Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

An Awesome 8 Weeks in Guilin, China Past Review

By (Construction Engineering and Management, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University / Virginia Tech) - abroad from 05/18/2014 to 07/12/2014 with

Chinese Language Institute / CLI: Guilin - Study Abroad and Intensive Mandarin Language Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I came to learn the language. My Mandarin skills increased exponentially, because of CLI's incredible teachers and system and also because of true cultural immersion. But I also gained much more than language proficiency. I understand Chinese cultural better, I saw some incredible sights, traveled, hiked, and above all sustained my deep interest and respect for Chinese culture.

Review Photos

Chinese Language Institute / CLI: Guilin - Study Abroad and Intensive Mandarin Language Program Photo Chinese Language Institute / CLI: Guilin - Study Abroad and Intensive Mandarin Language Program Photo Chinese Language Institute / CLI: Guilin - Study Abroad and Intensive Mandarin Language Program Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The academic program was based on personal motivation and effort. You get out what you put in.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

It was great. Bradford Fried, one of the co-owners, ensures that everything runs smoothly with the hosting/credit-transferring university. The curriculum is catered to your personal academic style.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Comfortable, spacious, and fun.

* Food:

Other than Vegetarian Wednesdays, CLI's food was awesome.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

This could not have been better. It was crucial not only for cultural exposure and language development, but also to make new students feel welcome and enjoy themselves.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

N/A

* Safety:

There is some small petty crime (pick-pocketing, etc.) but nothing critical.

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)

I was on scholarship, but many of my meals were not covered. Thankfully food is cheap in China.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $70
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Buy food from the grocery store.

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

Always encouraging to practice.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Beginner
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? 2106 (four semesters)
How many hours per day did you use the language?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? PRACTICE WITH NATIVE SPEAKERS.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

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

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
  • Other
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The People
  • The Classes
  • The Itinerary
* What could be improved?
  • Freer Afternoons
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Maybe a little more Chinese history.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!