STARTALK is a federally funded program to encourage the development of critical language skills. The UNM STARTALK program “ARABIC IN NEW MEXICO: FOOD CULTURES PAST AND PRESENT” provides free Arabic instruction for middle and high school students for three weeks in June. The focus of the program is on helping students develop their Arabic proficiency via interaction with their instructors, student mentors, and local Arabic speakers. Through classroom instruction, community interactions, and extracurricular activities, students will develop a greater understanding of past and present cultural connections between New Mexico and the Arab world.

Eligibility: Students entering grades 6-12 as well as rising college freshmen are eligible for participation in the program. Thirty-six students of varying ages and Arabic proficiency levels will be selected to participate in the program. Selection will be based on evidence of interest in the program, prior academic performance, and teacher/counselor letters of recommendation. All program activities will be free of charge for students.

Program Dates: June 8-26, 2020, Monday-Friday, 8:30am-3:00pm

Orientation: May 28, 4:30-5:30pm

Closing Ceremony: Friday, June 26, 2-3pm

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