PRINCESS ANNE, MD-(April 17, 2015)--High school students can get a leg up at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore this summer learning Chinese, a language that is in high demand in the current and future workforce.   

Registration is now open for The Summer Language Experience, a two-week, intensive, non-residential program designed to provide beginners with an introduction to the language as well as cultural understanding.

"This is a great opportunity for motivated high school students who want to make the most of their summer by studying a foreign language," said Tammy Gharbi, program coordinator of the Foreign Language Instructional Center at UMES.  "It would take nearly 15 weeks in a traditional school year to accomplish the 60 hours of instruction offered in The Summer Language Experience."

The course is taught by a native-speaking instructor in a state-of-the-art language learning classroom. The program runs weekdays August 3-14.  

The fee is $200.  All materials are included.  Visit www.umes.edu/FLIC or call 410-651-6543 for more information.  

Gail Stephens, assistant director, UMES Office of Public Relations, 410-651-7580.