Newswise — Rising high school seniors from across the Southeast have a chance to study Chinese culture and language free of charge this summer as part of the University of Mississippi Summer Language Institute for American Youth.
This all-expenses-paid experience takes place over six weeks — June 10-July 30 " at Qingdao University in Qingdao, China. Up to 20 students selected to participate in the program are to live together and study under Chinese language instructors. Besides their studies, students engage in off-campus cultural excursions throughout the country, including one week of living with a Chinese family.
"To understand another culture completely, we have to be able to get firsthand information through communication," said Yi Lin, instructor in Chinese and director of curriculum for the UM Chinese Flagship Program. "So we need to know their culture to be able to interact with Chinese successfully."
Federal officials have asked universities across the country to make foreign language instruction " particularly in Chinese and Arabic languages " a priority.
"Very few Americans have mastered a Chinese language," said Susan Oliphant, UM director of study abroad. "By sending high school seniors to China, we hope not only to encourage lifelong study and interest in Chinese culture, but we also hope to raise students' awareness of the importance of international relations to citizens of the United States."
Having more Americans understand Chinese language and culture is particularly important in light of China's growing economic and political clout, Lin said.
"We have a saying: If you know yourself and you know your competitors, you will have a win-win situation," she said. "From my own experience, what many of my students know of China is not contemporary, so the students who visit China this summer will be motivated to learn the language and the culture as well, and will get a true picture of what China is today."
Students interested in applying for the program must exhibit high academic achievement, maturity level and motivation. Students must stand to be classified as seniors in fall 2006. Requirements for application include one teacher recommendation, one counselor recommendation, a personal statement, student information form, current high school transcript, copy of passport and a recent photo.
Preference is to be given to students who have no previous knowledge of Mandarin Chinese and who show long-term interest in studying this language and the culture of China. Applications are due by 5 p.m. March 3.
Five to 20 students from across the Southeast are to be selected for the program. All expenses are paid by the university, including international airfare, tuition, transportation, housing and meals.
For applications and further information on the Summer Language Institute, visit http://www.olemiss.edu/abroad or http://www.outreach.olemiss.edu
(mary margaret miller)
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