CLI students are curious, adventurous, and committed to advancing their Mandarin. With one-on-one lessons, a welcoming local environment, and support every step of the way, you’ll be amazed by the language progress you make in Guilin.
It’s easy to feel anonymous at China’s mega-universities. These are enormous institutions in enormous cities—far larger and less personal than what most Western students are used to.
Guilin and GXNU are breaths of fresh air. GXNU is a warm, truly welcoming campus where international students are known, supported, and encouraged to thrive.
As a CLI student, you tap into two supportive communities at once.
Earn accredited, transferable university credit and join an established academic institution known for its openness to international students.
Receive personalized instruction, structured immersion, and 24/7 support—everything you need to stay on track academically and personally.
GXNU offers a welcoming environment where you can focus, breathe, and belong.
GXNU professors and staff are genuinely invested in your personal and academic success.
GXNU’s walkable campus makes it easy to stay focused on language study and daily immersion.
CLI's 15+ year partnership with GXNU ensures your credits and logistics are handled seamlessly.
Rooted in community values, CLI and GXNU make it easy to build friendships with local students.
GXNU’s supportive atmosphere lowers pressure, builds confidence, and helps you accelerate learning.
Best for: Students seeking a full university study abroad term
A full study abroad semester combining university coursework with personalized instruction.
Best for: Students making the most of summer or winter break
An intensive, short-term program designed for rapid progress during academic breaks.
Live steps away from classes in CLI’s newly renovated 5-story learning center. A perfect mix of privacy and community.
Live with a local Guilin family and experience Chinese culture up close. Join family dinners and weekend outings.
Share a three-bedroom apartment with GXNU university students. Ideal for natural language practice. Semester only.
Enjoy full independence in a furnished apartment. Perfect if you prefer additional personal space and quiet. Semester only.
Explore more study abroad resources to prepare for your journey.
| Program Term | Housing Type |
Standard
Standard The Standard Program is offered only during Fall and Spring semesters. You’re fully enrolled in GXNU’s Chinese language and culture courses and receive 4 weekly hours of one-on-one Mandarin instruction at CLI. |
Intensive
Intensive The Intensive Program offers a higher level of individualized training. During Fall and Spring, you’re enrolled in GXNU’s full course load and receive 10 weekly hours of one-on-one instruction at CLI—up to 25 total weekly hours of Chinese study. During Summer and Winter Sessions, all students follow the Intensive track, completing 20 weekly hours of one-on-one coursework exclusively at the CLI Center. This is the best option if your priority is rapid language progress. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summer Session (9 Weeks) | |||
| Summer | Private Room at CLI | N/A | $5,930 |
| Homestay | N/A | $6,980 | |
| Winter Session (3 Weeks) | |||
| Winter | Private Room at CLI | N/A | $2,480 |
| Homestay | N/A | $2,950 | |
| Fall / Spring Semester (16 Weeks) | |||
| Semester | Private Room at CLI | $10,290 | $12,190 |
| Homestay | $10,850 | $12,750 | |
| Apt w/ Chinese Roommates | $12,290 | $14,180 | |
| Academic Year (32 Weeks) | |||
| Academic Year | Private Room at CLI | $18,620 | $22,430 |
| Homestay | $19,720 | $23,530 | |
| Apt w/ Chinese Roommates | $22,590 | $26,360 | |
*Summer/Winter sessions are Intensive only.
Enrollment at GXNU and personalized 1‑on‑1 instruction at CLI.
Heating, AC, WiFi, water, and weekly cleaning included.
Weekly activities and trips to Longsheng Rice Terraces and Yangshuo.
Full guidance for securing the appropriate student visa.
You’ll receive an accredited academic transcript issued by GXNU.
From airport pickup to emergency assistance, CLI is always here.
A comprehensive orientation and welcome meal to help you settle in.
Full access to GXNU academic resources, facilities, and campus life.
CLI awards scholarships to students with demonstrated financial need and strong academic motivation.
To apply, email mira@studycli.org with a 300–500 word essay.
Guilin blends modern convenience with an approachable, community-centered environment. It is a city where practicing Chinese happens organically, supported by friendly locals and fewer language barriers than in China’s largest cities.
Immersion here feels effortless. Whether you’re grabbing noodles, riding through tree-lined neighborhoods, or discovering new corners of the city, Guilin naturally draws you into daily life.
Progress accelerates when your Chinese has a place to live.
Cooking lessons, badminton nights, calligraphy, hikes, market outings, and more
Bamboo rafting on the Li River, Longsheng Rice Terraces, ancient villages, and more
Weekly meetups with a local university student
Gyms, yoga, dance studios, riverside running, and more
Traditional crafts, tea culture, cooking, calligraphy, and more
Three bullet-train stations make regional travel easy
Immerse yourself in Chinese language and culture. Email natalie@studycli.org to chat directly with CLI's Study Abroad in China coordinator anytime.
