will be sent to all applicants. Students on the waitlist will also be informed. Students from this list may be accepted into the program at a later date.
Summer Camp Schedule
| Time | Period | Activity |
|---|---|---|
| 8:00-8:30 am | Breakfast | |
| 8:30-9:15 am | 1 | Language Class I |
| 9:20-10:05 am | 2 | Language Class II |
| 10:05-10:25 am | Morning Snack | |
| 10:25-11:10 am | 3 | Language Class III |
| 11:15-12:00 pm | 4 | Language Class IV |
| 12:00-12:30 pm | Lunch | |
| 12:30-1:15 pm | 5 | AI Project I |
| 1:20-2:05 pm | 6 | AI Project II |
| 2:05-2:25 pm | Afternoon Snack | |
| 2:25-3:40 pm | 7 | Festival I |
| 3:45-5:00 pm | 8 | Festival II |
Contact Us
Department of World Languages and Literatures
University Hall, Rm. 3105
1402 10th Avenue, South
Birmingham, AL 35294
startalk@uab.edu
(205) 934-4651
