The 2024 IUP Chinese Language Immersion Program will be held between June 3 and August 9, 2024. This program is the only one of its kind to receive federal funding and includes engaging and innovative instructional sessions, group activities, one-on-one practice, and multiple cultural events to immerse participants in the Chinese language.
Program Overview
In academic year 2023–24, IUP received nearly $1 million from the National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity to establish a pilot program for cybersecurity students to develop language foundations and proficiency in Chinese.
Eighty applications were received, and 15 students representing 15 different universities across 12 states were accepted into the program based on their academic achievements, prior knowledge of the Chinese language, personal essays, and recommendations.
Program Structure and Schedule
The initial two weeks of the program (June 3–14, 2024) were held virtually via Zoom and included introductory sessions for students to learn basic Chinese language skills. The remaining eight weeks of the program are offered in person at IUP's main campus in Indiana, PA. Download the complete program schedule(beginner) and program schedule (intermediate) for additional details.
Curriculum
Participants were separated into two groups, beginner and intermediate, based on previous Chinese language courses taken and self-reported skill levels in writing, reading, speaking, and listening. The curriculum is regularly updated/adjusted to maximize the impact of the program and increase participants' knowledge of the language. In addition to daily instructional sessions and one-on-one practice, each participant completes a weekly presentation that showcases learning objectives. Topics include greetings, introductions, dining, travel, shopping, culture, and Chinese cybersecurity vocabulary, among many others.
Activities and Events
An important aspect of this program is providing opportunities for participants to immerse themselves in Chinese culture and practice what they've learned with native speakers. Below is a list of cultural events that have been held/planned during the program. View the photo gallery to see pictures from these events!
- Dragon Boat paddling event at Steel City Dragons in Pittsburgh, PA
- Dining at Chinese restaurants
- Chinese cooking classes
- Chinese Waist Drum Dancing demonstration
- Field trips to Chinatowns in Washington, DC and Philadelphia, PA
- Various additional activities and events
Instructors and Staff
The IUP Chinese Language Immersion Program is led by Waleed Farag, program director, and Shijuan Liu, lead instructor. Course content is delivered by instructors from five different major universities and educational institutions, and the program is supported by three student assistants. Please visit the participant page for bios for all program instructors and staff.
Questions
Please direct any questions to Chinese-immersion-program@iup.edu.