Program Reviews

Hi there!
I was lucky enough to experience CLI's immersion program for 7 weeks. For 4/7 weeks I was staying with a homestay, and for the remaining 3 weeks I was staying at the school.

I came to CLI as someone that had not learnt anything about Chinese before and although the experience was challenging and tough at times (ordering food by myself outside was a very scary experience to begin with), CLI really does provide all the means of support you need.

All the teachers there are beyond helpful when it comes to any questions a student might have. Your fellow students and the interns/朋友 provided by CL are also great sources of help with anything you might need help with (or if you just want someone to chat to / hangout with :))

Overall this experience was lifechanging and I would genuinely recommend it to anyone that has the time and capabilities!

I've been trying to learn Chinese for a while now, but I never really made any traction. I'm so grateful for CLI and their commitment to helping their students meet their language goals! Not only did I have amazing teachers, but I also stayed with a kind homestay family. Even though my Chinese level is basically beginner, I was able to speak almost completely in Chinese during my month stay in Guilin. It has helped me gain a good foundation and get a better idea of affective ways to study Chinese.

I found CLI gave me a lot of independence which I appreciated - in terms of free time, activities and the lifestyle. The teachers were great, always friendly and patient and able to adapt to my ability. One-on-one classes helped me improve faster in a short period. All the activities everyday were a great way to hang out with locals and make friends with other CLI students. I loved playing table tennis and watching c-dramas in the games room. Having lunch at CLI was more convenient than I expected.

I'm a high school student from Australia who will be studying IB Continuer Mandarin next 2 years.
1) I liked that the lessons were one-on-one and were tailored to my level/needs (rather than having to accommodate different levels for a group)
2) I liked having 3 different teachers for each component, and each teacher was good and helped me learn - xie xie Ko Lok, Albert and Nancy
3) The lunches were very delicious - xie xie Chef He!
4) The organised activities - weekly after-dinner volleyball, excursion to Yangshuo, the welcome and farewell dinners
5) We played table tennis in the common room daily and badminton in the roof sometimes
6) CLI staff were really helpful and made us feel welcome - xie xie CLI team!
7) I stayed in a private room with ensuite - it was very spacious, comfortable and clean

I participated in the Mandarin immersion program at the Chinese Language Institute (CLI) in Guilin, China, for 8 weeks this fall--from the end of August to the end of October. Each week I had 20 hours of one-on-one lessons with teachers who had a lot of experience teaching Mandarin as a second language. The classes were challenging, and enjoyable. The teachers were personable, professional, and very capable. My Mandarin proficiency has greatly improved in just this short time. I lived in a dorm room at CLI. It was clean, comfortable, and convenient, with weekly cleaning service. CLI also provided delicious lunches each weekday. I enjoyed getting to know students from many different countries as we participated in activities sponsored by CLI such as visiting scenic spots in Guilin and surrounding areas. I also had the opportunity to explore Guilin and China on my own. I highly recommend CLI's program for anyone interested in wanting to start learning Mandarin, or who desire to improve their Mandarin proficiency. Students can stay for a week, a month, a year, or whatever length of time they desire. They also get to choose the date they start--any Monday of the year, except some around Chinese New Year.

I recently had the privilege of participating in a the Immersion Program at CLI, and I must say, it was a transformative and exhilarating experience. This program is a gateway to a world of language and culture, providing participants with an opportunity to not just learn Mandarin but to truly immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of China's traditions, history, and contemporary life.

Curriculum and Instruction (★★★★★)

The curriculum was incredibly well-structured, offering a balanced blend of speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Each day was meticulously planned with a focus on practical communication, which was particularly helpful. The instructors were not only experts in the language but also skilled at creating an engaging and supportive learning environment. They were patient and encouraged us to take risks, promoting confidence in our language skills.

Cultural Enrichment (★★★★★)

What sets this program apart is its emphasis on cultural immersion. In addition to language classes, participants were exposed to various aspects of Chinese culture, including traditional art, music, martial arts, and cooking. This enriched our understanding of the language and its context. Field trips to local markets, historic sites, and cultural events were eye-opening and allowed us to practice our language skills in real-world settings.

Accommodations and Logistics (★★★★☆)

The accommodations were comfortable and conveniently located, although some participants felt that more variety in meal options would be a welcome improvement. The program organizers were helpful and responsive to our needs, and transportation to and from cultural events was well-organized.

Community and Networking (★★★★★)

The sense of community among participants was remarkable. We quickly bonded with fellow learners, creating a supportive network to help each other along the journey. The program also facilitated interaction with local residents, further enhancing our cultural experience.

Conclusion (★★★★★)

In conclusion, the Immersion Program at CLI was a life-changing experience. It not only significantly improved my Mandarin proficiency but also deepened my appreciation for the richness of Chinese culture. The carefully curated curriculum, cultural experiences, and the support of fellow learners and interns make this program an ideal choice for anyone seeking to learn Mandarin and immerse themselves in China's incredible culture.

I wholeheartedly recommend this program to language enthusiasts, travelers, and anyone with a thirst for knowledge and adventure. It's an unforgettable journey into the heart of China that will leave you with cherished memories and lifelong language skills.

I came to CLI after 4 months of living in China knowing only simple phrases and basic reading. Thanks to the great, down-to-earth teachers, the good environment at the center where I stayed, and the friends I made, my language level and confidence skyrocketed after 6 weeks. I can hold short conversations, write, and read a good chunk of what I see daily. CLI is a great option for people who are serious about learning and want to put in the work while also having fun. I hope to see even more younger students and large groups there in the future, Guilin is a top notch place to spend a summer break learning.

Teachers are super friendly and classes are engaging. Went to my teachers house for tea, and went out to eat with them as well. They truly become your friends.

My homestay was super comfortable. Food was fresh, local and homemade. At the end of every day, I could practice speaking with my host - using the new vocabulary and grammar I learned at that day. My host showed me around the city, brought me to her social dances and to meet her friends and even when to a birthday party. I met so many new Chinese students. Life in Guilin is slow and peaceful. The locals here are very friendly too.

This has to be the best value for money course in china. First, the one-on-one instruction makes a huge difference as to the speed to which you can assimilate the language. My teachers (Penny, Nini and Lisa) were always super patient and took time to explain new words and grammar points, in a way that wouldn’t have been possible in a regular classroom. Everything in CLI is made for immersion: all the teachers and interns make a concerted effort to speak to you in chinese. Finally, i felt like i was really a part of a community. Living among everyone, sharing lunch, going together on activities (which by the way bring you to unforgettable places around guilin) made for true friendships to blossom. I don’t exaggerate when i say that i will always remember my time at CLI. If i can, i would definitely come back for a month or longer

Guilin is a wonderful place to study Chinese as it is local, slow-paced and extremely friendly.
CLI was recommended to me by a friend, and my Chinese learning properly began here after trying to find classes elsewhere but nothing quite working.
I've been to CLI 3 times now and I love it every time ~ there are a lot of activities to engage in if it's your first time in China, a host of friendly peers and staff and freedom to explore the surroundings.
Since being at CLI I kept my lessons online with one of the teachers as I enjoyed our lessons so much! I would now consider us friends as well as student/teacher.
I highly recommend CLI