The STARTALK Chinese language learning program, presented by the UAB Department of World Languages and Literatures for students in grades 9-14, includes online learning and a residential summer camp. High school and college students can learn Chinese through a free program at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
Registration is open now for 30 spots in the 2025 STARTALK Chinese language learning program, presented by the UAB College of Arts and Sciences’ Department of World Languages and Literatures. The program is open to 30 rising students in grades 9-14 who are United States citizens or permanent residents, with a priority given to Alabama residents. Learn more online and contact the STARTALK program at startalk@uab.edu or call 205-934-4651. Spaces are limited. Admission is based on the dates when completed applications are received. Spots will fill quickly, so it is recommended to submit applications as early as possible. Notifications will be sent to all applicants by Dec. 2. Students on the waitlist will also be informed.
The program is made possible by the United States’ National Security Agency, which has for the second time awarded UAB a STARTALK grant to support and promote Chinese language education. The grants fund innovative programs to increase the number of American citizens learning and teaching less commonly taught languages and inspire them to explore language careers. Critical-need languages currently include Arabic, Chinese, Korean, Persian and Russian. The aims are to increase the number of students and teachers in critical languages and enhance workforce development in the federal government through the study of critical languages, to meet national security needs. Future critical language needs are also anticipated in collaboration with other federal agencies, such as the Department of Defense.
UAB DWLL will provide the yearlong Chinese language program to 20 high school students and 10 college students completely free of charge. It is a valuable opportunity for UAB to offer, and the first year was a success, says UAB instructor of Chinese Ling Ma.
“Alabama is currently underrepresented in Chinese language teaching and learning,” Ma said. “This enriching language and cultural immersion program includes online learning and a residential summer camp.”
The theme of the STARTALK Camp at UAB will be exploring Chinese through technology and modern society. It is structured into two levels. The first level is for beginners with no prior Chinese knowledge. The second level is for those who completed the first level last year and are ready to delve deeper into new themes. The program covers meals and snacks throughout the residential summer camp in 2025, which will span seven days with a total of 63 hours of learning on-site. Younger students can explore the vibrant atmosphere of UAB and engage with faculty members and students, and eligible students will have the opportunity to earn college credit hours.
The curriculum emphasizes a standards-based approach and performance-based assessments with an immersive experience where students explore technology and modern Chinese society. Participants will start with 30 hours of online synchronous learning pre-camp, proceed to the seven-day residential camp at UAB and conclude with another 30 hours of online learning post-camp.
By the program’s end, first-level students are expected to reach a proficiency level of at least mid-novice to low intermediate, while second-level students aim for a proficiency level of low to mid-intermediate, in line with guidelines.