Global Languages and Cultures
STARTALK: UD Mandarin
Chinese Summer Camp 2025
June 16-28, University of Dayton
The University of Dayton 2025 STARTALK Program is a two-week, free-of-charge residential summer camp. The goal of the camp is to cultivate participants' Mandarin Chinese linguistic and cultural competencies for professional purposes through practical, real-world experiences. Participants in the camp will:
- Connect with professionals who have built careers using their Mandarin Chinese skills
- Explore various career paths that utilize Mandarin Chinese proficiency
- Enhance valuable language skills and intercultural competence for professional purposes
- Enjoy free University of Dayton room and board, meals, and complimentary field trips
- Network with other students of Chinese language
- Earn one university credit hour for free upon successful completion of the summer camp
About the program
Students who are currently enrolled in a university or grades 9-12, and have completed at least two semesters of Mandarin Chinese or the equivalent.
The program will run June 16-28. Onsite boarding is required. Please note that the program cannot be combined with other time-consuming commitments (e.g., full-time jobs, athletic activities, etc.) as they may interfere with participation and affect learning. Significant financial resources are invested in each participant, so we expect every participant to attend and fully benefit from the entire experience.
STARTALK is a federal grant program with the mission of increasing the number of Americans learning critical-needed languages in the United States. STARTALK grants fund innovative programs that promote strong language learning outcomes for K-16 students, provide high-quality professional development for teachers, and create effective teaching resources to help educators achieve the program's mission.
How to apply
Submit your application through this form.
The application deadline for the two-week, free-of-charge residential summer camp is Feb. 15. All successful applicants will be informed no later than April 1. Only 20 students will be enrolled due to limited space capacity. Spots will fill quickly so we recommend that you submit your application as early as possible.
For camp questions, contact Dr. Jia (Judy) Yang.