Back for the second time

This was my second time studying at the Chinese Language Institute (CLI) in Guilin. My first experience was a one-month program in June/July 2023, and this time, I stayed for six weeks. I fell in love with Guilin and CLI’s immersive approach to learning Chinese.

At CLI, students are paired with three different teachers from Monday to Friday, and the program emphasizes full immersion, meaning very little (if any) English is spoken. The goal is to accelerate speaking and listening comprehension. Each class session lasts two hours, and the structure ensures well-rounded progress in different language skills.

My daily routine included a comprehensive class where I studied the HSK 5A textbook with a teacher I’ve been working with for two years (I also take online lessons with her). Over six weeks, we covered six chapters, reinforcing grammar, vocabulary, and sentence structures.

Three times a week, I had a listening and speaking class with an excellent teacher. Unlike the structured HSK lessons, these sessions were more spontaneous. A simple comment I made could turn into an in-depth discussion, and new vocabulary was reinforced through fun oral quizzes in later classes. This interactive style helped me think quickly in Chinese and improved my conversational fluency.

Twice a week, I met with a reading teacher who tailored lessons to my interests. Since I wanted to learn about China’s electric car industry, she provided relevant articles with vocabulary and grammar explanations. We also read diverse materials, including an ancient poem, texts about the Dragon Boat Festival, and modern wedding customs. In my final session, I read from an advanced reader from the Princeton Language Program. Though challenging, I recognized many words—proof of how much I had learned across all my classes.

CLI’s immersive environment pushed me to think and communicate in Chinese constantly. The combination of structured textbook learning, spontaneous speaking practice, and personalized reading materials made my progress faster and more engaging than traditional classroom settings.

Guilin’s beautiful scenery and welcoming atmosphere made the experience even more enjoyable. Between classes, I explored the city’s rivers and mountains, practicing Chinese with locals. CLI’s program not only strengthened my language skills but also deepened my appreciation for Chinese culture.

This second trip confirmed how effective CLI’s immersion method is. I plan to return for further study, as each visit brings noticeable improvement. For anyone serious about learning Chinese, CLI in Guilin is an ideal choice.