Summer Language Institute - Chinese

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Chinese SLI 2025 - Hybrid Format 

Whether you’re planning overseas travel, exploring China’s rich history and culture, conducting graduate research, or preparing for a career in international affairs, the Chinese Summer Language Institute will help you acquire the linguistic and cultural knowledge you need to succeed. 

Chinese SLI participants earn the equivalent of two semesters (8 credits) of Chinese in an accelerated and supportive environment. This summer we will be offering instruction in Level 1 (introductory) Chinese and Level 2 (intermediate).  Upon successful completion of Chinese SLI level 1, students will be well prepared to enter a rigorous 200-level course offered at UVA or another university. Upon successful completion of Chinese SLI level 2, students will be well prepared to enter a rigorous 300-level course offered at UVA or another university. Undergraduates, graduate students, professionals, and rising junior and senior high school students are welcome to apply.

The Chinese SLI will be offered this summer in a hybrid format, allowing students to attend classes entirely in person, remotely, or through a combination of the two modalities. When students opt for online learning, Zoom and other online interactive platforms such as Canvas will be used as the primary mode of delivery for instruction, communication, and assignments. SLI instructors have extensive experience teaching both online and in person and are adept at integrating these different modalities to create a unified and vibrant learning environment.

Pedagogy and Philosophy

At Chinese SLI we use both teacher-centered and student-centered approaches to ensure that students are taken through the complete cycle of effective input and productive output for each target lesson.  We ask students to complete language tasks specially designed to utilize relevant vocabulary and grammar patterns in an accurate and effective manner.  Most assessments are proficiency-based, meaning we evaluate students’ ability to perform the following functions in a creative and context appropriate fashion, in both speech and writing: description, narration, comparison, explanation, giving directions/instructions, supporting opinions, handling simple and/or complicated transactions, and hypothesizing. Over the years, students who, upon completion of the Chinese SLI, have taken the ACTFL (American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages) OPIc (Oral Proficiency Interview by computer) and achieved results that meet the benchmark standards of the Project GO or Flagship initiative of the Defense Language and National Security Education Office

Unique Features of the Program

Through intensive, proficiency-based activities and frequent exposure to culturally authentic contexts, students in the Chinese SLI are able to master a voluminous amount of material in a short span of time.  Inside the classroom, students enjoy an intimate format with tutoring sessions at least four days a week.  Outside the classroom, students practice what they learn each week with native speakers through community outreach events, including cooking competitions, cultural presentations and guest lectures on contemporary Chinese society. Most community-related activities will be offered in person, but guest speakers may on occasion give presentations remotely. Cultural programming will be supplemented with interactive exercises, either online or in person. Breakout rooms on Zoom staffed with native speaking tutors will be utilized to provide abundant opportunities for small group discussion related to cultural activities and lectures. All learning is guided by our philosophy of communicative language learning. Culturally immersive experiences and opportunities to converse with native speakers abound no matter which mode of learning students choose.

What students say about Chinese SLI: 

"I become much better at listening and speaking this summer, and I am well prepared to continue in Chinese next semester."

"The program is very helpful in preparing students to confront large volumes of language learning material in a short period of time, as well as commit grammar structures and vocabulary to long-term memory. One of the most important parts of the program for me was learning about colloquialisms/traditions in Northern/Southern China and Taiwan, as well as engaging in cultural activities with jointly with the novice and intermediate levels within the Chinese program overall, but otherwise this program was excellent." 

Required Textbook

For level I: Integrated Chinese, 3rd Edition, Level I, part I, II, Textbook, Workbook, Character Workbook 

Level II: Integrated Chinese, 3rd Edition, Level II, Part I, Part II, textbook and workbook 

Program Structure

Check all the available options below before applying

Students are strongly encouraged to register for the full 8-week program and complete Level 1 (introductory level) or Level 2  (intermediate level). The option to apply for either the first or second half for both levels is also available. The table below provides information on the available options.

2025 Costs

Students in all SLI programs, including the non-credit option, must pay the Institute Fee of $60.00 and the Comprehensive Fee. See Summer Session Housing for information on housing costs. See Dining for Information on meal plans.

Please note that graduate-level tuition applies to current UVA students who will graduate in May, before the start of the SLI.

Contact Information: 

Department of East Asian Languages, Literatures and Cultures
Director: Professor Shu-Chen Chen
New Cabell Hall 169
(434) 243-8082