Staff Interview with Bradford Fried

What inspired you to co-found the Chinese Language Institute?

I love sharing Chinese language and culture with the world. My brother and I founded CLI to build lifelong personal connections between China and the world.

Why do you do what you do?

CLI’s core purpose is to provide a vibrant and diverse community within which lifelong bonds are formed between our students and China, and to do so in the Chinese language. It is important that everyone understand other cultures from around the world. Language is a key ingredient in this cultural understanding.

What is your favorite part of your job?

CLI has amazing students from all over the world! We have had students from 5 to 85-years-old coming from over 45 countries. The city of Guilin attracts a special kind of student who wants to immerse themselves in language and culture, whereas many visitors to Beijing or Shanghai just want to "dip a toe" into China. Thus my favorite part of my job is meeting our new students and sharing my experiences.

What are some current projects you are working on?

CLI constantly strives to improve our students' experience. We believe that learning outside of the classroom is vital. Throughout each week, we hold evening activities and weekend excursions. We actively seek new locations to visit, places to eat, guest speakers, company visits, and scenic spots. CLI is currently designing an interactive guidebook so students can share their experiences in Guilin.

What makes the Chinese Language Institute special?

CLI is a family-run school founded and operated by language learners from around the world. Our team is composed of Chinese teachers from all throughout China and international team members who love Chinese language and culture.

Why should someone choose your organization over competitors?

At CLI, learning is active and immersive. Our one-on-one classes exponentially improve students' Chinese, and our daily activities connect our students with the local community. Whether it be day, night, or weekend, the CLI building is always full of teachers and interns to chat with and explore the city with. Also, Guilin is one of the most beautiful and livable cities in the world.

What do you hope participants take away from your programs?

Our students' Chinese improves very quickly given the one-on-one model and conducive language learning environment of Guilin. It is exciting to watch a student start from zero and then reach a level of conversational fluency in only a few months. I hope students will take away a love of Chinese language and culture after their studies at CLI, and I hope they will return again, as many of our students do.

How do you help support participants?

CLI has designed a comprehensive pre-departure package to help students as they prepare their journey to China. Once in China, CLI provides 24-7 support, airport pick-up and drop-off, a welcome and farewell dinner, and an orientation to CLI and life in China. Every student has at least three teachers and numerous interns are here to help with any issues or questions. International team members are also available to provide support and guidance.

If you could participate in one of the Chinese Language Institute's programs, where would you go and what would you do?

I would join CLI's College Study Abroad program in Guilin. It combines one-on-one Chinese classes, small group Chinese classes, and English content courses (ex. Chinese history, Chinese philosophy, Chinese business, etc.). Students can take 16-30+ hours of class/week, or even more for highly dedicated students. Participants can earn 15-21 transferable college credits, and the program is open to students of all ages. This is a great way to learn Chinese language and culture with students from around the world.

What does meaningful travel mean to you?

We travel to both lose and find ourselves. Meaningful travel calls for immersion with local language, culture, history, and people. Reflecting on experience is also a key component.