Chinese Bridge Summer Camp for American High School Students
This camp is sponsored by Hanban (Confucius Institute Headquarters), and is offered in cooperation with various Confucius Institutes in the U.S. It provides American high school students an opportunity to experience Chinese language and culture during the summer.
2012 Chinese Bridge Summer Camp
Dates: July 15—29, 2012
Locations: Beijing plus one city to be assigned by Hanban, in one of the following provinces: Jilin, Shanxi, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Henan, Guangxi, or Fujian
Participants: 600 total from throughout the United States; approximately 10 students plus 1 teacher chaperone per Confucius Institute
Activities:
1. Welcome and orientation (about 2 hours)
2. Chinese language classes (40% of program, about 30 hours–3 hours per day). Students will be placed in classes of no more than 15, depending on Chinese language level. These classes will be taught by experienced Chinese teachers, using textbooks that comply with YCT standards.
3. Chinese culture studies (20% of program, about 15 hours–1.5 hours per day). The culture curriculum will offer a choice of paper cutting, sculpting clay figurines, designing facial makeup for Beijing Opera, making kites, learning tea ceremony, embroidery, martial arts, culture lectures, and more.
4. Cultural interaction and experience (15% of program, about 15 hours). Visiting local middle schools to talk to Chinese students, a home-stay of at least 1 day, sports activities with local students, etc.
5. Sightseeing (20%, about 15 hours)
6. Final test: Take the YCT test before the end of the Summer Camp, and earn a certificate.
Cost: Students and chaperones are responsible for their international travel expenses from Honolulu to Beijing, travel insurance, and visa application fee. All costs while in Beijing, including meals, lodging, transportation, activities, and domestic airfare will be covered by the host (medical expenditures excluded).
Eligibility—Students: Grade 9-12 (including rising 9th graders and new high school graduates), ages 14-18, U.S. citizens whose native language is not Chinese, with no more than 3 years of experience in studying Chinese language and culture. Physically fit for international travel.
Eligibility—Teachers: experienced Chinese language teachers in grades K-12 with at least one year teaching experience, responsible and able to lead/manage a student group on an overseas trip. Physically fit for international travel. Previous experience preferred.
Deadline for application: April 10, 2012
Mail application packet to: Prof. Qikeng Li, Confucius Institute-U Hawaii at Manoa, 1890 East-West Rd., Moore Hall 417, Honolulu, HI 96822
Questions: Prof. Qikeng Li; Office 808-944-7256, Cell 808-852-8999. Email: liqikeng@hawaii.edu
Tentative Itinerary
| Date | Activities |
| July 15 | Arrive in Beijing. Board connecting flight to assigned province (TBD) |
| July 16-24 | Cultural and educational exchange in local school |
| July 25 | Return to Beijing |
| July 26-28 | Activities in Beijing (including closing ceremony, visit to Hanban/Confucius Institute Headquarters, tours, etc.). |
| July 29 | Depart for U.S. |
