Jane-Na Chang (張真娜)

I attended my very first STARTALK program in 2010 and I have heard a lot about the STARTALK at UVa since then. The STARTALK at UVa is well known for its rigorous program and excellent coordination.  Yes, it truly is with its own strengths to make it so unique and stand out among all STARTALK Chinese programs. 

I am so grateful that I was admitted to be part of the program this year.  We had the best teachers that we could ever have: Dr. Miao-fen Tseng (曾妙芬老師), Ms. Henny Chen (陳姮良老師), Ms. Yaching Hsu (許雅菁老師), Mrs. Alice Lin (锺良音老師), Ms. Wei  Gao (高薇老师), and Mrs. Maan Broadstock (姜滿老師).  We had four warm, friendly and highly efficient assistants and volunteers (Michelle Zeng, Virginia Long, Jimmy Yang and Regan Wu).  I certainly will remember to mention Dr. J. J. Wu (曾妙芬老師的先生).  He led us to Humpback Rocks and Monticello on two Sundays.  What a great relief that we could escape from work for practicums!  We had great food and we have built special friendship and bonding among twelve participating teachers.

A 19-day program was long and the workload was demanding.  So be prepared mentally, physically, and academically before you come.   The reward is beyond your expectations.  The teaching strategies and research-based theories are like many pieces of a puzzle.  This STARTALK program has greatly helped me in putting all these pieces together.   Are you coming to challenge yourself next year?