Alumni Interview with Clàudia Naranjo

What inspired you to travel abroad? 

I studied Chinese at my hometown University (Barcelona) for four years, but I had never been before in China. This year I graduated, so I decided to spend a month in China putting into practice what I learned and also improve my language level.

Why did you choose the Chinese Language Institute (CLI)? 

I looked on the internet for different options all around China and I found the Chinese Language Institute. I did a bit of research and found a lot of good opinions about it. Besides, I found the city really beautiful in the pictures I found.

What was your favorite part about China? 

Besides the amazing class program, I really liked the city views and its surroundings. 

What made your experience abroad extraordinary?

In only a month, I improved my Chinese level in a way I never expected. I learned not only in the classes but also in all the activities we had during the week with other students and our teachers. 

How did the local program staff support you throughout your program? 

Before I arrived, I had a contact person who answered all the questions I had via email. During my stay in The Chinese Language Institute, there was a person responsible for each thing - for example, one for activities, one for the mobility through the city, etc - and they were available not only in person but also through the phone. My teachers were also available at any time for any question, not only for class problems. 

What's one thing you wish you would have done differently during your time abroad? 

I would have liked to stay there longer. 

Describe what a typical day in your life abroad looked like. 

I had class from 8:20 a.m. to 10:20 a.m. Then at 12:30 p.m. we could have lunch there all together (students, teachers, and other staff), as we had two chefs cooking typical Chinese dishes from Monday to Friday. From 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. I had class again. In the afternoons, we had different activities we could join, all related to Chinese culture - cooking classes, painting classes, tea ceremony, visits to the main city spots, etc. Some days we also had dinner in nearby restaurants with other students and teachers. 

What did you enjoy doing in your free time abroad? 

Visiting the school surroundings and other city spots. 

What type of accommodation did you have? What did you like best about it? 

I had a fully equipped private room with my own bathroom. I had also a shared kitchen available. As my room was in the main building, I had also access to any class to study at any time. 

What is one thing every future participant should know about your program before their program begins? 

They will need to study a lot everyday and put a lot of effort, but it'll be definitely worth it. 

Would you recommend CLI to others? Why? 

Yes! I really enjoyed my staying there. Not only because of the language classes, but also for the city itself. Each day you have four hours of one-to-one Chinese classes, so your teachers adapt the class to your needs and requirements. They'll only speak to the students in Chinese, so you will improve a lot. Besides, there are Chinese university students who come to the school to help foreign students with all they need - from doing homework, to visiting the city. I really recommend The Chinese Language Institute to Chinese old learners but also to new learners. 

What do you feel the biggest benefit of traveling abroad is? 

You can meet people from all over the world and learn about their culture. 

Now that you're home, how has your time abroad impacted your life? 

I really miss being in China. I think the more you travel, the more you like it. So I'm looking for new options to go out again all the time, especially back to China.

What does meaningful travel mean to you? 

I love to travel, but if I can choose I prefer to stay for a long period in the places I go, so I can immerse in the culture and the language and get to know local people.