Previous language study is not required. Students at all levels of language ability are invited to apply.
Chinese (Mandarin) Summer Program
The Chinese summer program increases students’ Chinese language proficiency through intensive in-class language instruction, cultural presentations and activities, and host family stays. Cultural activities such as cooking, Chinese arts and crafts, and martial arts classes complement classroom learning and provide students with diverse opportunities to practice their language skills.
Possible Program Locations: China and Taiwan
Program Dates: Summer programs last six to seven weeks and typically start in mid-June to early July and end in early to mid-August.
Accommodations: Host families or a combination of group housing and host family stays
Why Chinese (Mandarin)? Learning Chinese can expand career opportunities. “A seminal study of languages in the U.S. jobs market found that Chinese is not only the most-requested language after Spanish by employers, but the language that has experienced the greatest growth in demand.” Read more.
Good to know: Most people in Taiwan speak putonghua or “standard Mandarin” as well as their local dialect. Some ethnic minorities may speak putonghua, their local dialect, and their indigenous language. There are over 200 living languages in Taiwan. Ask your host family what other languages they speak!
Chinese (Mandarin) Academic Year Program
The Chinese academic year program aims to significantly enhance student’s ability to communicate with confidence in Mandarin. The program provides intensive in-class language instruction (at the beginning, intermediate, and advanced levels) and host family stays. Cultural classes such as calligraphy, tai-chi, kung-fu, and Chinese chess, and local excursions to cultural and historic sites, serve to complement classroom learning and provide students with diverse opportunities to practice their language skills.
Possible Program Locations: China and Taiwan
Program Dates: Early September to May/June
Accommodations: Host families or a combination of dormitory housing and host family stays
Why Chinese (Mandarin)? “Mandarin is currently spoken by nearly one-fifth of the world’s population. Mandarin speakers can be found in Mainland China, Taiwan, and diasporic Chinese communities throughout Southeast Asia, North and South America, and Europe. Because China is one of the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council, Chinese is also an official UN language (along with Arabic, English, French, Russian, and Spanish).” Read more.
Good to know: Chinese academic year participants will have the chance to celebrate Lunar New Year in February. Celebrations typically involve family, fireworks, and a traditional dinner of dumplings and fish.
Fun fact! Chinese is the world’s longest continuously-used written language. The first account of written Chinese was found in oracle bone inscriptions carved on tortoise shells and mammal bones during the Shang dynasty (c 1600-1100 BCE).
Pre- and Post-Program Expectations
All participants will be required to participate in pre-program language learning programs, as guided by their implementing organization. All participants will be required to complete a pre-program survey, pre-program language assessments (except for those with no prior target language exposure), several post-program surveys and language tests.
Learn more about Taiwan and China.