Xu Bo Language Immersion Program for NSLI-Youth Organization

NSLI for Youth is a language learning program for American high school students sponsored by U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. During the summer of 2009, Xu Bo has been hosting a group of 15 NSLI-Youth students for a six-week intensive Mandarin learning program.

The NSLI students receive Mandarin lessons five days per week. On mornings they have an intensive Mandarin lesson between 8:00-11:30 which aims at improving their competence and understanding of Mandarin grammar, vocabulary and reading skill. In the afternoons, from 1:00-2:00, they take culture courses to learn about Chinese calligraphy, painting, paper-cutting, martial arts, and history. From 2:15-3:15, another intensive Mandarin lesson focuses on listening and speaking skills. During the program, the NSLI students are making four sightseeing trips to Beijing, Suzhou, Nanjing, and Hangzhou. These cities have important historical significance and also offer amazing natural scenery and the trips help the students learn more about Chinese culture. Once per week, we conduct a practical (and fun) language activity for the NSLI students which gives them a chance to practice their oral Mandarin. These activities have included things like bargaining with vendors in the Yu Garden market in Shanghai, and participating in a Chinese banquet.

NSLI-Youth 2009 Photos

The video below captures many of the special moments a the NSLI-Youth group enjoyed during the program. There are many more photos in these galleries on Picasa: arrival & orientation, Mandarin lessons, culture courses, volunteer work, homestays, Beijing, Nanjing, Suzhou, Hangzhou, graduation, and goodbyes

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