A Program of the 
Grace Wheeler participated in 2024 CLS Spark Chinese hosted virtually by Dalian University of Technology in Dalian, China and served as a 2024 CLS Digital Ambassador. Grace is a French Studies major at Weber State University in Ogden, Utah. Keep reading to hear Grace's five tips for getting the most out of your CLS Spark experience!
Learning a language is intimidating enough already, but add a virtual classroom and it's another beast altogether. CLS Spark was my second virtual language program, but entering the program, I still felt nervous and unsure what to expect. After our first class, I realized that CLS Spark would be unlike anything else I’d ever done. The class was conducted entirely in Chinese, rather than the lecture class format I was used to, students prepared before class and were cold-called to build our speaking and listening skills. I learned more Mandarin Chinese online in 9 weeks than I learned while spending 7 weeks abroad. Beyond language skills, I met amazing people, learned to cook delicious dishes, and grew a deep appreciation for Chinese culture. Reflecting on the experience, I wouldn’t trade those 9 weeks for anything. However, I wish I could change my approach to the class those first few weeks.
1. Leave time in your summer schedule for CLS Spark. I underestimated what a time and energy commitment CLS Spark would be, and looking back on the experience, I wish I would have given myself time to focus on the program. While it still was a great experience, I went to bed most nights exhausted. While you can juggle work, other classes, or side projects, your classes are an immersive experience and they will take a great deal of energy everyday.
2. Noise canceling headphones will be your best friend during the program. If you have siblings or roommates, you know all too well how distracting they can be during virtual calls. If you have a quiet and clean place to do class, the program itself is significantly easier.
3. CLS Spark students need to anticipate culture shock within their classes. Your teachers will run class differently, teach differently, and expect different of you. Go into each class with an open mind and be willing to adapt to the culture of the class. This is what made CLS Spark truly feel like an immersion program even though I was completing my classes nowhere near China.
4. Immerse yourself in the language and culture outside of class. The language gains will mean so much more to you if you make time to explore the culture of your host institution. Personally, I found listening to Mandarin music was the best supplement to my classes. I enjoyed learning about what kinds of music and what artists were popular in China. During one on one meetings with my teachers, I loved getting to talk about music, food, and everything and anything in between. Your teachers are excited to share Chinese culture with you, don’t be afraid to use them as a resource.
5. Try to get to know your classmates. Connecting with your classmates virtually can be hard, but it’s worth making the effort. Your classmates can be such a resource to you, and befriending them changes the environment of your classroom. I loved that we got to know each other, created inside jokes, and made class feel a comfortable and safe place to learn. Many cohorts make a group chat, and while our cohort didn’t text very often, that is a great way to get the ball rolling.