About STARTALK
STARTALK is a federal grant program funded by the National Security Agency that promotes the teaching and learning of critical need languages in the United States.
STARTALK’s goals include
- increasing the number of students enrolled in critical language studies.
- increasing the number of highly effective critical language teachers in the U.S.
- increasing the availability of quality teaching and learning materials.
More information on STARTALK, critical languages, and STARTALK teaching principles, can be found at https://www.startalk.info/.
Program Overview
The APPSTATE-STARTALK Chinese Immersion Program: “A Bite of China” is designed for 18 rising 9th-12th-grade students with limited or no prior exposure to Chinese. The program includes three components: 20-hour virtual (synchronous) pre-camp activities, a three-week in-person residential summer camp (102 instructional hours) on the Appalachian campus, and 40-hour virtual (synchronous and asynchronous) post-camp activities.
Students will embark on a virtual gastronomic tour across mainland China via high-speed trains, exploring Beijing, Shanghai, and Chengdu. Tasting their way through the Peking Roast Duck to the spice bazaars of Sichuan, they’ll unlock the secrets of authentic Chinese food and learn how to shop, cook, and eat like a local. Through their exploration of Chinese food culture, students will engage in real-life language tasks related to food, travel, community, and events. The program will incorporate authentic materials, contemporary digital technology, and immersive, co-curricular hands-on activities, such as Chinese cooking, martial arts, calligraphy and painting, and singing and dancing, to enrich students’ learning experience and efficacy.
Upon successful completion of the program, students will earn 3 semesters of language credits at App State by reaching Novice Mid/High proficiency in all modes of communication (interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational) and achieving the five goal areas of the World-Readiness Standards (communication, cultures, connections, comparisons, and communities).
Residential Program Dates & Location
- June 15-July 3, 2026
- Appalachian State University, Boone, North Carolina
Application Dates
- The application is open now and will stay open until all spaces are filled.
- Admission is on a rolling basis. Space is limited to 18 students.
Eligible Participants
Rising 9th-12th-grade students in the summer of 2026 are eligible for participation in the program. This program is intended for those with limited or no prior exposure to Chinese. Priority consideration will be given to students from the Southern Appalachian region, especially Western North Carolina and East Tennessee.
Program Cost
With the general support of the funds from the National Security Agency, the program will cover all associated costs for accepted students, including (1) tuition and learning materials, (2) meals and lodging, and (3) field trips during the residential program.
Program Credit
Students who successfully complete the program can potentially earn 9 credit hours and be placed out of CHN 1010, CHN 1020 & CHN 1040 at Appalachian State University. But your school might decide whether you get credit or placement based upon its own criteria. The program can provide unofficial documentation, upon request, of successful completion of the program.
How to Apply
Please complete the online Application Form (link below), including a statement of interest (150-200 words) explaining why you would like to participate in the program.
2026 Summer APPSTATE-STARTALK CHINESE IMMERSION PROGRAM: “A Bite of China” Application Form
Contact Us
For further information please contact Dr. Xiaofei Tu at tux@appstate.edu.