Startalk Faq

What is STARTALK?

STARTALK is a federal grant program funded by the National Security Agency (NSA), aimed at increasing the number of US citizens learning crucial-need foreign languages with the goal of increasing the number of advanced-level speakers of foreign languages and increasing the numbers of foreign language teachers and the resources for them. This innovative program not only equips students with valuable language skills but also opens doors to potential career opportunities within the NSA's foreign language jobs sector in hopes of recruiting more agents tot he workforce.

How will classes be operated?

ARAB 102 T/W (in-person) M/TH (online) 8:30 a.m. -1:00 p.m.
ARAB 201 T/W (in-person) M/TH (online) 8:30 a.m. -1:00 p.m.
CHNS 102 M/T (in-person) W/TH (online) 8:30 a.m. -1:00 p.m.
CHNS 201 M/T (in-person) W/TH (online) 8:30 a.m. -1:00 p.m. 

Admissions - Are there any external fees?

No tuition or course fee.
Arabic classes may require a small amount of online component fees. 

Admissions - What classes are available in the 2024 STARTALK Year-Round Program?

Spring 2024 - Online:
Levels 101 and 102 for Arabic and Mandarin Chinese 

Summer 2024 - Hybrid:
Levels 102 and 201 and Arabic and Mandarin Chinese

Fall 2024 - Online:
Levels 201 and 202 for Arabic and Mandarin Chinese
102 level may be available in Fall 2024 based on the need. 

Admissions - What’s the difference between and Audit and Credit courses?

Credit - To receive college credit (4 credits each course), students must enroll in STARTALK as
“credit” and are expected to complete the courses.

Audit - Audit students may not enroll into the sequential level unless they pass the course with
a “C” or take an appropriate placement assessment. 

Both - Both credit and audit STARTALK students may experience the immersive language
learning curriculum STARTALK has tailored to the highest standards of world language
education and may participate in STARTALK events. All changes to status are reflected
according to the HCC policies.

Admissions - When are the Important Dates and Deadlines?

March 15, 2024 at 5-6 p.m. Info Session 1 (Zoom)
April 12, 2024 at 5-6 p.m. Info Session 2 (Zoom)
May 31, 2024: Priority Application Deadline
June 21, 2024: STARTALK Summer Orientation (in person)
June 24 - July 25, 2024: STARTALK Summer Courses 

Applying - What is the application process like?

Applying - JumpStart Students:

For students that are in the HCC JumpStart program and wish to apply to the STARTALK
Program, the only actions required for application are to:

• Complete and submit the STARTALK Essay to admissions@howardcc.edu
• Complete and submit the STARTALK Intent to Enroll form

Applying - Former STARTALK Students:

For students that were formerly enrolled in the STARTALK Program, would only need to
complete and submit the STARTALK Intent to Enroll form.

Professional Opportunities:

STARTALK is proud of the high return rate of former students seeking to further their passions in becoming a global citizen. We happily oblige by rewarding opportunities of growth for our former students with volunteer opportunities and peer leaders. Volunteers and peer leaders are expected to pass on knowledge by practicing with students in speaking, listening, reading, and writing in the target language. For more information, please contact Director Yulan Liu (yliu@howardcc.edu) or Program Manager Christopher Ho (cho@howardcc.edu).