Small town environment, world class instruction

I had never been to China before joining CLI. For me, it was difficult to adjust to China and Guilin in my first month. Although I had studied Mandarin for 6 years, I could not understand people's speaking. I did not know the social norms, and it felt like every restaurant had their own unique procedures. It was a gradual adjustment.

Fortunately, after one month, I felt comfortable, and I started to have fun with other students. After two months, I felt comfortable with the language, and I felt like I could handle any situation. After three months, at the end of my program, I had formed many meaningful connections with students and teachers, and I was very sad to leave.

Through 4 hours of class per day, my Chinese level improved dramatically. The teachers understand how to simplify sentences to your level of vocabulary, but they keep you talking and practicing until you're exhausted. Guilin forces you to use Chinese. People only speak Chinese, and they expect you to speak Chinese. After my program in Guilin, I traveled to Beijing and Shanghai, and I was disappointed to find that many people spoke English, so I felt a little uncomfortable practicing my Chinese with them. In Guilin, the environment is 100% Chinese. It's difficult, but it's a good learning environment.

If you want to focus on improving your Chinese, CLI is an amazing school. The city of Guilin does not have many Western comforts, but it's beautiful, safe, and comfortable. I'm happy I went to CLI, and I'd recommend it to other students with similar goals.