The CLI Story
CLI was founded by two American brothers who have lived, worked and studied in China for a combined 15 years. After recognizing China's growing importance in the world, they brought together their talents to offer students worldwide a uniquely focused path toward learning the Mandarin language.

With highly personalized service and a carefully developed language learning environment at its core, CLI strives to be the premier intensive Mandarin program in China.

Since its inception, CLI has hosted hundreds of students from over 25 countries and several of the world’s top universities, including Harvard, Yale, Oxford and Columbia. CLI has been featured in The Washington Post, the interactive e-book Go Global! and educational journals across the country, and now occupies its own 5-story learning center in the beautiful southern city of Guilin. In 2012, Frommer's travel guide recommended CLI as one of the top Mandarin programs in China.

CLI's most valued asset is perhaps its community of local and international educators. When applying to CLI, you'll first meet Nancy, a world traveler who truly knows what it's like to prepare others for their adventure abroad. She first did so in 2001 when her oldest son, CLI's co-founder, embarked on a life-changing journey to southern China, and did so again in 2004 when her third son, CLI's other co-founder, ventured to China as well.

CLI is a true family effort, and the community we've built in Guilin is here to offer you the best possible path to Mandarin fluency. From all of us at CLI, we warmly welcome you to discover Chinese language and culture with the Chinese Language Institute!