Frequently Asked Questions

• How much does the COCC/STARTALK My Summer in China program cost?
  The program is free. All costs are covered by STARTALK, a federal language grant. STARTALK covers all students' tuition, as well as provides free lunch and snacks to all participants during the two summer camp sessions. 
• Who can enroll in the COCC/STARTALK My Summer in China program?

  Students who will be enrolled in grades 9-16 as of September 2025 (including homeschooled students) are eligible to participate in the 2025 My Summer in China program. Preference will be given to low-income, ethnic minority, and rural students, and to applicants who show a commitment to the full length of the program.

  This program will accept 15 high school students and 10 college students; it will be open to applicants from across the US, with a focus on Oregon residents. 

  Students who successfully complete the entire My Summer in China program are eligible to receive four college credits at COCC.  They must declare their intent to be eligible for credit before the camp begins.

• When will I know if my application has been accepted?
  Once the COCC/STARTALK My Summer in China application period closes on Thursday, March 6, 2025. Program staff will select students and notify successful applications by Thursday, March 27, 2025. Program staff will also notify waitlisted students at this time, as well as those whose applications were not accepted. 
• What technology do I need? 
  COCC will provide laptops for students to use throughout the summer camp.
• Can I receive college credit for participating in the COCC/STARTALK My Summer in China program?

  Students (those who are enrolled in grades 9 – 16 as of September 2025) who successfully complete the entire My Summer in China program are eligible to receive four college credits at COCC, fully covered by COCC’s STARTALK grant. 

  Students should contact their school counselor to find out if their institution will accept transfer credit from the COCC/STARTALK My Summer in China program. 

• Why should I apply to the COCC/STARTALK My Summer in China program?
  You will have the rare opportunity to study Chinese, a critical-need language in the United States, and you can gain an experience similar to that of being an exchange student in China without traveling overseas.  
   
  There are no tuition costs. 
   
  You can experience college-level courses, which will support future college applications and help you adapt to college life and studies.  
   
  High school students can earn four college credits at COCC; these credits are transferrable to many four-year institutions in Oregon and across the country.  
   
  You will be prepared to continue studying Chinese at COCC if you so choose.  
• How do I access Canvas?

  Accepted students will receive their Canvas account information in June 2025. Please visit Canvas Course Information on this page and scroll down and click on the Canvas Course Information section for how to log in to Canvas, a video tour of Canvas, as well as a technology requirements checklist.

• Is the My Summer in China program a residential camp?

  No, the My Summer in China program is not a residential camp. COCC will not provide dormitories or transportation to and from the program.