Lewis University
STARTALK PROGRAM
Summer Language Day Camp
Russian, Chinese, Arabic, Turkish
For high-school students and Lewis University Students
REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED!
What is STARTALK?
STARTALK is one of the projects of the National Security Initiative, a multi-agency effort to expand foreign language education in under-taught critical languages by funding new and existing programs and to provide incentives and rewards for foreign language learning.
STARTALK's overall mission is to increase the number of young Americans learning and speaking critical need foreign languages by offering creative and engaging summer learning experiences for students (K-16).
Lewis University was awarded with Startalk grant four times and launched its first program in the summer of 2009.
This year's summer program will offer its participants intensive instruction in four critical languages. Those accepted to the Program will be able to choose to study Chinese, Arabic, Russian, or Turkish. All the four programs will be conducted concurrently on the Lewis University Romeoville campus from June 18th to July 14th.
Why should you consider applying for STARTALK?
The two main benefits of the STARTALK program at Lewis University are
- there are no tuition costs for the students
- successful STARTALK students will receive 3 transferrable university credits
How long is the program?
The 2012 four week STARTALK Chinese, Arabic, Russian, and Turkish language programs will be conducted concurrently from June 18th to July 14th. The Program will begin with the orientation meeting to be held on Sunday, June 17th. Both the participants and at least one parent/guardian are expected to attend the orientation. The Program will conclude with the Closing Ceremony on July 14th.
What is the class schedule?
Language classes conducted daily from Monday through Friday, from 9 am to noon, will be supplemented by extracurricular activities. Students should expect to stay on the campus till 1:30 or 2 p.m. Field trips are included in the study curriculum and will be conducted on selected Saturdays. Lunch will be provided for all participants at no charge at the University cafeteria. Two separate days, June 17th and July 14th, will be allocated to the Orientation Day and Closing Ceremony, respectively. During the Orientation Session both students and their parents will be asked to complete Startalk Documentation, parents will be asked to sign and turn in paper work. The Program will end with a Closing Ceremony on July 14th. During this ceremony, students will demonstrate their achievement by performing for parents, community, University administration, School District officials, and others.
Who is eligible?
- High school students: rising 11th and 12th graders;
- Lewis University incoming freshmen, sophomores, and juniors;
Admission is selective. Applicants are expected to demonstrate commitment to continue studying the language beyond the summer program.
Please note that the program is very intensive and will require your full time commitment. Therefore, a full time job, athletic activities and competitions, or other commitments including weekends may interfere with your participation in the program and consequently affect your final grade.
