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The Confucius Institute at the University of Memphis (CIUM), in conjunction with the Office of Chinese Language Council International (Hanban), will offer the Chinese Bridge Summer Camp for American High School Students in the People’s Republic of China in July. This is the third year that CIUM has partnered with Hanban to host this program.

The camp is open to students in grades 9 through 12 (ages 14-18). No knowledge of the Chinese language is necessary.

The application deadline is April 20. Students must complete an application process that includes an essay, interview, letter of recommendation, and heath information. Students must have a minimum grade point average of 3.0 to be eligible for the program. Applications may be made online at www.memphis.edu/cium

Students who are selected will be responsible for paying for their international airfare, international travel insurance, visa, and administrative fees.Expenses in China will be paid by the program; these include local transportation, sightseeing, accommodations, and meals.

The two-week program is structured to enhance communication between American and Chinese high school students. Through a combination of classroom study and excursions, participants will improve their language skills while experiencing China’s culture, history, and traditions.

The Confucius Institute is a non-profit, public institute with the goal of promoting Chinese language and culture and supporting local Chinese teaching internationally through affiliated Confucius Institutes around the globe.