Who is eligible? 

You are eligible to apply for this program if you...

• Are studying Chinese

• Will be 18 years or older by July 2025

• Are a student in grades 12-16 (high school or university) in the USA

• Able to travel to Washington DC for our in-person camp week from 07/28/2025 to 08/01/2025 (funding provided).

• Have some background in Chinese (at least novice-mid level)

What are the advantages?

• Free for all participants!

• Access to online modules with recent research on second language learning and task-based language teaching tailored for enrolled participants.

• Individualized feedback from experts in language learning and teaching.

• Travel stipend for round trip transportation to Washington, DC (flight,  train fare, or other transit as appropriate.

• Free lodging on Georgetown's campus for a 1 week, in-person summer camp.

• Breakfast, coffee, lunch and snacks provided for all in-person meetings.

• Per diem for incidentals during the week-long summer camp.

• Field trips to a local museum and restaurant, paid for by the program including metro cards

• Swag! provided during camp with Georgetown and STARTALK's logos.

• Certificate of completion upon the conclusion of the summer camp.

How is the program structured?

• The Georgetown STARTALK program includes 2 parts:

  • Pre-Camp (July 2025, 5 hours, virtual/asynchronous)

    • Asynchronous modules in an online learning platform. You will receive practical guidance to promote your awareness of how to maximize the effectiveness of interacting in Chinese. You will get to meet the instructional team ahead of the camp and interact with them via discussion boards, progress reports, and a webinar on zoom. 

  • Summer Camp (July 28 to August 1 2025, 40 hours, in-person)

    • Week-long in-person summer camp. Stay on campus in a private dorm. Meals, per diem and learning supplies will be provided. 

    • Five full-day workshop sessions run by language and content specialists based around YOUR needs for learning Chinese.

    • Free extracurricular activities including visiting Planet Word, Smithsonian exhibits, and a meal at a Chinese restaurant in the DC area.

    • Receive feedback on your Chinese language progress. 

• Total time commitment per student: 45 hours.