FAQ:
Who can apply?
- High School students who learned to speak Russian at home with their family (generally, Heritage speakers) and have at least basic skills in reading and writing Russian
Our program is designed to help Russian students develop their literacy skills in Russian while also refining their presentational speaking skills. Using the NCSSFL-ACTFL Intermediate Can-Do Statements, Russian-speaking students should aim for at least Intermediate Low in all skills (in Russian) in order to be successful in our program.
Do we have housing options for students?
Unfortunately our program cannot support housing for minors. For registered students who live within commuting distance from Seattle, there are reduced-cost transportation options through UW Transportation Services. Students who live further away must make their own arrangements to participate in the face-to-face portions of the program.
What does the STARTALK timeline look like before and during the program?
- January to February - Info sessions and Interviews with Lead Instructors (We will send out emails with specific dates and times)
- March to May - Pre-program (1 week of asynchronous studies, an orientation and pre-test)
- July to August - In-person Summer Camp
- October to December - Post-program Autumn sessions
We're going on vacation this summer. Can I/my child miss a portion of the program?
Due to the intensive nature of the program, students cannot receive full credit if they have more than a few absences. All absences should be communicated to the lead instructor as soon as possible. If you are unsure about committing to the program, please talk to a program team member.
How are the university credits earned?
Students who complete the course satisfactorily will receive credits from the University of Washington that will appear on their University of Washington transcript just like any other university course. These credits may be transferred to another institution at the institution's discretion by requesting a copy of your transcript be sent to their offices. Please see https://registrar.washington.edu/enrollment-and-records/ordering-transcripts/ for more details.
How are the high school credits earned?
At the end of the program, students will take a proficiency exam to test their language skills. You will receive a letter indicating your test results and recommended high school credits. The letters also indicate whether the test results qualify you for the Washington State Seal of Biliteracy. The STARTALK program can email test results and letters directly to high school counselors, as well.