STARTALK at UB

A skylight view of Baird Point on UB's Nort Campus.

Discover Chinese Language and Culture

The University at Buffalo is excited to host the Language Wonders of the World: STARTALK Chinese Program over the summer. This free, three-week intensive camp is designed for high school students in grades 9–12, offering an engaging introduction to the Chinese language and a rich exploration of Chinese culture in Western New York.

July 21–August 8, 2025

Time: 8:30 a.m.–2 p.m.
Location: UB's North Campus

Application Deadline:

Please apply by March 1

What is STARTALK? Meet the team

STARTALK is a program funded by the National Security Agency (NSA) to support critical language education for students in kindergarten through college. Its goals include:

  • Increasing the number of Americans learning and teaching critical-need languages.
  • Delivering engaging and creative language learning opportunities.

Program Features

Advantages of the UB STARTALK Program:

Free Admission: No costs for enrollment or to attend camp.

Summer camp: The program is three weeks long over summer.

College Credit: Earn 3 undergraduate credits from UB after completing the program.

Meals Provided: Lunch and snacks are served daily.

Are you a match?

To qualify for this program, students must:

Be enrolled in grades 9–12 in the upcoming fall semester.

Live in Western New York and can commute to UB each day.

Have no to little previous experience learning Chinese.

Submit their completed application by the deadline.

How to apply?

Take the first step toward an exciting, global learning journey. 

Please complete the following form to be considered for the UB’s STARTALK Chinese Program. All sections must be filled out completely and accurately. Incomplete applications may not be considered.

Application Deadline:

Please apply by March 1

Student Information

(Required)
 
 

Please provide the following information about yourself

(optional)

 
 
 
 

School Information

(Required)
(Required)

Parent/Guardian Information

(Required)
(Required)
(Required)

Program Availability

Confirm your availability for the full 3 weeks of the program, Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m.–2 p.m.
Confirm your availability for the full 3 weeks of the program, Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m.–2 p.m.
(Required)
 
 

Transportation Check

Are you able to commute to the UB North Campus for the full 3 weeks of STARTALK?
Are you able to commute to the UB North Campus for the full 3 weeks of STARTALK?
(Required)
 
 

Personal Statement

(Required)

Cultural Curiosity

(Required)

Chinese Learning Experience

(Required)
 

Teacher Reference

Please provide the name and email address of a current or former teacher who can comment on you as a student.

(Required)
(Required)

Please ensure all sections are completed before submitting your application. If you have any questions or need assistance, please don’t hesitate to email us at startalk@buffalo.edu.

(Required)