Chinese Summer Days

 

By Juan Whiting Staff Writer

 

As many Utahns celebrate the Pioneers coming into the valley, UVU gets ready for another celebration: Chinese Summer Days.  On July 25 and 26, UVU will be hosting numerous activities promoting Chinese language and cultural studies with a two day camp.

 

Hundreds of students participating in dual immersion language programs in Utah’s primary and secondary schools will attend this event.   It was created as part of UVU’s initiative to bridge the Chinese cultural gap through learning and experience.  This event also helps fulfill some of the goals of Utah businesses, government, and educational partners.

 

Fred White, associate dean of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences at UVU said, “We hope that a lasting impression is made.  We want people to know that there are other people out there that speak Chinese.   This is an engaged learning opportunity, not only for participants, but also our students who will be involved with the event as well.”

 

UVU will also give parents and students added language resources.  Dr. White explains, “The camp is intended both to encourage their present language efforts and to provide educational pathways for their future career ambitions.”

 

Starting in the fall, UVU is offering a minor in Chinese commerce, an interdisciplinary program designed to prepare students to work in the global marketplace. UVU also offers minors in Chinese language and Chinese culture.

 

The camp takes place July 25 and 26 and is sold out. For more information check out http://www.uvu.edu/lang/events/chinesesdays.html