After acceptance
Click the link below to submit your $300 USD deposit via CLI's secure payment system (powered by Stripe). Be sure to select Immersion Program and your chosen program dates.
Secure Your Space →Please complete this form as soon as possible. It's important that we have information regarding any medical allergies or considerations, as well as any dietary restrictions you may have.
Complete Form →Please complete this introduction form so your CLI homestay family can learn about their guest before you arrive. This form requires you to upload a doctor's note demonstrating you are in good health and fit to live with a Chinese family.
You may use CLI's health certificate template or one recommended by your doctor. Please allow adequate time to schedule your appointment.
Life at CLI in Guilin
2–3 months before departure
Please complete this form at your earliest convenience so CLI can prepare and send the invitation letter and supporting documents you'll need when applying for your Chinese student visa.
Per the Chinese Consulate's guidance, please apply for your visa within 45–90 days of your departure to China — do not apply more than 90 days prior to, or within 45 days of, your departure.
Once you've received your invitation letter from CLI, consult CLI's X2 Visa Application Guide to begin your application. All Immersion Program students apply for an X2 visa, regardless of program length.
CLI students in Guilin
1–3 months before departure
Complete CLI's pre-departure questionnaire about your Chinese language journey and future goals. Answer in Chinese to the best of your ability — but if you're just beginning, English is perfectly fine!
Share Your Chinese Story →CLI has put together a comprehensive pre-departure packet covering everything from what to pack to daily life in Guilin. Please review all information carefully and reach out to mira@studycli.org with any questions.
Read Pre-Departure Packet →A great selection of free Mandarin learning resources is available online. Take time to review and familiarize yourself with each — the more Chinese you practice before arriving, the smoother your transition will be.
Browse Resources →Watch video testimonials from CLI alumni who share their experiences studying Chinese and living in Guilin. It's the best way to see what your upcoming adventure will look like.
Watch Testimonials →If you want a local Chinese number, CLI can help you get a physical SIM during your first few days in Guilin. Just email Mira (mira@studycli.org) in advance or let the CLI team member who leads your orientation know during orientation (held on the first Monday of your program). Available providers are China Mobile, China Telecom, and China Unicom.
If you prefer an eSIM, make sure your phone is unlocked and eSIM-compatible. Travel eSIMs are usually data-only, so if you go this route, you will not have a Chinese number. Reliable options used by students include Holafly, Airalo, and Saily. Choose a plan specifically for Mainland China and be sure to install it before departure.
Relaxing in Chuanshan Park
2–3 weeks before departure
Within one week of submitting your $300 deposit, you'll receive an email from your Admissions Manager with instructions for your remaining tuition balance.
CLI provides complimentary airport, train station, or bus station pickup and drop-off for all students. Complete this form so we know exactly where and when to meet you.
Plan to arrive in Guilin the Saturday or Sunday before your first day of classes. CLI's orientation is held Monday morning. From early September through April, if a guest room is available, you may arrive before Saturday for an additional 150 RMB per night.
