The Zylphia Shu-En Kirk Scholars study two years or 16 hours of Mandarin Chinese. With a grade of B or better in these courses, they then receive a partial stipend to study in China between June and July for five weeks.

While in China, the Kirk Scholars continue their language studies, travel in the country, and visit sites such as the Great Wall, Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, and also visit cities such as Beijing and others. After completion of the summer course, the student will have a minor in Mandarin Chinese language with 20 semester hours of credit.