Learning another language, especially a tonal language like Chinese, can be difficult. Sometimes, students require practice outside of the classroom to become proficient, but convincing students to work at home can be challenging.

But what if that work at home felt like a game? CASLS and partners Centric and Avant Assessment created MyChina Village to encourage students to be self-directed learners in an environment that doesn't feel like a classroom at all. MyChina Village, a virtual world in Second Life, provides a structured learning environment while capitalizing on the benefits of traditional study abroad. MyChina Village increases students' proficiency by allowing them to interact naturally with Chinese speakers.

In summer 2009, CASLS hosted the MyChina Village Virtual Chinese Immersion Camp to provide students with opportunities to immerse themselves in the Chinese culture, interact with native speakers, meet others studying Chinese, and practice the language. CASLS partnered with students from Soochow University's Teaching Chinese as a Foreign Language Program to serve as camp facilitators. The MyChina Village Web site includes the learning tools and assessments for those interested in joining MyChina Village and a portal to MyChina Village social networking.

• Increase students' proficiency levels
• Increase students' time interacting with native Chinese speakers
• Experience tailored to their abilities
• Learning structured as game, not additional work
• Promote self-directed learning