Fantastic and inspiring learning experience

I had the most incredible time at CLI. It's an amazing community of learners and explorers across many countries, backgrounds, and ages. I so enjoyed learning alongside folks from ages 16 to 60+; it made for a dynamic community and so many interesting conversations. CI has really developed something special in its community; the teachers, interns, and other staff are kind, helpful, fun, an deeply invested in your success. If you push yourself to fully integrate into the program and truly take advantage of all the many in-language cultural opportunities they offer, your growth will be exponential. By the time I left, I felt I had developed true and deep friendships with the Chinese faculty and my homestay parents. Throughout my time, I participated in classes on Chinese traditional watercolor painting, paper cutting, cooking, tea, and more, and I went on two of the overnight weekend trips. The trips were an incredible way to bond with other students and the participating staff, and also to experience some beautiful and oftentimes more remote areas that you might not know how to find on your own. I highly recommend participating in as many activities as possible - they'll only enhance your stay.

I can't speak highly enough of my teachers - they were inspirational in their dedication to me and their dedication to the craft of teaching Chinese. I encourage you to take every opportunity to get to know your teachers outside of class - I made baozi, went out for meals, and shared personal stories and ideas with my teachers, and it was one of the most special parts of my time in Guilin.

I also feel that my Chinese skills grew tremendously. If you push yourself to stay in language as much as possible, you'll find that there are endless opportunities to grow; every encounter and every meal can become another opportunity to learn something new.

Can't recommend CLI highly enough - if you have the chance, go! You'll love it.