Learning Chinese While Exploring Guilin Past Review

By (Howard University) - abroad from 06/01/2011 to 07/30/2011 with

Chinese Language Institute / CLI: Guilin - Immersion Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I loved my experience living in Guilin and learning about Chinese culture. I hadn't studied Chinese at all before I arrived, but I learned a lot within a short amount of time through the intensive classes.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The one-on-one Chinese classes were challenging and rewarding. I really liked CLI teachers' dedication and passion.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

CLI's administration was very accommodating and quick to help with any questions I had.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The rooms are clean and comfortable, and you get a lot of space even in a double room. The CLI center is pretty centrally located, so it doesn't take long to get downtown.

* Food:

The daily home-cooked lunch they served was delicious and affordable.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The CLI community of teachers, admin, and other students was extremely welcoming and always made me feel at home. The Guilin locals were also friendly and engaging.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Finances

* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

Everything was super affordable!

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Beginner

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • One-on-one classes
  • Great community feel
* What could be improved?
  • More weekly activity options
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? N/A