Since its founding in March 2009, CLI has hosted hundreds of students representing a variety of ages, disciplines and nationalities. Enjoy the following sampling of testimonials!


Sanne Albers | Winter 2012-2013
University: University of Leiden 
Chinese Level (upon entry): Intermediate II
Program Dates: November 12 - December 21

“CLI has the perfect combination of good quality education, cool teachers, interesting activities, and great lunches! My stay in Guilin was very useful for improving my Chinese because opportunities to speak Chinese are everywhere. I had an unforgettable experience and would recommend it to anyone.”
- Sanne Albers


Mark Robinson | Winter 2012-2013
University: N/A 
Chinese Level (upon entry): Beginner I
Program Dates: January 7 - January 28

“In my opinion, the one-on-one training by highly qualified teachers is the strength of CLI. My instructors were smart, friendly, patient, and encouraging. The classroom time was the most important and useful aspect of the training. Everybody here was such a pleasure to work with. This has been one of my best vacations.”
- Mark Robinson


Laura McCaskill | Winter 2012 - 2013
University: Stetson Univeristy College of Law
Chinese Level (upon entry): Beginner I
Program Dates: November 26 - December 21

“The availbility of onsite housing, round the clock access to English and Chinese speaking staff, home-cooked lunches all help to make the stay in Guilin more convenient. The most useful aspect of CLI's immersion program is the use of three teachers. This structure allows the student to spend more time practicing and mastering all aspects of the Chinese language.”
- Laura McCaskill


Matthew Temple | Winter 2012 - 2013
University: University of Birmingham
Chinese Level (upon entry): Intermediate I
Program Dates: October 29 - January 25

“I really enjoyed my time here. I was suprised by the high quality of the living arrangements. The classes were intensive, but fun and very interesting. The teaching staff works well together, providing a smooth and seamless class atmosphere.”
- Matthew Temple


Thomas Unwin | Fall 2012
University: N/A
Chinese Level (upon entry): Beginner I
Program Dates: October 29 - November 23

“CLI's greatest strength is the learning environment that exists. The relaxed atmosphere and personal touch make it easy to want to study in your free time. CLI’s weekly activities were also great, as there was always someone to share a drink or dinner with. Using three teachers per student is fantastic as it increases the chances you will work out the style of learning that works best for you. I also felt completely comfortable in the knowledge that if I’d wanted to change a teacher, I could do so with no awkwardness.”
- Thomas Unwin


Melanie McKinney| Fall 2012
University: N/A
Chinese Level (upon entry): Beginner I
Program Dates: October 29 - November 23

"The personal detail in everything the staff does at CLI is one of its many strengths. The management team and teachers are always on hand to help with anything, even telling hairdressers not to cut too much hair off! We felt very at home. CLI really impressed us and we are so glad we found you online! The class structure and textbook worked really well together and being able to practice speaking was fantastic."
- Melanie McKinney 


Richard Potts | Fall 2012
University: University of Sydney 
Chinese Level (upon entry): Beginner II
Program Dates: October 22 - November 2

“CLI's greatest strength is the high quality and dedication of its staff. Teachers were always well prepared, flexible, and able to give clear instruction and answer any questions I had. The opportunity to have one-on-one instuction with several different teachers allowed for a level of attention and personal tailoring that would be difficult to find or very expensive at home.”
- Richard Potts


Bruce Fitzwater | Fall 2012
University: N/A
Chinese Level (upon entry): Beginner II
Program Dates: Augustr 27 - September 13

“The language environment, both inside and outside of the classroom, and the faculty at CLI significantly enhance the quality of the student's total experience. With highly qualified teachers and a great set of textbooks, it is easy to design a curriculum to meet anyone's needs.”
- Bruce Fitzwater


Sylvia Kunakom | Fall 2012
University: Bastyr University 
Chinese Level (upon entry): Beginner I
Program Dates: September 9 - September 21

“CLI is well aware of what foreign students experience when coming to Guilin. My stay here has been unbelievably easy despite the fact that I don't speak much English. Everyone at CLI is very accommodating, friendly and helpful. The selection of the homestay family was amazingly well done!”
- Sylvia Kunakom


Chris Lippard | Fall 2012
University: Oxford University
Chinese Level (upon entry): Intermediate I
Program Dates: September 10 - September 21

“CLI's greatest strength is the feeling of complete immersion through one-on-one lessons and social activities. The individual lessons meant that I was able to tailor the syllabus to exactly what I wanted to learn. I was able to use the Mandarin that I learned in class almost immediately after class due to CLI's proximity to Guilin's everyday life.”
- Chris Lippard


Jason Rogers | Fall 2012
University: College of William and Mary
Chinese Level (upon entry): Beginner I
Program Dates: August 20 - November 11

“Because the classes were one-on-one I was able to ask any specific question I wanted, without embarrassment. This helped me understand concepts the way I needed to understand them. The teaching method and community atmosphere made CLI feel like my home away from home.”
- Jason Rogers 
 

Trigg Ferrano | Summer 2012
University: Peace Corps
Chinese Level (upon entry): Beginner II
Program Dates: July 2 - July 13

“The small class sizes and energetic staff make CLI a great place to study Chinese. The most important thing was having class daily. It allowed me to practice immediately what I learned the day before.”
- Trigg Ferrano



Leslie Sheets | Summer 2012
University: Peace Corps
Chinese Level (upon entry): Beginner II
Program Dates: July 2 - July 13

“ CLI is very organized with great facilities and nice teachers. CLI added a lot to my Guilin experience, providing great support in studying Mandarin. I really enjoyed having three different teachers, each one focusing on a different particular language skill.”
- Leslie Sheets 


Claire Moynahan | Summer 2012
University: Peace Corps
Chinese Level (upon entry): Beginner II
Program Dates: July 2 - July 13

“ The comfortable environment that facilitates the "immersion" aspect of the experience is excellent. Staff was always available to give us tips about the city. The most useful aspect is CLI's location in Guilin, so learning can extend outside the classroom and into tangible, real world experiences.”
- Claire Moynahan


Mikko Helimo | Summer 2012
University: N/A
Chinese Level (upon entry): Beginner I
Program Dates: January 1 - July 1

“CLI has great teachers and staff. They were essential in helping me reach my language goals. The one-on-one teaching style allowed me to fully customize my classes according to my needs.”
- Mikko Helimo


John Paisley | Summer 2012
University: Duke University
Chinese Level (upon entry): Beginner I
Program Dates: July 28 - August 3

“The sense of community at CLI is very strong and there were many more opportunities to practice Chinese than in the four hours of class time per day.”
- John Paisley


Jason S. Campbell | Summer 2012
University: Virginia Tech
Chinese Level (upon entry): Beginner I
Program Dates: June 25 - July 20

“The one-on-one teaching of the language was by far the most important aspect of learning. By this I continually felt as though I was able to work at my personal pace and always had resources for furthering and enhancing my study.”
- Jason S. Campbell


Christianne Johnson | Summer 2012
University: University of Pennsylvania
Chinese Level (upon entry): Beginner I
Program Dates: July 2 - August 3

“CLI's teaching staff is comforting and caring. They are not only teachers, but friends who will take you around Guilin and help you get acclimated to the city. CLI's environment is conducive to learning because everyone is speaking Chinese, therefore making it easier to learn Mandarin.”
- Christianne Johnson


Matt Kao | Summer 2012
University: New York University
Chinese Level (upon entry): Beginner I
Program Dates: May 28 - July 20

“CLI's greatest strength is the friendliness and amazing level of helpfulness found in its staff toward all of the students. It made me feel extremely comfortable when speaking Chinese”
- Matt Kao


Olivia Ford | Summer 2012
University: Howard University 
Chinese Level (upon entry): Beginner I
Program Dates: May 28 - June 8

“CLI provides a calm, simple, no stress atmosphere. I love being able to learn at my own pace. CLI helped me feel like I had a personal experience.”
- Olivia Ford


Lisa Kender | Summer 2012
University: Dartmouth College
Chinese Level (upon entry): Beginner I
Program Dates: May 21 - August 3

“My teachers' knowledge of both English and Chinese and how the languages differ was very helpful. It is wonderful how the teachers interact with their students outside of the classroom as well. The group lunches and group outings added to a warm and family friendly atmosphere at the school that enabled us to practice speaking without being embarrassed. Everyone is welcomed and encouraged.”
- Lisa Kender


Anna Kender | Summer 2012
University: N/A
Chinese Level (upon entry): Beginner I
Program Dates: May 21 - August 3

“We enjoyed the flexibility of the program and the way the teachers made learning fun. The CLI community makes you feel like part of the family.”
- Anna Kender


Mike Kender | Summer 2012
University: Virginia Tech 
Chinese Level (upon entry): Beginner I
Program Dates: May 21 - August 3

“The fact that the teachers interact with the students outside of class gives us more opportunities to improve our Chinese skills. I enjoyed that CLI organized social and cultural activities to augment the learning process. The programís flexibility is very helpful, as I was able to slow down the pace and was also able to learn topics such as travel words, direction words, and extra food words that were not in our textbook.”
- Mike Kender


Katya Tetzlaff | Summer 2012
University: Virginia Tech Pamplin College of Business
Chinese Level (upon entry): Beginner I
Program Dates: May 20 - June 30

“CLI offers a great sense of community and friendship. This makes China less like a scary foreign land and more like a different family.”
- Katya Tetzlaff


Cort Rushton | Summer 2012
University: Virginia Tech Pamplin College of Business
Chinese Level (upon entry): Beginner I
Program Dates: May 20 - June 30

“In my opinion, CLI's greatest strength was the structure of the program. Having organized trips and visits to different places really helped us to see parts of the city we never would have seen otherwise.”
- Cort Rushton


William Elena | Summer 2012
University: Virginia Tech Pamplin College of Business
Chinese Level (upon entry): Beginner I
Program Dates: May 20 - June 30

“CLI's greatest strength is its connection to the community. Having at least one of the teachers around at almost all times has been great. I can practice my Chinese or ask questions if I have one about my class.”
- William Elena


Lauren Sands | Summer 2012
University: Virginia Tech
Chinese Level (upon entry): Beginner I
Program Dates: May 20 - June 30

“At CLI, each student gets precise individual attention and gets to know their teacher and classmates, as well as Chinese, in a way that is unknown in larger learning environments. The daily CLI lunches were a fun part of the day to practice Chinese phrases and get to know teachers, classmates, and guests from around the world."
- Lauren Sands


Amir Gnyawali | Summer 2012
University: N/A
Chinese Level (upon entry): Beginner I
Program Dates: May 20 - June 30

“CLI's environment as a whole is great. Thanks so much to the teachers for a wonderful experience!”
- Amir Gnyawali


Conor Hand | Spring 2012
University: Virginia Tech
Chinese Level (upon entry): Beginner I
Program Dates: Spring Semester 2012

“The close bond between staff and students is very important. Group lunches and dinners as well as events outside of the classroom are great ways to practice Chinese and experience life in and around Guilin.”
- Conor Hand


Daniel Gurevitch | Spring 2012
University: N/A 
Chinese Level (upon entry): Beginner I

“CLI takes into account your needs and concerns. The guides are always very helpful and informed. The trip we had was perfectly organized; everything was ready when we arrived, so we got to make the most out of the little time we spent here.”
- Daniel Gurevitch


Samantha Chen | Spring 2012
University: Flint Hill School 
Chinese Level (upon entry): Beginner I
Program Dates: March 17 - March 27

“CLI takes into account your needs and concerns. The guides are always very helpful and informed. The trip we had was perfectly organized; everything was ready when we arrived, so we got to make the most out of the little time we spent here.”
- Samantha Chen


Luke Kohli | Spring 2012
University: Flint Hill School
Chinese Level (upon entry): Beginner I
Program Dates: March 17 - March 27

“CLI offered an experience that I would not have had without CLI. It was great to have an organized schedule with leaders and tour guides such as Robbie, Terry, Rocky, and Tom.”
- Luke Kohli


Heather Keillor | Spring 2012
University: Flint Hill School 
Chinese Level (upon entry): Beginner I
Program Dates: March 17 - March 27

“We learned about the things we most cared and wanted to learn about.  Our guide was awesome, which allowed me to enjoy China a lot more because we didn't have a boring guide.”
- Heather Keillor


Alana Suter | Spring 2012
University: Flint Hill School 
Chinese Level (upon entry): Beginner I
Program Dates: March 17 - March 27

“Every activity was different and will be remembered forever. There was practically no waiting time for anything. The food would be immediately brought out at every restaurant; the transportation would be ready. There was never a moment of boredom, but just enough free time.”
- Alana Suter


Hooks Johnston IV | Spring 2012
University: Flint Hill School
Chinese Level (upon entry): Beginner I
Program Dates: March 17 - March 27

“The leadership and planning came together and led to a unique and amazing trip. CLI's leadership entertained us and had a massive positive impact on the trip. CLI has surpassed my expectations and made this a wonderful trip to China.”
- Hooks Johnston IV


G. Taylor Johnson | Spring 2012
University: Flint Hill School (faculty leader)
Chinese Level (upon entry): Beginner I
Program Dates: March 17 - March 27

“Our trip was very personalized service-itinerary tailored to our group. We were included in decision making and day to day options. Our goods were very personable and interested in us, which helped to create a great rapport.”
- G. Taylor Johnson


Grace Cleland | Spring 2012
University: Flint Hill School 
Chinese Level (upon entry): Beginner I
Program Dates: March 17 - March 27

“Traveling with CLI is perhaps one of the most unique and unforgettable experiences I have ever had. My trip was enriched so much by the vast array of experiences I had as a result of CLI's connections.”
- Grace Cleland


Angelica Young | Spring 2012
University: Flint Hill School
Chinese Level (upon entry): Beginner I
Program Dates: March 17 - March 27

“CLI gave us the opportunity to see things most tourists cannot see on their own. It is a really well run, organized program. The organization was great and well-timed which made it a lot more enjoyable.”
- Angelica Young


Zane Homsi | Spring 2012
University: Flint Hill School
Chinese Level (upon entry): Beginner I
Program Dates: March 17 - March 27

“CLI is unique because it structures the itinerary so that we see all the cities the way the local people do. This is the best vacation I have ever spent and I can't wait to come back.”
- Zane Homsi


Dr. Yan Xue | Spring 2012
University: Flint Hill School (faculty leader)
Chinese Level (upon entry): Native speaker
Program Dates: March 17 - March 27

“CLI provides excellent services that take its customers' needs into consideration. CLI understands both American and Chinese culture well, which helps them customize an itinerary that fits American student trips well. I have had a wonderful experience with CLI to organize our school trip since May, 2011. At the end of this trip, I have been completely convinced that CLI will be the only travel agency that FHS will work with in the future.”
- Dr. Yan Xue


Cory M. Donovan | Spring 2012
University: University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point
Chinese Level (upon entry): Beginner I
Program Dates: January 30 - June 22

“CLI's greatest strength is its language environment. There is always a person around to practice Chinese with. Not only does this aid in learning the language, but it also provides a nice support system for 'first timers' to Guilin like myself.”
- Cory M. Donovan


Evangeline Johnston | Winter 2011
University: The Evergreen State College
Chinese Level (upon entry): Beginner I
Program Dates: November 21 - February 10

“CLI provides a large supportive group of people with whom you can relate. My teachers were very friendly and we got to know each other well. All of them seemed to understand when I had difficulty and would stop to clarify things I did not understand clearly.”
- Evangeline Johnston


Jon Yu | Fall 2011
University: Virginia Tech, Geography
Chinese Level (upon entry): Beginner II
Program Dates: September 5 - December 16

“The amount of hours I spent in one-on-one classes was critical to improving my Chinese. Thinking and speaking Chinese in a one-on-one environment enabled me to practice confidently and to retain everything I learned.”
- Jon Yu


Benjamin White | Summer 2011
University: College of Menominee Nation, Biology and Nursing
Chinese Level (upon entry): Beginner I
Program Dates: July 16 - August 12

“CLI has a staff dedicated to providing the highest quality language learning experience. CLI's staff is great and offers excellent insights for the acquisition of language.”
- Ben White


Lea Simmons | Summer 2011
University: Howard University
Chinese Level (upon entry): Beginner I
Program Dates: July 16 - August 12

“CLI's teachers are always available, whether during or after class. This greatly improved my language training because I was able to learne outside of the classroom.”
- Lea Simmons


Tena Hunter | Summer 2011
University: Howard University
Chinese Level (upon entry): Beginner I
Program Dates: July 16 - August 12

“CLI does a great job of helping students with no travel experience learn in an unfamiliar setting, while still allowing those with travel experience the freedom to explore. Also, the accommodations were perfect!”
- Tena Hunter


Rhonda Davis | Summer 2011
University: Howard University
Chinese Level (upon entry): Beginner I
Program Dates: July 16 - August 12

“I would suggest that anyone who has the opportunity to come to CLI should take it! This is truly a wonderful place.”
- Rhonda Davis


Jessica Mack | Summer 2011
University: Howard University
Chinese Level (upon entry): Beginner I
Program Dates: July 16 - August 12

“The CLI teachers and the environment they create makes learning easy and fun. CLI added to the Guilin experience (and vice-versa) because the people were so willing to talk to us and help us improve our Mandarin.”
- Jessica Mack


Kandice Purdy | Summer 2011
University: Howard University
Chinese Level (upon entry): Beginner I
Program Dates: July 16 - August 12

“I think the living arrangements at CLI are the most important aspect of the program. In addition to sharing a home with many Chinese natives, living in Guilin gives students the opportunity to meet others and totally immerse themselves into the Chinese culture. CLI is definitely a special place.”
- Kandice Purdy


Tammy Holley | Summer 2011
University: Howard University
Chinese Level (upon entry): Beginner I
Program Dates: July 16 - August 12

“CLI's relaxed and supportive teaching staff truly understands how to work with first time Mandarin speakers. I learned a lot about China and Chinese culture because of them.”
- Tammy Holley


Brittany Autry | Summer 2011
University: Howard University
Chinese Level (upon entry): Beginner I
Program Dates: July 16 - August 12

“At CLI, teachers and students constantly interact and teachers are always readily available for assistance. This has been a great experience.”
- Brittany Autry


Dennis Marker | Summer 2011
Chinese Level (upon entry): Beginner I
Schedule: Immersion Program (July 4 - July 29)

“The one-on-one format with three separate teachers is brilliant! Between my 14-year-old son and myself we had six different teachers. Each was excellent.”
- Dennis Marker


Nick S. | Summer 2011
University: Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Masters of Business Adminstration
Chinese Level (upon entry): Beginner III
Program Dates: July 4 - August 12

“I learned a tremendous amount of Mandarin while I was at CLI. I'll definitely be back for more!”
- Nick S.


Kathy Arnold | Summer 2011
University: College of Wooster
Chinese Level (upon entry): Beginner II
Program Dates: June 13 - August 5

“CLI is not unique merely for its advantageous location, but also for its caring and professional staff, who make you feel at home while teaching a curriculum geared specifically toward the student. Studying in Guilin is truly something else; studying at CLI adds a beauty to the city that I doubt I will find anywhere else.”
- Kathy Arnold


Joel Smith | Summer 2011
University: University of Virginia, Psychology & Philosophy
Chinese Level (upon entry): Intermediate II
Program Dates: May 25 - June 28

“What makes the CLI experience truly priceless is the diversity of opportunity it affords its students. The combination of classes and simply living in China came together to form a total immersion experience.”
- Joel Smith


David Chang | Summer 2011
University: Virginia Western, Biochemistry
Chinese Level (upon entry): Intermediate I
Program Dates: May 25 - June 28

“While in groups, it is very difficult to give every person the amount of direct speaking, listening, and correction needed to learn any language beyond its most basic level.  There is no need to fear not speaking enough at CLI, as their classes place a lot of emphasis on speaking and listening.”
- David Chang


Alexandra | Summer 2011
University: Virginia Tech
Chinese Level (upon entry): Beginner I
Program Dates: May 20 - June 19

"CLI's location in Guilin creates a unique experience for Chinese learners. We're able to experience both rural and city life. Guilin is a city where you can easily go out and practice your Chinese. Also, my one-on-one teachers were able to tailor lessons to my specific needs which ultimately helped me reach my language goals."
- Alex 


Bryan | Summer 2011
University: Virginia Tech
Chinese Level (upon entry): Beginner I
Program Dates: May 20 - June 19

"One of the biggest things that makes CLI unique is the way all of the teachers seem like a family, and bring all of the students in and accept them regardless of language level. The teachers really care that we learn the language well."
- Bryan 


Joseph | Summer 2011
University: Virginia Tech
Chinese Level (upon entry): Beginner I
Program Dates: May 20 - June 19

"The individual attention I received through CLI helped me pinpoint my weaknesses and improve my Chinese proficiency as a result. Guilin is a great city that challenged me to utilize my lessons every day."
- Joe 


Craig | Summer 2011
University: Virginia Tech
Chinese Level (upon entry): Beginner I
Program Dates: May 20 - June 19

"I like that CLI is located in Guilin rather than a larger city because it forces you to use Chinese in daily experiences. I also like the diversity of CLI's teachers. They each brought their own unique perspectives of China."
- Craig 


Allison | Summer 2011
University: Virginia Tech
Chinese Level (upon entry): Beginner I
Program Dates: May 20 - June 19

"The way that CLI operates has got to be the best method to learn Chinese. One month in Guilin was more productive than an entire year of coursework in a normal college class."
- Allie 


William | Summer 2011
University: Virginia Tech
Chinese Level (upon entry): Beginner I
Program Dates: May 20 - June 19

"CLI's directors run the program very well. They really know how we learn best because they can relate; they have experienced the same process of learning."
- Bill 


Mai Lan | Summer 2011
University: Virginia Tech
Chinese Level (upon entry): Beginner I
Program Dates: May 20 - June 19

"CLI was unique in that it combined an immersion learning environment with unforgettable recreational activities. Being in Guilin promoted an immersion atmosphere that forced me to develop my own Chinese skills."
- Mai Lan 


Ashleigh | Summer 2011
University: Virginia Tech
Chinese Level (upon entry): Beginner I
Program Dates: May 20 - June 19

"CLI's teachers are more than instructors – they're lifelines, mentors, and friends. CLI expects and encourages success, which drives its students to surpass their own expectations. CLI provided me with a once in a lifetime experience that I will cherish forever."
- Ashleigh 


Joshua Lee | Spring 2011
University: Virginia Tech, International Studies
Chinese Level (upon entry): Intermediate I
Schedule:  College Study Abroad (Intensive)

"When eating lunch or when hanging out at CLI in between classes, I really felt like CLI was a family, one that keeps getting bigger. Of course the education was important, but more than that, the sense of community and friendship had a larger impact on me. The teachers were always willing to help me with anything outside the classrooms whether it was sending postcards, how to talk to the taxi driver, or going to buy things at a local store. I was also able to meet many people through the teachers and by the time I left CLI, I had become friends with many of their friends. This is the beauty of CLI. Relationship building while learning Chinese."
- Josh Lee


Gregory Wenham | Spring 2011
Chinese Level (upon entry): Beginner I
Schedule:  Immersion Program (Feb 22 - Mar 28)

"CLI’s teaching methods and the services they provide are world class. My overall training experience at CLI far exceeded my expectations and I would recommend anyone coming to China to learn more about this wonderful country through CLI."
- Greg Wenham


Lea Parizot | Spring 2011
University: High School Student
Chinese Level (upon entry): Beginner II
Schedule: Immersion Program (February 14 - June 10)

“CLI is like a big family that supports you with great effort from the moment you arrive. CLI’s staff members truly provide a world class education and make you feel at home through the warmth of their presence.”
- Lea Parizot


Zach Brown | Spring 2011
University: Arizona State University, Supply Chain Management
Chinese Level (upon entry): Beginner II
Program Dates: April 4 - June 24

“CLI's teachers are its most important asset. Each teacher has their own style, so having a mix helps me as the student to discover which methods I best respond to. The program is copmletely tairlored to my needs.”
- Zach Brown


Andreas Becker | Spring 2011
Chinese Level (upon entry): Beginner I
Schedule:  Immersion Program (Apr 4 - May 13)

"CLI is not only a language school; it is a huge family where everyone enjoys teaching and sharing time with each other.  Whatever need you have while studying, the entire staff will do whatever they can to help you."
- Andreas Becker


David Bennett | Winter 2010-2011
University: Virginia Tech, M.A. in Natural Resources
Chinese Level (upon entry): Beginner I
Schedule:  College Study Abroad (Intensive)

"Overall, I thought my tutors were excellent and was most pleased by the small nature of the program. CLI gives an excellent introduction to both Chinese language and culture, and now I feel better prepared for professional development in China."
- Dave Bennett


Matthew Dietrick | Academic Year 2010-2011
University: Syracuse University, B.A. double major in Finance and Accounting
Chinese Level (upon entry): Intermediate II
Schedule:  College Study Abroad (Intensive)

"The constant immersion is definitely the most important aspect of CLI's intensive Chinese program.  In Guilin, most of what I say during the course of the day is in Chinese.  This is much harder to do in bigger cities."
- Matt Dietrick


Mark Stanford | Fall 2010
University: Oxford University, M.A. in Social Anthropology
Chinese Level (upon entry): Intermediate I
Schedule:  Immersion Program (12-week)

"CLI is unique not only because of the individual instruction, but because of the care taken by of all the staff, which makes it a really personalised experience.  It's also unique because it feels like a warm group of friends rather than a sterile business or just a language school.  For me, having this social environment and having teachers who genuinely cared about teaching, combined with individual instruction, made it really useful."
- Mark Stanford


Marli Ruck | Fall 2010
University: Tufts University, B.A. double major in International Relations and Chinese
Chinese Level (upon entry): Intermediate II
Schedule:  College Study Abroad (Intensive)

"The CLI staff is not only made up of great teachers, but I also have found that they have become my friends. CLI was also very accessible via email and phone so I felt very comfortable calling regardless of my question."
- Marli Ruck


Adam Heasley | Fall 2010
University: Georgetown University, J.D. (Juris Doctor), Masters in Education
Chinese Level (upon entry): Intermediate II
Schedule:  College Study Abroad (Intensive)

"Through CLI I not only improved my Mandarin remarkably, but I made great friends and had the most fun travel experience of my life.  Enrolling in CLI was one of the best decisions I ever made.  I would recommend CLI to anyone."
- Adam Heasley


Nicholas Gacos | Summer 2010
University: Virginia Tech, B.A. in Communication Studies
Chinese Level (upon entry): Beginner I
Schedule:  Summer 2010 VT China Study Tour

"The educational value that I received from only three weeks was incredible.  To me, the most important aspect of CLI’s services was probably how open and readily available the instructors were at any given time."
- Nicholas Gacos


Sarah Shriver | Summer 2010
University: Virginia Tech, B.A. double major in Communication Studies and Political Science
Chinese Level (upon entry): Beginner
Schedule:  Summer 2010 VT China Study Tour

"CLI’s great planning was extremely important to my experience in China. Every day was fun and there was no logistical confusion. The knowledge provided by CLI made the experience the best it could be."
- Sarah Shriver


Rachel Lombardo | Summer 2010
University: Virginia Tech, B.A. in Communication Studies
Chinese Level (upon entry): Beginner
Schedule:  Summer 2010 VT China Study Tour

"I believe CLI is unique because it provides an insider’s view of China. It provides formal education while giving students an opportunity to informally learn about a different culture which is even more valuable. To me, the most important aspect of CLI’s services is its personality. The personnel are knowledgeable, professional and friendly."
- Rachel Lombardo


John Ralston | Summer 2010
University: Virginia Tech, B.A. in History
Chinese Level (upon entry): Upper Beginner
Schedule:  Summer 2010 VT China Study Tour

"I believe the strength of CLI is in the friendly atmosphere of its members. At no time was I worried about approaching a CLI member to address a problem or ask a question. I was well taken care of throughout my entire stay."
- John Ralston


James Eades | Summer 2010
University: Virginia Tech, B.A. double major in History and International Studies
Chinese Level (upon entry): Upper Beginner
Schedule:  Summer 2010 VT China Study Tour

"CLI was amazing in aiding us on our travels. The experience in Guilin was completely necessary to understanding China. CLI’s itinerary planning and personal connections were one of the most important aspects of their services."
- James Eades


Noel Marie van Aartijk | Summer 2010
University: Virginia Tech, B.A. in Communication
Chinese Level (upon entry): Beginner
Schedule:  Summer 2010 VT China Study Tour

"CLI was very accommodating to individual and group needs. The flexibility of CLI made the trip completely stress-free; everything from late night water deliveries to helping with small glitches in hotel rooms, I always was taken care of."
- Noel Marie van Aartrijk


Amy Xu | Summer 2010
University: Virginia Tech, B.A. in Consumer Studies w/ Minor in Business
Chinese Level (upon entry): Intermediate II
Schedule:  College Study Abroad (Intensive)

"The CLI teachers were not only great teachers, but great friends as well. I felt like I not only received an educational experience but also an insightful local experience. CLI is very accommodating -- from classes, an internship, to questions about traveling in China -- they made it happen."
- Amy Xu


Susan Feng | Summer 2010
University: Virginia Tech, B.A. in Economics w/ Minor in Computer Science
Chinese Level (upon entry): Advanced I
Schedule:  College Study Abroad (Intensive)

"What really helped for me were the one-on-one classes. The teachers were willing to cater to how each student learns best. Not only were they our teachers, but also our tour guides. Because of the one-on-one classes I was able to build a friendship with each individual teacher."
- Susan Feng


Rosima Molina Ras | Summer 2010
University: John Cabot University, B.A. in International Administration
Chinese Level (upon entry): Beginner I
Schedule:  College Study Abroad (Intensive)

"CLI feels like a family. The staff is very welcoming and they help you with everything they can. They definitely make the transition as smooth as possible."
- Rosima Molina Ras


Diana Padua | Spring 2010
University: Hawaii Pacific University, B.A. double major in Finance and Marketing, Minor Concentration in Economics
Chinese Level (upon entry): Beginner I
Schedule:  College Study Abroad (Intensive)

“CLI’s staff is focused on improving the student’s grasp of the Chinese language and Guilin’s charming environment is a prime place to not only learn how to speak Mandarin, but also to gain knowledge about the passion and culture of the Chinese people. My experiences with CLI are ones I will never forget.”
- Diana Padua


Dr. Ernesto Aravena | Spring 2010
University: University of Chile Medical School, M.D. w/ specialization in Gastrointestinal Surgery
Chinese Level (upon entry): Beginner I
Schedule:  College Study Abroad (Intensive)

"CLI's teachers and program directors were extremely helpful, knowledgeable and friendly during my entire stay in Guilin. I'm glad to have found the Chinese Language Institute and discovered the friendly people of Guilin."
- Dr. Ernesto Aravena


Kevin Keller | Spring 2010
University: Arizona State University, B.A. double major in Economics and Chinese
Chinese Level (upon entry): Advanced I
Schedule:  College Study Abroad (Standard)

“CLI is the second study abroad program in which I have participated, and I could not be more pleased with my experience in Guilin. My one-on-one teachers traveled with me around town and were constantly there to help me with my Chinese studies.”
- Kevin Keller


Megan Lawson | Winter 2009-2010
University: Virginia Tech, B.A. in Communication, Minor Concentrations in International Business and Event Planning
Chinese Level (upon entry): Beginner II
Schedule:  2009-2010 China Study Tour

"Speaking Chinese one-on-one is CRUCIAL to learning Chinese. Like I keep telling everyone, I learned more in three weeks with CLI than I did in one semester at school."
- Megan Lawson


Patrick Magoffin | Winter 2009-2010
University: George Mason University, B.A. in History, Minor Concentration in Asia-Pacific Studies
Chinese Level (upon entry): Intermediate I
Schedule:  2009-2010 China Study Tour

"Alongside the amazing sights and activities, the one-on-one language lessons were definitely a highlight of the trip.  My time spent with each instructor was invaluable to my study of the language. Each instructor’s individual teaching style was valued for uniquely contributing to my education."
- Patrick Magoffin


Joe McReynolds | Fall 2009
University: Georgetown University, M.A. in International Security
Chinese Level (upon entry):  Advanced I
Schedule:  College Study Abroad (Intensive)

"My favorite part of the Immersion Program was my ability to direct the lesson in the heat of the moment,  one-on-one, without worrying whether or not I was inconveniencing other students or slowing down the teacher. It was truly an education on my terms."
- Joe McReynolds