2023-2024 Georgia STARTALK Program “Exploring Career Pathways” in Chinese or Korean
What is the hybrid year-long STARTALK Program at Agnes Scott College?
The STARTALK Chinese & Korean “Exploring Career Pathways in Chinese or Korean” Immersion Program is a year-round community-building initiative designed to improve Chinese (or Korean) language skills while equipping you with the experience and resources to use in the professional world. Participants will end the program with improved knowledge of Chinese (or Korean) language and culture, in addition to an alumni network to support you in your future learning and career goals.
Program Phases
This program will progress in three phases:
The online pre-camp (February – May, 2023) will consist of 30 hours of synchronous classes and interactions with invited Chinese- or Korean-speaking professionals, and 5 hours of asynchronous activity.
The residential summer camp (July 7– 21, 2023) at Agnes Scott College in Georgia will consist of a 14-day immersion experience with language, music and sports classes on weekdays, cultural activities and extensive reading in the evenings, and field trips on the second weekend.
The online post-camp (September, 2023 – May, 2024) will include 30 hours of synchronous classes and interactions with invited Chinese- or Korean-speaking professionals, and 5 hours of asynchronous activity.
Program Costs are FREE
All costs, including your learning materials, tuition, and meals, lodging and field trips during the summer camp, are covered by the program. Each accepted student is eligible for a maximum of $200 for traveling by personal car.
What will I gain?
You will:
- improve proficiency in Chinese or Korean with official certification from an accredited test center.
- improve abilities in completing authentic, unrehearsed tasks common to work in the federal government as well as private sector jobs aligning with students’ own interests (e.g., business).
- gain hands-on experience with authentic Chinese or Korean cultural activities.
- increase knowledge of career possibilities in the U.S. and internationally.
- complete a polished personalized digital portfolio ready for potential employers to view.
- build a network of peers and professionals to support you in your future learning and career goals.
Who is Eligible?
- Students who are in grades 11-14 (high school juniors or seniors; college freshmen or sophomores)
- Students who have taken at least 1 year of Chinese (or Korean), or with equivalent knowledge; heritage/home learners are welcome!
- We are recruiting 24 motivated Chinese learners and 10 motivated Korean learners from Georgia and adjacent States, including Alabama, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee. While students from other states are welcome to apply, please keep in mind that we can only reimburse up to $200 for travel by car. Airfare and other modes of travel will be at your own expense.
Although Agnes Scott College is a private women’s college, all genders are welcome in this program!
If you have any questions, please contact the program director, Dr. Jing Paul, at jpaul@agnesscott.edu.
