CLI students are curious, adventurous, and committed to learning Chinese. With one-on-one lessons, a welcoming environment, and support every step of the way, you’ll be amazed by how fast your Mandarin improves.
One month in Guilin was more productive than an entire year of coursework in a normal college class.
— Allie R., CLI Student
As a CLI student, you tap into two supportive communities at once.
Decades on the ground in Guilin—so you can focus on Chinese and the experience.
CLI co-founder Bradford Fried studied at GXNU in 2000 and later taught and served as Director of International Staff there for 13 years—experience that shapes your program.
"Everyone devotes a lot of their time to making sure you make as much progress as you can, inside and outside the classroom." — Alexander Sanchez, CLI alumni
GXNU's walkable campus makes it easy to stay focused on language study and daily immersion.
CLI's 17+ 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 and international students alike.
CLI and GXNU's supportive atmosphere lowers pressure, builds confidence, and helps you accelerate learning.
From everyday life to weekend adventures, the CLI team is available 24/7.
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.
University credit from GXNU, matched to your level, with the instruction intensity that fits your term.
Build a full university course load at GXNU, plus private one-on-one instruction at CLI. You'll earn 15–21 GXNU credits over a Fall or Spring semester.
Designed for rapid gains during academic breaks. Summer students earn 9 GXNU credits through intensive one-on-one instruction at CLI; Winter students earn 3 GXNU credits.
Connect your China experience to your major. CLI offers rotating electives taught in English on Chinese history, literature, government, philosophy, and religion.
See what a typical term looks like—weekly schedules, course mixes, and credit totals for Semester, Summer, and Winter pathways.
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, submit the scholarship application form.
Guilin is warm, easy to navigate, and approachable. You'll practice Chinese in the moments that add up: ordering noodles, asking for directions, chatting with shop owners, and hanging out around CLI.
Life here is simple in the best way. When your routine is clear, your Chinese gets stronger.
Fewer expats and less English in daily life means more real-world practice.
People here tend to engage with international students. Conversation opportunities find you.
Gyms, cafés, malls, universities, nightlife, and modern transit, all without big-city friction.
A comfortable lifestyle that's typically more affordable than China's largest cities.
Guilin's protected environment means cleaner air and water than many major Chinese cities.
A compact, low-stress city where you can explore confidently on foot, by bike, or by bus.
CLI and GXNU welcome you to Guilin.
Progress accelerates when your Chinese has a place to live.
Low-lift ways to practice Chinese every day with people you'll actually see again.
Get out of town and return with shared stories—and new language you'll reuse.
Weekly meetups with a local university student to turn "studying" into real connection.
Keep your routine while you study, and let Guilin's scenery do the rest.
Hands-on culture that gives your vocabulary a place to live.
Three bullet-train stations make regional travel simple on long weekends.
Immerse yourself in Chinese language and culture. Email natalie@studycli.org to chat directly with CLI's Study Abroad coordinator anytime.
