STARTALK
Unlock Mandarin: Immerse in Real-Life Mandarin Chinese & culture through authentic multimedia and technology
2025 USU STARTALK Program (No Residential Camp in 2025)
Sponsor: National Security Agency (NSA)
Tuition Fee: FREE to participants. The program covers a five-day camp at USU Sale Lake Center in summer 2025. Please note that no residential dormitories will be provided in 2025. Breakfast and lunch will be provided daily.
Contact: startalk@usu.edu
Program Information
5-Day Camp at USU Salt Lake Center
Registration Period: November 18, 2024 to Feb 02, 2025
Camp Date: July 07, 2025 – July 11 , 2025 (Daily 8:00 am - 5:00 pm)
Address: 920 West Levoy Drive, Taylorsville, UT 84123
Capacity: 36 students, Intermediate low to Advanced level
Welcome to the Utah State University (USU) STARTALK program!
Our Startalk program offers an engaging, immersive summer language learning experience, bringing Mandarin Chinese and cultural exploration to life. It is a FREE Mandarin Chinese learning program sponsored by the National Security Agency (NSA). his FREE one-week Mandarin Chinese learning program provides grade 9-14 students with a unique opportunity to develop language skills, deepen cultural understanding, and engage with innovative technology in a dynamic environment.
At USU STARTALK, we believe in the power of language as a bridge to connect cultures and foster global understanding. With a focus on intermediate and advanced levels of Mandarin Chinese, our program is tailored to students who are ready to take their language learning journey to the next level. Our instructors are not only experienced educators but also proficient in using educational technology tools such as Google Classroom, NearPod, Quizlet, and ChatGPT to create engaging and effective learning experiences.
This program also provides outstanding students with the opportunity to connect with professionals who use Mandarin in various industries and to learn about potential internship opportunities within government facilities.
We welcome students of all backgrounds to join us on this exciting adventure of language exploration and cultural enrichment. Through a blend of interactive class, field trips, and teamwork, students will not only develop their language skills but also gain a deeper appreciation for Chinese culture and its significance in today's interconnected world.
Join us as we explore the language, culture, and technology that will shape our future global leaders. Get ready to unlock your potential and embark on a journey of language, cultural understanding, and personal growth.
USU Startalk Summer Language Program Registration Information
Registration Period: November 18, 2024 to February, 2025
Eligible Students: Students from 8th grade to 13th grade (college freshmen) during current 2024-2025 academic year who hold U.S. citizenship or legal residency status are eligible to apply. Please note that students must be entering the 9th grade in the summer of 2025 to participate in the camp at Utah State University Salt Lake Center at Taylorsville, Utah. (The student's requirement is mandated by the NSA. Students under 7th-grade are not eligible, regardless of age.)
Commitment Requirements: This is a rigorous, consecutive language program designed for students eager to learn Chinese and committed to high standards of self-discipline. Attendance for all five days is mandatory; no tardies or absences are allowed due to the short duration of the camp. Parents are required to provide a $50 registration deposit and a $100 attendance deposit, both payable to the USU Extension Language Program. These deposits will only be refunded upon the student’s full attendance and completion of the camp. Any tardies, absences, or excused leaves will result in forfeiture of the deposit. Additionally, students must maintain at least an 80% homework completion rate to receive the USU Startalk certificate.
Language Requirements: Applicants should have a Chinese language proficiency ranging from intermediate
low to advanced levels.
Application Process:
- Register: Begin by completing the 2025 USU Startalk Registration Form. Within the Google Form, you’ll be prompted to upload required materials, including proof of citizenship or residency, a school transcript, and a recommendation letter provided by your Chinese teacher.
- Schedule a Test: As part of the application process, applicants must schedule an online testing date in December or January. After submitting the registration form, an email with testing information and scheduling options will be sent to you.
- Student Acceptance Notification: Students will receive admission notifications no later than February 28, 2025.
Admission Process:
- Student Attendance Confirmation: Students must confirm their attendance and mail two deposit checks by March 10, 2025. Please write a $50 check and a $100 check, both payable to USU Extension Language Program, and mail them to:
920 W Levoy Dr.
Taylorsville, UT 84123 - Deposit Policy:
This is a FREE program sponsored by the NSA. Our goal is to maximize the effective use of the federal grant to support students who are dedicated to learning Chinese. Cancellations or low attendance impact the rights of other students and add administrative work. Additionally, if a student cancels, they forfeit federal support and are responsible for the associated administrative costs of recruiting a replacement.
- Withdrawals before April 15, 2025: Full refund of deposits.
- Withdrawals between April 16 and May 31, 2025: $50 deposit forfeited. This will cover administrative fees already incurred, as federal funding cannot cover incomplete participation.
- Withdrawals between June 1 and July 11, 2025: Both the $50 and $100 deposits will be forfeited ($150 total).
For any questions or further assistance, please contact us at startalk@usu.edu
Q&A |
Q1. How students will learn with technology tools in the USU Startalk camp?
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Regarding the integration of AI and multimedia tools, our program emphasizes teaching students how to use these technologies to enhance their Chinese language skills and to become responsible, self-motivated learners. While we delve into AI and multimedia topics to foster research skills, awareness, and critical thinking, it’s important to note that programming and coding are not a part of our curriculum. If you are specifically looking for a coding camp, then USU STARTALK will not align with your expectations. |
Q2. When is the check-in and check-out date for the on-site camp? |
The camp runs from July 7, 2025, to July 11, 2025. Check-in will be on July 7 at 8:00 AM, and check-out will be on July 11 at 5:00 PM. |
Q3. Can returning LDS missionaries who speak Chinese and are entering college as freshmen or juniors join the Startalk program? |
Yes, we welcome returning LDS missionaries who are Chinese speakers and are entering their freshmen or junior year of college! Our program is designed for students in grades 9 through 13, which includes first-year college students. We look forward to supporting your continued language development and cultural learning. |
Q4. We study Chinese at home and don’t have a Chinese teacher for a recommendation letter. What should we do? |
If you don’t have a Chinese teacher, you may ask another teacher, tutor, or educational mentor familiar with the student’s learning abilities and character to provide a recommendation. |
Q5. USU Startalk is a federally funded program, why are deposits required?
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Although the USU Startalk program is funded by the NSA with limited contract hours. When students cancel, it creates additional administrative work. The forfeited deposit helps us offset administrative costs related to re-opening admissions and recruiting new students to fill vacated spots. |
Q6. Will we get our deposit back if our student completes the program? |
Yes, deposits are fully refundable upon completion of the program, as long as students meet attendance and participation requirements. If a student withdraws, partial refunds are available depending on the withdrawal date, as outlined in our policy. The forfeited deposit helps us offset administrative costs related to re-opening admissions and recruiting new students to fill vacated spots. |
Q7. Will students get high school or college credits with USU Startalk program ? |
No, students will not receive high school or college credit for participating in the USU Startalk program. Our program is offered to participants at no cost. While some colleges may offer college credit for language programs with associated credit fees. Our focus is on providing an immersive language learning experience without additional costs to participants. |
Q8. We have busy schedule and might miss some classes, what do we do? |
Attendance is mandatory for all five days of the program, and no absences or tardies are allowed. This is a short, intensive program, and full participation is crucial to ensure students get the most out of this learning experience. Since the program is funded by the NSA, it’s important that we adhere to these requirements to make the best use of the resources provided. Missing any classes could result in forfeiture of the attendance deposit and may impact the student’s eligibility to receive the USU Startalk certificate. If you foresee any scheduling conflicts, please consider whether you will be able to commit fully before applying. |
Q9. What is the class size? |
Each class in the USU Startalk program typically consists of approximately 12 students. |
Q10. Can you tell me more about the camp schedule? |
The camp schedule for the USU Startalk program includes morning language classes focusing on Mandarin Chinese proficiency and language application, afternoon classes focus on culture and technology, one field trip to SLC Chinatown. Students will have their homework to finish at home. Daily breakfast and lunch are included. We also invite guest speakers who enrich students' language learning journey and provide insights into future career opportunities. |
Q11. What should my student bring to camp each day? |
Students should bring basic school supplies (notebook, pens, etc.), any necessary personal items, and their own meals if they have specific dietary needs. Detailed packing guidelines will be sent closer to the start of camp. |
Q12. My student has food allergies and/or diabetes. Can you provide special meals? |
Unfortunately, we are unable to provide special meals. We recommend that students with dietary restrictions or health concerns bring their own meals to avoid any potential issues. |
Q13. Will students have access to digital devices during the camp? |
Students are not permitted to use their cell phones during lectures unless specifically required by the teacher for a particular task. Students will need to bring their own laptop or iPad for technology-based learning activities. We also have a limited number of iPads (10) available for students to borrow if needed. |
Q14. My student has medical conditions and may need extra attention or assistance. Can the program provide support? |
The USU Salt Lake Center is an adult-oriented environment with limited staff and no on-site medical personnel. We can only handle minimal emergencies, and in case of a serious issue, we would need to call 911 and guardians. We recommend that parents carefully consider their student’s needs and make an informed decision regarding participation. |
Q15. We are out-of-state students and really interested in this program. Do you have any suggestions?
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We welcome out-of-state students to apply! While this program does not offer housing or transportation, we encourage families from outside Utah (or southern Utah) to consider local accommodations and arrange travel to and from the USU Salt Lake Center. Parents may also organize carpooling if convenient. For those planning a longer stay, Salt Lake City has many nearby hotels and options for extended lodging. |