KU Startalk Arabic Program
Program Overview
Earn 5 college credits by joining our STARTALK program
STARTALK is a federal grant program funded by the National Security Agency. STARTALK funds innovative programs with strong language learning outcomes for K-14 learners in the following critical needs languages: Arabic, Chinese, Korean, Persian, and Russian.
STARTALK Goals
- Increase the number of students enrolled in the study of critical languages
- Increase the number of highly effective critical-language teachers in the U.S.
- Increase the number of highly effective materials and curricula available to teachers and students of critical-need languages
- Enhance workforce development in the federal government to meet national security needs through the study of critical languages
Program Description
The Arabic STARTALK program at the University of Kansas will be a summer 2023 language institute. The program will host K-12 students from Lawrence, KS and the surrounding area’s high schools and middle schools. The online (synchronous) pre-outreach will be six hours in Spring, 2023. The purpose will be to give an overview of the language and culture. Students will meet with the Arabic STARTALK staff at KU for three weeks (46 hours of instruction). Both linguistic and cultural experiences will be enhanced in this summer language program. Post institute outreach will be online (synchronous). Instruction will be provided via Zoom for 20 hours in Fall, 2023 and 14 hours in Spring, 2024. The Post program outreach will continue improving the language proficiency and cultural competence of the participants. The goal of the STARTALK 2023 program will be to get our students to Novice-Mid level and the equivalent of Arabic 110, a five-credit beginner level course. This year-long program is an opportunity to providelearners with a rich and intensive linguistic and cultural experience that can open doors for college and career opportunities. Acceptance to the 2023 STARTALK program will be for the entire program.
Program Cost:
The program is FREE. The free program covers
- Tuition and books
- Daily Lunch
- Daily Snack
- Program T-Shirt
Arabic is the official language of 22 countries and is the fifth most spoken language in the world. Approximately over 420 million people in the world speak Arabic. It is one of the six official languages of the United Nations.
Studying Arabic as a second or foreign language prepares you for work in any field where language proficiency is an advantage. By studying Arabic you will learn a language which is critical to U.S. National Security; prepare yourself to do business in some of the fastest-developing economies in the Arab world; and learn about the history of one of the oldest civilizations in the world. You may also pursue careers in language teaching, political science, journalism, law, business, translation, and Foreign Service.
It is also excellent preparation for doctoral work in Arabic, Islamic Studies, linguistics, literature, anthropology, political science, art, international relations, cultural studies and international comparative studies.
Program Dates
Spring 2023: Pre-camp outreach activities (Via Zoom)
Students will meet their teachers during the first weeks of May to have an overview of the language and culture every Saturday for two hours, the total is 6 hours.
5-20-2023/ 6-3-2023
Summer camp experience at KU
Three weeks of in person classes at KU. Students have classes four days a week from Monday to Thursday 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
7/3/2023- 7/20/2023
Fall 2023/Spring 2024: Post camp outreach activities (Via Zoom)
Instruction will be provided via Zoom for 20 hours in Fall, 2023 and 14 hours in Spring, 2024. The Post program outreach will continue improving the language proficiency and cultural competence of the participants. Post outreach activities will be on Saturdays.
Target Participants:
Students from Grades 6 to 12, ages 12-17
No prior knowledge of Arabic is needed
Motivated students
Application Deadline: March 1st, 2023