The third annual summer Chinese Immersion program begins next week at Valparaiso University. The program is directed by Chenjie Zhang of the University’s Confucius Institute and will introduce students to Chinese vocabulary, characters and pronunciation in addition to cultural activities which will occur every day after lunch.
“A lot of kids are interested in the Chinese language and cultural things, but are not offered those types of classes during the school year,” Zhang said. “This is a good market for having a program such as this in the summer. Students will take part in traditional Chinese activities such as ping pong, calligraphy, painting, opera singing and lantern making.”
The program, which will run from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on weekdays from Monday, July 7 to Friday, July 18, is open to any student from third grade through adults. With 12 students already signed up, Zhang says there is still room for more - pointing out that more than 30 students enjoyed their experiences across three classes held over the last two summers.
“We are starting from the beginning,” Zhang said, noting that no basic knowledge of Chinese language or culture is needed prior to the first day of class. “After the immersion program, students will know basic Chinese and be able to survive in that culture. A lot of the students from the first two years have made plans to visit China.”
The class was the idea of Professor Lin, who heads the Chinese and Japanese Studies department at Valparaiso University.
Lectures, group discussions and one-on-one tutoring sessions with Chinese international students enrolled at the University will take place during this year’s program. “We want everyone to know core Chinese vocabulary, be able to read and write with Chinese characters and use expressions they can apply in daily life or travels to China,” Zhang said.
The cost of the “Beginning Chinese” class is $280 for one student. Families enrolling more that one will be given a reduced cost of $50 off per enrollee. If interested, email Zhang at chenjie.zhang@valpo.edu.