OCU has a new Russian language summer camp

OCU will host an immersion-style Russian language summer camp from July 10 to July 31, 2022. This STARTALK event will include 24 high school students, 12 from Oklahoma, and 12 from other states.

The program is offered to students in grades 9 through 12. A grant from the National Security Agency has allowed the university to offer this program for free.

The program was named “Connecting People and Cultures: Russian Language Through the Arts and Digital Media.” It has the aim of teaching students more about the language and cultures of Russia and its neighbors. This encompasses Eastern Europe, Eurasia, and their influences in the United States.

The program director is Doctor Sabina Amanbayeva, an Assistant Professor of English and Comparative Literature at OCU.

 “We hope that the combination of language proficiency, increased cultural competence of a different region of the world and exposure to the college lifestyle will encourage learners to pursue higher education and intercultural experiences, such as advanced language studies and study abroad,” Amanbayeva said.

Students accepted into the program will spend three weeks at OCU. Students will learn on campus and be given opportunities to visit sites that have been influenced by Russian culture.

After the nearly three-week stint on campus ends, students will be able to participate in bi-monthly “Russian Café” meetings. The goal of the meetings is to reinforce student learning habits, connections, and interest in Russia. The deadline for applications is Feb. 15, 2022.

Applications can be submitted here.