STARTALK

Unlock Mandarin: Immerse in Real-Life Mandarin Chinese & culture through authentic multimedia and technology

2024 USU Residential STARTALK Program

Sponsor: National Security Agency (NSA)
Tuition Fee: FREE to participants. The program will cover housing and meals for the two-week residential camp in 2024 summer. Students will be responsible for the transportation costs to USU Logan campus.
Contact: startalk@usu.edu

Program Dates

Pre-camp Online Class: Feb. 01, 2024 - May 31, 2024 (one hour instruction per week)
Residential Camp at USU Campus: July 08, 2024 – July 19 , 2024
Post-camp Online Class: July 29, 2024 - Oct 19, 2024 (one hour instruction per week)

Welcome to the Utah State University (USU) STARTALK program, an innovative and immersing summer language learning experience that brings Mandarin Chinese and cultural exploration to life. It is a FREE Mandarin Chinese learning program sponsored by NSA. Besides the pre-camp and post-camp online instructions, our two-week residential program is designed to provide high school students with a unique opportunity to engage with the Mandarin Chinese language, culture, and innovate technology in a dynamic and interactive 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. As part of our commitment to diversity and inclusivity, we welcome students of all backgrounds to join us on this exciting adventure of language exploration and cultural enrichment. Through a blend of interactive online modules, virtual field trips, and in-person activities, 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: October 16 to November 30, 2023

Eligible Students: Students in grades 8 to 12 during the 2023-2024 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 2024 to participate in the on-site residential camp at Utah State University campus at Logan, Utah.

Commitment Requirements: This is a consecutive language program. Eligible students must commit to participating in all three sections of the program, which include the pre-camp, onsite camp, and post-camp. Students who exceed an absenteeism rate and homework incompletion rate of 20% in the pre-camp virtual classes will be subject to removal from the program and will not meet the eligibility criteria for participation in the residential camp and post-camp. Students who exceed an absenteeism rate and homework incompletion rate of 20% in the post-camp virtual classes will be classified as incomplete and will not receive the USU Startalk plaque and certificate.

Language Requirements: Applicants should have a Chinese language proficiency ranging from intermediate low to advanced levels.

Application Process:

Register: Begin your application process by clicking the registration button and completing your registration at 4-H Zsuite.
Check the confirmation email from Zsuite: Click the Google Form link in the email to continue the registration process.
Submit Documents: Within 4-H Zsuite, access the Google Form. Here, you will be able to upload the required materials, including your school transcript and your teacher's email for the recommendation letter.
Schedule an Interview: As part of the application process, schedule an online interview with USU Startalk instructors. You will receive an email of the interview time later.

Student Acceptance Notification: USU Startalk will send admission notifications no later than December 08, 2023.
Student Attendance Confirmation: Student confirm the attendance by Dec. 18, 2023.

Please note that this program is limited to 40 students, so we encourage you to complete your registration and application materials within the specified timeframe to secure your spot.

The USU Startalk registration is closed for 2024 courses. Please go to Startalk official Website for more available programs and information.

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?

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 may not align with your expectations.

Q2. Will you send parents and students the curriculum of Pre-camp and Post-camp?

We do not provide a detailed curriculum outline for these phases. Our program is designed to offer an immersive language experience. Our instructors are experienced and well-prepared to guide students through engaging activities and lessons that align with our program's goals. Students will see all classes content when classes begin.

Q3. Will students get college credit with USU Startalk program ?

No, students will not receive 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.

Q4. We have busy schedule and might miss some pre-camp and post-camp classes, what do we do?

We do require students to maintain at least an 80% attendance rate and achieve a minimum grade of 80% on their homework.
Our virtual classes will include a mix of synchronous live lessons and pre-recorded videos. The synchronous classes will also be recorded for your convenience. If your student knows in advance that they will be unable to attend a class, we recommend notifying the instructor ahead of time and taking a leave of absence. Students can then watch the recorded video of the class and make up any missed homework assignments to stay on track with their language learning journey.

Q5. What is the class size?

Each class in the USU Startalk program typically consists of approximately 10 students in pre-camp, residential camp and post-camp.

Q6. What is the nearest airport to get to USU campus at Logan?

Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) is the nearest major airport to Utah State University (USU) campus in Logan. Logan is located to the north of Salt Lake City, and it takes approximately 90 minutes to drive from the Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) to Logan.

Q7. Will USU provide the transportation from Salt Lake City international airport?

USU does not provide free transportation from the Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC). However, we do collect flight information from students coming from out of state and make efforts to group students together whenever possible. This allows us to arrange for shuttle transportation to the USU campus. While we will try to request the use of the USU Aggie bus for students, availability may vary due to potential driver shortages during the summer months. We will do our best to accommodate transportation needs for students arriving at SLC airport and will also work diligently to recruit adult volunteers to assist at the airport when possible.

Q8. Can you tell me more about the on-site camp schedule?

The on-site 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, two field trips (one in Logan and one in SLC Chinatown), and evening activities with Teaching Assistants for leisure and homework assistance. Daily breakfast, lunch and dinner are all included. We also invite guest speakers who enrich students' language learning journey and provide insights into future career opportunities.

Q9. When is the check-in and check-out date for the on-site camp?

The camp will start on July 08, 2024. Students are supposed to check-in on July 08. We know it more convenient for students to check-in on July 07, 2024. While July 07 is a Sunday. We are stilling working with the housing department and get the approval for students to come on July 07, 2024. We will send the updated information to parents and students.

Q10. Where do students live during the on-site campus?

Students participating in the on-site camp for the USU Startalk program will be accommodated in single dorms with shared rooms at USU.

Q11. If we live in Logan, can our child come home at all during the 2 week period?

To fully immerse the students in the language and cultural experience, we encourage them not to have visitors during the camp, including weekends and evenings when we have scheduled activities. Any necessary visits must be pre-approved with a background check.USU require that all volunteers and visitors of youth programs, including parents, undergo a background check in advance for the safety and security of all participants.

Q12. My child needs to leave the on-site camp 1-2 days earlier. Can we check him out earlier? Can your staff help my child get to the airport?

The National Security Agency's (NSA) guidelines stipulate that students must fully engage in all three phases of the program: pre-camp, on-site, and post-camp activities. Incomplete participation not only affects the student's progression to subsequent stages but also potentially infringes upon the opportunities and rights of other students. USU is obliged to report any deviations from these guidelines to the NSA, including instances where a student does not complete the entire program. Such matters are taken very seriously due to their impact on the integrity of the Startalk program and its participants.
Understanding the complexities of out-of-state travel, we kindly ask you to ensure your student's complete attendance, as we unfortunately cannot provide individual off-site support due to limited resources and school policies. Our staff's commitment during the camp period is to the collective supervision and care of all attending students.

Q13. Is it necessary for my student to attend the post-camp classes?

Yes, it is important for students to attend the post-camp classes as it is part of the commitment when registering and accepting the offer for the USU Startalk program. We understand that students may have busy schedules, but the post-camp is designed to be a project-based program that enhances your student's Startalk learning journey, making it more comprehensive. Upon successful completion of all three sessions, students will receive a certificate and a plaque as recognition of their achievements.

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