This is the ONLY way to learn!

CLI attracted me because of its flexibility (start whenever you want, for however long you want), but now that the program is over, I truly understand why every aspect of this program is optimal for learning Chinese. It all sounds too good to be true, I know, but trust me -- this is the right program.

First of all, the flexibility and scheduling IS fantastic: I recommend trying to go for at least 8 weeks if you're a beginner! You want to make sure you're giving yourself enough time to actually learn & absorb, as well as participate in the evening & weekend activities.

Second of all, the one-on-one tutoring is absolutely STELLAR. Completely irreplaceable. I'll never try to learn a language in a big traditional classroom setting again. It's hard, because you can't just hide in the back of the class if you forgot some vocabulary or don't understand the grammar -- but that's exactly why it's so effective. Can you imagine any method that would teach you Chinese better than speaking Chinese one-on-one for HOURS every day with your teachers? I sure can't!

One thing I didn't expect was how absolutely patient, kind-hearted, and generally amazing the teachers & staff all are. Every now and then a teacher-student pairing won't be ideal (in which case you can easily talk to the staff and work out a schedule with a different teacher) but a vast majority of the students absolutely adore every one of their teachers -- myself included! My experience would have been nothing without the wonderful teachers & staff at CLI.

Lastly, I just have some advice. When you pursue this program (because of course you should!), make sure to use your time wisely. Speak Chinese outside the classroom as much as possible. Speak with other students, with the interns, with other teachers, with shopkeepers, with locals -- speak all the time! This is the one mistake I see many students making -- defaulting back to English when they're not in the classroom.

Good luck! I promise you won't regret it if you choose to take this adventure. It will change your life to become a member of the CLI family! :)