Intensive study in US?

[staciekent]

So I know this will sound odd, because everyone knows that the best intensive Chinese language study happens in China, but I am looking for a good US-based program for the summer.

Why?

I have four plus years of Chinese under my belt, but haven't even so much as looked at a character for four years, and now I am trying to go back to graduate school for Chinese history and need to get back to where I once was, primarily for reading skills.

Why not go to China? Money, house, dog, life . . . it is not so easy when you get older.

Any leads would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

[confucius]

My guess would be Berkeley, seeing that you're already in San Francisco.

Another option might be the Monterey Institute of International Studies (as well as the Defense Language Institute in Monterey).

Both of those schools are quite good at intensive language programs.

[xuechengfeng]

Can you get into Monterey if you aren't in the armed forces?

[niubi]

in the past, the 2 best intensive summer language programs were the ones at indiana university bloomington and middlebury. the indiana university program was called east asian summer language institute (EASLI). this program ceased a few years ago (i studied there in 1992). middlebury is fairly expensive. another top program would be falcon at cornell university...it is typically a full 12 month intensive language course, but they do have a summer only option. this is also quite expensive. most of the large state universities offer intensive language course.

if this is for you - after looking at your profile, i would doubt there are any summer intensive language courses in the u.s. at a high enough level to challenge you. most universities only offer intensive first and second year courses during the summer.

[yonglan]

I think with 4 years just 4 years ago and if you want to read, you could study on your own and get a quality language exchange partner or tutor.

[Jive Turkey]

Another option might be the Monterey Institute of International Studies (also known as Defense Language Institute).

The two institutes are completely seperate, although many teachers at Monterey have taught at the DLI and the two schools seem to have the same approach to language teaching. I think that quite a few teachers used to work at both places in the past when they were smaller.

Unless you're military or a spook, you can't go to the DLI, but Monterey is definitely worth a look. It's probably the closest thing to the intensity of the DLI or the State Department's foreign service school that a non-government student can get. The quality of teaching would probably be better than most programs you could attend in China. Only hardcore, extremely qualified language teachers get jobs at Monterey and the DLI.

[xuechengfeng]

I assume you get paid in the military for doing it though, and it costs a great deal to get into Monterey?

[staciekent]

Thank you everyone for your leads. I had looked into the Monterey Institute. It isn't that costly when compared to programs at places like Middlebury or abroad. Its about $3k for the summer program. I am glad to know the teachers there are first rate. I was afraid it was a hack job. I had no idea about the Defense Dept. connections.

FYI Berkeley does offer summer courses but they are not full time.

Again, thanks all.