3-week Academies: July 11 - August 1, 2026

• Move-in: July 11
• Orientation: July 12
• Move-out: August 1

Application dates are available on the Application Information page.

The Chinese Language and Culture Academy invites motivated high school students to experience the excitement of learning Mandarin Chinese at the University of Pennsylvania. This three-week intensive summer program combines daily language instruction with hands-on cultural exploration, giving students an immersive introduction to both modern Chinese and the richness of Chinese civilization.

Through small-group classes, interactive workshops, and faculty-led discussions, students build real-world communication skills while gaining insight into how language connects to culture, history, and contemporary life. The Academy welcomes students with little or no prior experience in Chinese as well as those at the novice-high or early intermediate level.

Why choose Penn’s Chinese Language and Culture Academy?

Penn’s Department of East Asian Languages and Civilizations hosts one of the most comprehensive Chinese language programs in North America. The Academy draws on this strength to offer participants:

• Rigorous, engaging instruction from Penn’s experienced Chinese language faculty
• Project-based learning that integrates speaking, listening, reading, and cultural expression
• Cultural workshops such as calligraphy, Chinese cooking, and music appreciation
• Guest lectures and field trips that introduce students to Chinese culture through art, history, and daily life
• A supportive environment that encourages curiosity, creativity, and collaboration

Students leave the program with tangible language skills, greater cross-cultural understanding, and a glimpse of academic life at an Ivy League university.

Features

Learning goals: By the end of the program, students will be able to:

• Introduce themselves and communicate about family, school life, and daily routines in Mandarin Chinese
• Use Mandarin in practical situations such as ordering food or shopping
• Recognize and write basic Chinese characters
• Demonstrate understanding of major cultural themes including festivals, arts, and youth culture
• Collaboratively create a final project—such as a skit, video, or digital poster—showcasing both linguistic and cultural knowledge

Program structure: Classes meet Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., and combine language lessons, hands-on workshops, and guided cultural exploration.

• Morning
  • Interactive Mandarin instruction focused on real-life communication
  • Activities and games that reinforce vocabulary, pronunciation, and sentence patterns
• Afternoon
  • Cultural workshops and project sessions led by Penn instructors and guest artists
  • Bilingual reflection journals and small-group collaboration
  • Weekly field trips connecting classroom learning with Philadelphia’s cultural resources

Sample weekly themes:

• Week 1: Foundations of Chinese Language and Culture
• Week 2: Communicating in Everyday Contexts
• Week 3: Expressing Ideas and Sharing Perspectives

Field trips: Each week includes one field trip that extends classroom learning into the community. Possible experiences include exploring Chinese art and artifacts, engaging with local cultural communities, and participating in interactive language-practice activities in authentic settings.

Technology statement

Students are required to bring their laptops or devices to the program. Some in-class work will require laptops, while others will require a notebook and pen. Students will be informed a day in advance if they should bring their laptops with them to class the following day.