Chinese Immersion,One-on-One

Chinese Language Institute · Est. 2009 · Guilin, ChinaChinese Language Institute · Est. 2009 Chinese Immersion,One-on-One Learn Chinese with CLI through one-on-one lessons, daily immersion, and personalized support in Guilin. Start any Monday of the year. Apply Now Explore the Program 0:00 0:00 Explore Program Overview The Best Wayto Learn Chinese The combination of one-on-one instruction and complete immersion within a safe, supportive environment is among the most direct paths to learning Chinese. CLI’s one-on-one instruction gives you the time and space to ask questions, practice speaking Chinese, and actively use the new words and concepts you learn each day. With class content and teaching style tailored to your individual needs, your Chinese grows through focused lessons, daily review, and real-life practice. Begin any Monday of the year and immerse yourself in Chinese language and culture with CLI as your guide. Start Your Journey Why CLI What Sets Us Apart CLI turns Chinese study into a highly supported, lived experience in China. 01 Highly Individualized Support and Care From your first inquiry through your final day of coursework, CLI helps with the practical details that make immersion work: airport pickup, housing support, orientation, an introduction to Guilin, learning guidance, and 24-hour assistance when needed. 02 Your Own Qualified Teaching Team Each Immersion Program student studies with three unique Mandarin instructors. Your 20 weekly hours are divided according to your individual learning needs, with teachers coordinating across reading and writing, listening and speaking, and daily review. 03 China's Best Immersion City: Guilin CLI's founders intentionally chose Guilin after extensive travels through China and sub-par Chinese study experiences elsewhere. Guilin offers the ideal balance between city life and local charm. People here take their time, are friendly and welcoming, and are enthusiastic language partners. 04 A Warm, Student-First Environment CLI's team is always on hand to answer questions and enrich your experience, helping make the transition to intensive Chinese study as smooth as possible. Our goal is to foster a highly effective learning environment in which students are engaged academically and supported each step of the way. 05 Established Roots CLI's Guilin roots date to 2001, when co-founder Bradford first came here to study at Guangxi Normal University. Since our founding in 2009, CLI continues to combine established local expertise with a close-knit learning environment where students, teachers, pengyous, and team members alike create community and enable individual progress. Since 2009 · Guilin, China Trusted by students from 50+ countries and 400+ institutions worldwide 4.96/5 GoOverseas 5,000+ Students 50+ Countries 400+ Institutions Represented 17+ Years Running Join 5,000+ CLI alumni 1 / 10 Curriculum The CLI Method CLI's Immersion Program integrates all aspects of Chinese — reading, writing, speaking, grammar, listening, pronunciation, and vocabulary — into a completely unique learning experience. Under the careful guidance of your three one-on-one Mandarin instructors, daily learning objectives are pursued and, once achieved, reinforced through structured review, repeated real-life use, and an organized system of assessment. Daily ProgressNew vocabulary, grammar, pronunciation, and cultural concepts are introduced, reviewed, and revisited through in-class modules, questions, games, assignments, and organic interactions, helping validate your progress every day. Formal EvaluationsImmersion Program students receive regular Chinese language assessments to track measurable progress. These evaluations, together with structured review and repeated real-life use, help reinforce what you learn and support long-term retention. Language Pledge OptionOpt in at any time by wearing your CLI wristband — you commit to speaking only Chinese, and CLI's team responds in kind. Remove it to opt out. Small Group OptionWhile one-on-one is the primary mode, small group classes (3–5 students) can be arranged when enrollment, levels, and preferences align. Contact CLI to discuss more. Student Perspective See the CLI effect. Watch Stephanie's testimonial for a firsthand look (and listen!) at the progress CLI students make through one-on-one Chinese in Guilin. Stephanie Najjar · CLI Immersion Program Student For a deeper look at how lessons are structured, how your three instructors coordinate, and how CLI adapts coursework to your level and goals, explore our full curriculum guide. Explore Our Curriculum Swipe or scroll to explore → A Day at CLI Daily Life in Guilin A typical weekday at CLI is built around four hours of one-on-one Chinese class, with plenty of time for self-study, exploration, and Mandarin practice throughout Guilin. 8:20 AMMorning Classes or Self-StudyDepending on your class schedule, your morning may include two one-on-one class sessions or unstructured time complete with homework review, errands, or everyday Mandarin practice around the city. 12:30 PMLunch and Midday ReviewTake time to rest, review new material, and build Chinese into ordinary routines, from ordering lunch to speaking with teachers, classmates, and local friends. 2:00 PMAfternoon Classes or City PracticeIf your classes are scheduled in the afternoon, this is when you meet with your teachers. If not, we encourage students to use this time for homework, language exchange, markets, cafés, parks, and neighborhood exploration. EveningDinner, Review and CommunityEvenings are usually lighter, giving you time for dinner, focused review, informal language practice, movie nights, calligraphy, or relaxed activities at CLI and around Guilin. WeekendFull-Day Excursions and Independent TravelLarger outings, including Li River trips, hiking in Longsheng or Yangshuo, and regional travel, are typically reserved for weekends or holidays. Class times vary by student The schedule above is a sample weekday rather than a fixed timetable. CLI runs four daily class sessions: 8:20 to 10:20 AM, 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM, 2:00 to 4:00 PM, and 4:10 to 6:10 PM. Immersion Program students are scheduled for two of these sessions, providing four total hours of one-on-one class each day. Beyond the Classroom Activities &Travel Excursions In addition to four daily hours of instruction, CLI organizes weekly activities and monthly excursions designed to immerse students deeply into Chinese language and culture. Join fellow CLI students and team members for bamboo boat rides down the Li River, hikes up Guilin's breathtaking karst mountains, photography excursions to the Longji Rice Terraces, cooking lessons with Chinese chefs, tea house visits, and more. CLI also provides free travel arrangement assistance — ticket purchasing, safety tips, itineraries, and lodging recommendations — to students who wish to explore China's diverse cities and provinces on weekends and breaks. Continue exploring: Li River Boat RidesRice Terrace HikesCalligraphy ClassTea CeremoniesMifen TastingsTai ChiLantern MakingChinese GamesYangshuo Weekend TripFestival Celebrations 35 Photos 1 / 35 In Their Own Words What Students Are Saying 4.96/5 120+ reviews on GoOverseas ★★★★★ Jul 9, 2025 An incredible place to learn language and culture My time at CLI was truly life-changing. I learned Chinese far faster than I thought I possibly could. In my short 3 weeks here, I made more progress than I had in the past 9 months. I went from barely being able to order food to being able to hold (basic) conversations with friends and strangers, and I now feel very confident saying that I speak Chinese. Eli, 26 United States · 3 weeks · 68 found this helpful Yes, I recommend ★★★★★ Mar 18, 2019 Best Experience! Everyone (teachers, staff, and fellow students) were all so kind to me and always there to support each other. I feel like I was really able to get an insight of what China is like by being at CLI. All of the teachers are one of a kind and I wouldn't have been able to improve my Chinese as much as I did without them. CLI is the absolute best! ZhouLin, 26 China · 127 found this helpful Yes, I recommend ★★★★★ Jul 17, 2024 1 year program at CLI The single best thing about CLI is that they prioritize flexibility above all else. If you want a hyper specific program, be it 4 hours a day, 8 hours a day, you want to only learn to speak, or you want to use traditional characters they can do everything. I was getting so much immersion I honestly felt exhausted and my brain hurt from how much I learned in a day. I went from beginning HSK 1 to starting HSK 5 from August to January. Maxim, 25 Russia · 1 year · 132 found this helpful Yes, I recommend ★★★★★ May 6, 2026 4 Weeks at CLI in Guilin - an incredible experience I'd studied Chinese online for a few years, very slowly, but the four weeks I spent at the CLI in Guilin were an amazing boost to my progress, and a wonderful experience! My Chinese improved dramatically over the four weeks I studied with them. After a couple weeks, I was having slow conversations with taxi drivers, long chats with people in shops, and waking up thinking in Chinese! I'm very glad I went, and would go again in a heartbeat. Highly recommend. Erin United Kingdom · 4 weeks · 18 found this helpful Yes, I recommend ★★★★★ Apr 2, 2026 2 Weeks at CLI I had the opportunity to visit CLI in March of 2026. The program was worth every penny. My three professors catered my learning to what suited me best and helped me fix grammatical mistakes I had been struggling with for years. The daily 4 hours of class helped me rapidly improve and within 2 weeks I finished HSK2 and got nearly half way through HSK 3. Guilin is also a great place for learning Chinese. There are rarely English translations and most people only speak Chinese or the local dialect so it forces you to use what you are learning. Jasmine, 22 United States · 2 weeks · 63 found this helpful Yes, I recommend ★★★★★ Oct 15, 2025 Best 2 weeks during my exchange I was studying in Hong Kong for an exchange semester of my master’s degree. With a friend we decided to visit Guilin for a couple of days. He had done a 6 week course at CLI before, so after hearing his experiences and a quick visit at the school, I spontaneously decided to extend my stay in Guilin for two weeks and have an intensive learning experience. From day one you are fully immersed in learning, meeting friends, and of course, enjoying the amazing Guilin cuisine. I will come again as soon as possible! Sebastien, 23 Germany · 118 found this helpful Yes, I recommend ★★★★★ Jan 10, 2026 This is what you are looking for CLI is a great place to build a personalized program to get exactly what you are looking for from immersive Chinese study. My goal was to learn as much Chinese as possible in the time I had. For that purpose, I found the one-on-one instruction incredibly effective at improving my Chinese as efficiently as possible. I have studied many languages in university classes, in group classes outside of university settings, and one-on-one with private tutors, and I have never made so much progress so quickly. Elizabeth, 34 Canada · 110 found this helpful Yes, I recommend ★★★★★ Nov 30, 2025 Great immersive language experience I spent two weeks at CLI in October and honestly, I was surprised at how much my Chinese improved in such a short time (I am roughly at the HSK 3 level). They made sure I kept working on the areas that were tougher for me and they clearly communicated amongst themselves outside of class to make it a coherent approach. Outside of class, the activities were a highlight: from trying local food to exploring cultural traditions and even joining in some sports, it all made the experience way more immersive. It wasn't just about studying—it felt like living the language. Diana, 37 2 weeks · 113 found this helpful Yes, I recommend ★★★★★ Nov 29, 2025 An Unforgettable Summer I came to CLI for a total of 3 months during the summer, and I had an amazing experience that not only helped rapidly improve my Chinese, but also gave me the opportunity to meet many new friends. Thanks to my amazing teachers and the immersive experience overall, by the time I left, I was speaking Chinese at a much faster, natural speed. It helped improve my Chinese a lot by also regularly chatting to the interns, who were very friendly and willing to help us with anything or just to hang out. I made a lot of friends with fellow students as well, regularly going out with them to explore the city. Sarah, 24 3 months · 112 found this helpful Yes, I recommend ★★★★★ Jun 8, 2024 Small town environment, world class instruction 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. In Guilin, the environment is 100% Chinese. Kyle, 31 United States · 97 found this helpful Yes, I recommend ★★★★★ May 20, 2026 Amazing experience My six-weeks at CLI surpassed my expectations. The level of instruction is truly top tier; my teachers were incredibly patient, kind, deeply knowledgeable about Chinese language, and most importantly very skilled at teaching it. The one-on-one classes was a jolt of energy to my language study, and propelled me and entire HSK level in a month and a half. The accommodations are spacious, clean, and newly updated. I highly, highly recommend CLI as an amazing learning and life experience for anyone who is trying to learn Mandarin. JD, 32 United States · 6 weeks Yes, I recommend ★★★★★ Oct 22, 2018 CLI - An Absolutely Awesome Place The most important thing about CLI is the people. The Teachers are amazing. When CLI says the Class is one on one, it is indeed one on one. The teachers are looking for your strength and your interest and teaching in an absolutely contextual manner. Most places "talk" about being a community, CLI is a place that is actually one. People enfold you with love and generosity. Administrative staff are so responsive and approachable and the interns, oh the ever serving, ever willing, ever helpful interns! Oluwasayo, 64 Nigeria · 129 found this helpful Yes, I recommend ★★★★★ Oct 11, 2025 If you're looking at this review, just go! CLI is an amazing place, as proven by my experience and the fact that, during my stay, I think I met as many second, third, fourth, and nth-time visitors as I did first-timers like myself. After six weeks at CLI, I could have a small conversation with a person on the street and could explain preferences at stores/restaurants. I consider that a huge improvement. I plan to go back at least annually. Nick, 31 United States · 6 weeks · Homestay · 111 found this helpful Yes, I recommend ★★★★★ Jun 17, 2025 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. 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. Dave, 66 United States · 6 weeks · 2nd visit · 57 found this helpful Yes, I recommend ★★★★★ Mar 31, 2026 Exceptional 4-Week Immersion: World-Class Teaching and Unmatched Support Traveling to China for a month-long language immersion is a significant commitment, but the team at the Chinese Language Institute (CLI) in Guilin makes the entire experience effortless and incredibly rewarding. CLI's professionalism completely removes any travel anxiety. The core of the CLI experience is the caliber of the educators. CLI has cultivated an environment where you feel completely safe, fully supported, and inspired to learn. Harry United Kingdom · 4 weeks · 57 found this helpful Yes, I recommend ★★★★★ Nov 12, 2019 5th time to CLI This was my 5th time at CLI! As the classes are all 1 on 1, your teachers can really work with you and find out what your goals are and which teaching methods seem to work best when having class with you. Guilin is an ideal place to learn and practice your language skills. As you can tell, I highly recommend CLI! Scott 5th visit · 189 found this helpful Yes, I recommend ★★★★★ Jul 10, 2025 I couldn't recommend CLI more! I spent 8 weeks at CLI and it was an incredible experience for many different reasons. My primary motivation for going to CLI was to improve my Mandarin, and the speed of my improvement was exponential, all 3 of my teachers were excellent and also such lovely, interesting people as well. CLI has created a great community of students from around the world, Chinese interns and teachers, which I was also very grateful to be a part of during my time in Guilin. If you're considering going to CLI I could not recommend it more highly. Christopher 8 weeks · 67 found this helpful Yes, I recommend ★★★★★ Jul 27, 2023 Gorgeous Guilin is a great choice! Guilin is a wonderful place to study Chinese as it is local, slow-paced and extremely friendly. I've been to CLI 3 times now and every time I return my Chinese gets better and better. My listening and speaking improved dramatically over the course of the programme. Michelle, 42 United Kingdom · 128 found this helpful Yes, I recommend ★★★★★ Dec 16, 2019 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. The one-on-one tutoring is absolutely stellar. Completely irreplaceable. I promise you won't regret it if you choose to take this adventure. Ronnie, 36 United States · 189 found this helpful Yes, I recommend ★★★★★ Jun 20, 2024 One of the best experiences of my life CLI is the best combination of immersive Mandarin learning while experiencing day to day life in China. Living in Guilin, a small city in Guangxi province, you are able to truly focus on your studies while gaining an authentic experience of Chinese culture. Truly an unforgettable experience in one of the most beautiful parts of China. Henri, 22 United Kingdom · 124 found this helpful Yes, I recommend ★★★★★ Jul 19, 2019 Privilege to be around common minds There's a profound & rare opportunity to be amongst like-minded people who are committed to this language. You share chats about approaches to hanyu, gain ideas, see people's paths, and understand their fascination and commitment. Most people I spoke with achieved a sense of consolidation of all the random bits of Chinese we had been studying over the years. This place, be it the charming guesthouse next door or the neighbourhood, is the most conducive to coalescing your whole historical relationship with the language. Fox (Matthew), 47 Canada · 146 found this helpful Yes, I recommend 1 of 21 featured reviews Read all 120+ reviews on GoOverseas What's Included Included in Tuition From your pre-departure to-do list through your final day of coursework, CLI provides the academic, practical, and personal support that helps make your time in Guilin smooth, focused, and effective. 20 weekly hours of Chinese The core of the Immersion Program is 20 weekly hours of one-on-one intensive Mandarin training with three unique CLI teachers. Comprehensive orientation CLI's orientation introduces you to your new living and learning environment, including a welcome meal, a Guilin tour, and practical guidance for making the most of your studies. Preview the CLI Orientation Deck. Airport pickup & drop-off Your tuition includes airport pickup and drop-off. A CLI team member will meet you upon arrival and help make your transition to Guilin as smooth as possible. Housing accommodations The cost of rent is fully covered by your program tuition. Choose from a private room at CLI, homestay, private apartment, or apartment with Chinese housemates, depending on program length and availability. Accommodations are available from 3:00 PM on the Saturday before your program starts until 11:00 AM on the Saturday after your program ends. Weekly activities & excursions CLI organizes weekly activities and monthly travel excursions designed to immerse students deeply into Chinese language and culture. Some activities are included in tuition; when an optional activity requires a ticket, entrance fee, or venue cost, students simply pay the direct cost charged by the provider. Visa assistance For students who need a Chinese student visa, CLI provides guidance through the X2 student visa process. Review our Pre-Departure To-Do List and X2 visa application guide for details. We encourage you to get started early to ensure adequate time to receive your official invitation letter from Guilin. 24/7 emergency support The CLI team is available around the clock to help with issues big and small. While the majority of our team is based full-time in Guilin, we also have full-time team members in London, New York, Madrid, and Taipei as well, providing 24/7 coverage. Pengyou Program Students who opt in are matched with a student from CLI’s local partner university for regular language exchange, cultural connection, and additional Chinese practice. Your péngyou (朋友; friend) is available three hours per week to assist you with your Chinese language study, review class material, and practice spoken Chinese. CLI Language Pledge wristband The optional CLI Language Pledge helps you create more Chinese-only time in daily life. Wear the wristband when you want to opt in, and remove it whenever you need to opt out. See the bracelet. Apply Now CLI Language Pledge wristband Housing Options Your Home in Guilin Choose the living arrangement that fits your learning style. All tuition options include rent, WiFi, heating, A/C, and weekly cleaning. Browse Photos CLI Center Private Room at CLI Live steps away from classes in CLI's newly renovated 5-story learning center. A perfect mix of privacy and community. Steps from class in a close-knit learning community Built-in immersion with teachers and classmates Modern private room with Western amenities Any Duration On-site Community Browse Photos Family Living Homestay Live with a local Guilin family and practice your Chinese in a home setting. Join family dinners and weekend outings. Live daily life with a welcoming Guilin family Home-cooked dinners & meaningful cultural exchange Private bedroom with comfortable amenities Any Duration Family Living Deep Immersion Browse Photos Independent Living Private Apartment Enjoy your own fully furnished apartment in Guilin with extra privacy and space. Ideal for independent learners staying longer-term. One- to three-bedroom furnished apartments Includes kitchen basics, washer, fridge, and more A quiet, comfortable home base after class 6+ Months Independent Furnished Browse Photos Shared Apartment Apartment with Chinese Housemates Share an apartment with local GXNU students and keep your Chinese going after class. A strong fit for learners who want daily practice at home. Private bedroom in a Western-style shared apartment Natural Chinese conversation built into daily life Fast-track immersion with local student housemates 6+ Months 24/7 Chinese Fluency Boost 1 / 1 Dates & Fees Start any Monday. Stay as long as you like. Admissions are rolling. Build your estimate below, pick one of our most popular plans, or toggle to the full tuition table. Program Selector Full Tuition Table Program Length 8 Weeks 2 weeks 1 year Housing Option Private Room at CLI In the learning center Homestay With a local family Private Apartment 6+ months only Chinese Housemates 6+ months only Estimated Tuition USD$5,590 $699 per week · 8 weeks This housing option requires a minimum 6-month program. Everything Included 20 hours/week one-on-one Mandarin Housing + utilities Airport pickup & drop-off Orientation + Guilin tour Some weekly activities 24/7 support & visa help Start Your Application Ask aQuestion You'll confirm your preferred duration, housing, start date, and other details in the application. Short-Term · 4 Weeks Chinese Essentials Best for students looking for focused Chinese language gains and travelers who want to experience China in a deeper, more meaningful way. $2,870 USD ≈ $718/week · Private room at CLI 80 hours of one-on-one class Comprehensive pre-departure support Private accommodations Noticeable fluency gains Formal assessments Some weekly activities Start Application Most Popular Medium-Term · 8 Weeks Deeper Progress Best for language learners aiming to make serious progress toward conversational fluency. $5,590 USD ≈ $699/week · Private room at CLI 160 hours of one-on-one class Medium-term structure with long-term momentum Comprehensive pre-departure support Private accommodations Noticeable fluency gains Formal assessments Some weekly activities Start Application Long-Term · 1 Year One-year Immersion Best for students and future China specialists seeking working-level or highly advanced proficiency. $26,870 USD ≈ $515/week · Private room at CLI 1,040+ hours of one-on-one class Comprehensive pre-departure support Apartment & roommate options HSK 5–9 level achievable Formal assessments Best value per week Start Application DurationPrivate Room at CLIHomestayPrivate Apt*Apt w/ Housemates* Short-Term Study 2 Weeks†$1,490$1,760—— 4 Weeks$2,870$3,440—— 6 Weeks$4,280$5,100—— 8 Weeks$5,590$6,650—— 10 Weeks$6,980$8,340—— 12 Weeks$8,375$9,985—— Long-Term Study 3 Months‡$8,840$10,520—— 4 Months$11,420$13,600—— 5 Months$13,860$16,490—— 6 Months$16,140$19,190$22,090$24,290 7 Months$18,250$21,710$24,980$27,470 8 Months$20,230$24,080$27,700$30,470 9 Months$22,090$26,270$30,230$33,250 10 Months$23,800$28,310$32,570$35,830 11 Months$25,400$30,230$34,760$38,240 1 Year$26,870$31,980$36,780$40,460 * Apartment options subject to availability and require a minimum 6-month program.† 1-week terms, plus odd-numbered terms from 3 to 11 weeks, are available via the CLI Application Form; tuition for odd-numbered terms from 3 to 11 weeks equals the average of the weeks immediately before and after.‡ On average, 4.35 weeks per month (e.g., CLI's 6-month program is 26 weeks). CLI Meal Plan: $20/week in advance, or 30 RMB per individual meal. Home-cooked Chinese lunch served Monday through Friday. Life in Guilin A More Natural Wayto Learn Chinese Guilin upholds China’s rich cultural traditions while enjoying all the comforts of modern life. Guilin, China · 中国桂林 The perfect city for Chinese immersion Guilin sits along the Li River in Guangxi, surrounded by the limestone peaks that have appeared in Chinese paintings and poetry for centuries. It is a full-fledged city, but it is compact, easy to get around, and more relaxed than Beijing or Shanghai. People tend to be approachable, and there is plenty going on without the city feeling overwhelming. For Chinese learners, Guilin has another big advantage: there is no large expat bubble, and English is not widely spoken. Mandarin quickly becomes part of your everyday routine. You use it to order lunch, ask for directions, shop at a market, or chat with someone in your neighborhood. Over time, these small exchanges make speaking Chinese feel normal. Guilin is also an easy place to settle in. It has reliable public transit, universities, restaurants, gyms, and the everyday conveniences of a modern Chinese city, while quieter neighborhoods and open countryside are never far away. The air and water are generally cleaner than in China’s largest cities, and living costs are much lower. Guilin shines as a place to learn Chinese. Discover Guilin More Than a Classroom The city itself is your most valuable study partner. Iconic Scenery Karst peaks, rivers, and sunsets that redefine daily life Street Food Culture Order in Mandarin, eat local History Everywhere Walk through centuries of Chinese culture Parks & Green Space Study outdoors after class Compact & Walkable Safe, navigable, stress-free city life Weekend Getaways Yangshuo, Longsheng, and the Li River are an hour away 桂林山水甲天下 Guìlín shānshuǐ jiǎ tiānxià "Guilin's mountains and rivers are the best under heaven" Pengyou Program Your ChineseLanguage Partner The Chinese word for friend — péngyǒu (朋友) — includes two moon characters (月) side by side. Through the passage of time, and with each moon, lasting friendships are built. CLI matches you with a student from our local partner university who speaks Mandarin. Your pengyou will share meals with you each week, join you for activities, and offer three hours of weekly language support — all at no additional tuition cost. This optional add-on is one of the most popular parts of the CLI experience. Simply indicate interest on your application form. Student Perspective Student Tour of CLI Watch a recent student walk through the CLI Center in Guilin, then open the English translation to follow along. Instagram Reel Student tour of CLI Gain a feel for life at CLI through a recent student's short Instagram tour. Click or tap 'Load Video' to view. Load video Watch on Instagram FAQCommon Questions When can I start?You can begin your Immersion Program on any Monday throughout the year and study for as little as one week or as long as a full year.Admissions are rolling, and accepted students typically receive an admissions decision within three weekdays. Summer programs and certain housing options can fill quickly, so we recommend applying early if your dates are fixed. What does a typical day at CLI look like?A typical weekday includes four hours of one-on-one Chinese lessons, usually divided between morning and afternoon class sessions. You'll study with three CLI teachers each week, and your lessons are customized around your level, goals, and learning style.Outside of class, students have time for self-study, meals, activities, exploring Guilin, and practicing Chinese in daily life. Weekends are generally free for independent travel, rest, or joining CLI excursions. Do I need to know Chinese before I arrive?CLI welcomes students of all levels, including complete beginners. Because the Immersion Program is built around one-on-one instruction, your teachers meet you exactly where you are.Beginners often focus first on pronunciation (see CLI's pinyin chart), survival phrases, listening comprehension, and practical daily communication. More advanced students often choose to focus on general fluency, reading, business Chinese, test preparation, classical Chinese, or other personalized goals. What is included in tuition?Tuition includes comprehensive pre-departure support, 20 weekly hours of one-on-one Chinese instruction, housing, airport or train station pickup and drop-off, orientation, some weekly activities, welcome and farewell dinners, and ongoing student support.Your tuition total depends on your program length and housing selection. International airfare, visa fees, personal spending, and optional meal plan costs are not included. Some special activities may also involve a ticket, entrance fee, or venue cost; when that happens, students pay the direct cost charged by the provider. What housing options are available?Students can choose from several housing options, depending on program length and availability. Options may include a private room at CLI, a homestay with a local family, a private apartment, or an apartment with Chinese housemates.A private room at CLI is the most convenient option because you'll live in the same building as your classes. Homestays are a strong choice for students who want additional Chinese practice and a deeper look into local family life. Apartment options offer more independence for longer stays. Do I need a visa?Visa requirements depend on your nationality, program length, and travel plans. Some students may be able to enter China visa-free for shorter programs, while others will need to apply for a Chinese student visa.For students who need a student visa, CLI provides guidance through the X2 visa process and prepares the required invitation materials after acceptance. We recommend beginning the visa process early, especially if your start date is approaching or if you are applying from outside your home country. What happens when I arrive in Guilin?Once you submit your arrival details, CLI will arrange pickup from Guilin Liangjiang International Airport or the Guilin train station. A CLI team member or driver will meet you and take you directly to your accommodation.Orientation is typically held on your first Monday and introduces you to the CLI Center, your teachers, your schedule, Guilin, and practical details for daily life in China. What happens during Chinese national holidays?CLI observes Chinese national holidays. If a holiday falls during your program and causes you to miss class time, you can make up the missed class days by adding days to the end of your program, taking make-up hours through CLI Online, or distributing extra class hours across your remaining weekdays.We'll help you choose the option that best fits your schedule. Is the meal plan required?CLI's meal plan is optional. Students who choose the meal plan can enjoy homestyle Chinese lunches at the CLI Center during the week. Students can add the meal plan in advance for $20/week, or pay 30 RMB per individual meal.Homestay students typically have some dinners with their host family. For other meals, Guilin has many affordable restaurants, cafés, noodle shops, and local markets within easy reach of CLI. Can CLI accommodate dietary needs?CLI can accommodate many dietary needs, including vegetarian, halal, and other common dietary requirements. You'll have a chance to share your dietary and medical information after acceptance so our team can prepare appropriately. Students with vegetarian diets may also find our Vegetarian in China guide helpful before arrival.If you have severe allergies or strict dietary restrictions, please be sure to complete our Dietary & Medical Form during enrollment and let us know early so we can discuss the best housing and meal plan options for your situation. Can I earn university credit for my time at CLI?Yes. Many students choose to obtain an official transcript from CLI's university affiliate, Guangxi Normal University, for coursework completed at CLI. If your university allows transfer credit or has a petition process for non-approved programs, CLI can provide documentation such as a certificate of completion, academic transcripts, syllabi, course descriptions, and credit-hour information.Students who need a formal transcript from a Chinese university should also review CLI's Study Abroad in China program.For a partial listing of universities from which CLI has hosted students since 2009, including universities that have accepted GXNU credits, see our 400+ institutions webpage. Is financial aid available?CLI offers a limited number of partial scholarships each year for eligible Immersion Program students. Awards are based on factors such as program length, housing choice, financial need, and academic merit.Students may also be able to apply for outside funding through scholarships, university grants, or study abroad funding programs. Useful places to start include Boren Awards, Gilman Scholarship, Gates Millennium, Rotary Foundation, FinAid.org, IEFA.org, and the FAFSA. We recommend exploring funding options early in your planning process. Begin Your China Journey The famous Chinese proverb claims that "Guilin's scenery is the most beautiful under heaven," and rightly so. CLI welcomes you to Guilin. Apply Now Contact Us 联系我们 Your Journey toChina Starts Here Have a question about our programs, daily life in Guilin, or how to get started? Our team responds within 48 hours — often much sooner. info@studycli.org +1 888-781-8383 WeChat: Scan QR Send Us a Message We'd love to hear from you. Fill out the form and we'll be in touch. Ready to apply? Start your application