The 8th Grade program itinerary is built in close collaboration with The Chinese Language Institute (CLI), our program operator in Guilin. CAIS students are placed in a host family in Guilin, with a host sibling from a local school. Host families house CAIS students throughout their time in Guilin, dropping CAIS students off at a predetermined time and location each school day for small-group Chinese classes and excursions. Host families are selected and endorsed by partner schools, vetted and trained by CLI staff, and sign an agreement outlining terms prior to hosting.
Chaperones shared the “Glimpses from Guilin” below.
Guilin Glimpses, Episode 1: Yuan 缘
In Chinese philosophy and culture, “缘”(yuán) is often used to describe the mysterious connections and relationships between people, as well as the serendipitous events that shape our lives. It suggests that everything happens for a reason and that there is a deeper meaning or purpose behind our interactions and experiences.
After enduring a grueling 15-hour flight, fatigue should have been evident on the faces of our students. However, not a single student had trouble rousing from their slumber at 7 a.m. in the morning. Energized and spirited, our students gathered to indulge in a delightful continental breakfast, fueling up for the adventure that awaited them in Guilin.
The journey took an intimate turn as the students prepared to meet their host families, a moment filled with a mixture of nervousness and anticipation. Initial encounters were marked by awkward exchanges, as unfamiliar faces met in an unfamiliar land. Yet, the barriers of unfamiliarity crumbled swiftly, making way for warm connections and genuine smiles. By the end of the introductions, the students found themselves bidding farewell to their chaperone teachers with newfound ease.
In China, the depth of parents’ love often manifests in their constant concern about whether you’ve eaten enough. Every morning after drop-off, the conversation turns into a bit of a breakfast showdown, with mentions of soft, fluffy mantou, mama’s hand-fried rice, and all sorts of other delicious homemade dishes. Looking forward to unveiling more “缘”(yuán) for you as the journey continues.
Guilin Glimpses, Episode 2: CLI Academy
The Chinese classes at CLI kicked off this past Tuesday with an engaging and immersive approach to learning. Each morning session is thoughtfully designed to set the stage for the afternoon’s adventures. For instance, if the students are scheduled to climb Chuanshan in the afternoon, the morning classes are dedicated to delving into the rich folktales and history associated with Chuanshan.
On Tuesday afternoon, our students participated in an exciting scavenger hunt downtown. Stepping out of their comfort zones, they approached strangers to ask for photos, searching for unique moments like “an old person giving a child a piggyback ride” and “a group of Chinese people playing Chinese chess.” Beyond just completing tasks, our students gained insights into the everyday life of people in Guilin, feeling the genuine warmth and hospitality that characterizes the city.
The following day, our students also had the chance to explore the local market, trying fruits like the green-fleshed Chinese melon for the very first time. They ventured down Chinese Medicine Street, returning with newfound knowledge about various types of traditional remedies. Later, they explored the Zhusheng Temple, where they were amazed by the intricate sculptures and the tens of thousands of different Buddha figures. Surrounded by the temple’s tranquility, students observed local customs—kneeling in front of the Buddha and making wishes—as they gained a deeper appreciation for the cultural and spiritual traditions of the area. Capping off the day, we made our way to the summit of Chuanshan Mountain, where we were rewarded with sweeping views of Guilin city. At the summit, a Chinese flag fluttered in the breeze, reminding many of us of the familiar sight atop Mission Peak back home in the Bay Area.
Guilin Glimpses, Episode 3: “Welcome to Kuiguang!”
This past Thursday, we had the pleasure of visiting Kuiguang Secondary School, where we were met with unparalleled warmth and hospitality. The moment we stepped onto the campus, our students were thrilled to see a warm welcome message displayed on the school’s rolling screen: “Welcome Teachers and Students from Chinese American International School!” The local students lined both sides of the path, cheering and warmly welcoming our group. The enthusiastic reception made our students feel deeply honored and a bit overwhelmed.
But that wasn’t all. Continuing our visit, we had the pleasure of meeting with the middle school student representatives, who impressed us with performances such as a traditional dragon dance or a rap inspired by Peking Opera. In return, our students performed the dance ‘Little Apple‘ to showcase the vibrant energy and confidence of American students. Although we weren’t fully prepared, it was our way of saying thank you for all the effort they put into welcoming us.
As we immersed ourselves deeper into the cultural exchange, we gained insight into the symbolism behind the vibrant colors of Peking opera facial makeup, which deepened our appreciation for local traditions and customs. At the same time, we explored China’s cutting-edge drone technology—its development and practical applications that can enhance everyday life. Our students also had the exciting opportunity to get hands-on experience coding and piloting the drones. It was truly heartwarming to watch our students and theirs bond over moments of shared laughter and joy.
Guilin Glimpses, Episode 4: Until Our Path Cross Again
Before we knew it, this morning was truly the time to say goodbye to our host families. As you may have already known, many of our students were unwell over the past week, and their host families cared for them as if they were their own children. Their selflessness and compassion deeply touched us all—from setting alarms to check on students during the night to see if their fevers had gone down, to specially preparing comfort food just to help them feel better. Even knowing the illness might be contagious, they showed no hesitation—they simply focused on making sure our students felt safe, supported, and cared for. During the farewell dinner, our students sang the song Unwritten—a powerful anthem about embracing the unknown and writing your own story. Just like the song encourages, the host families—through their quiet acts of kindness and selflessness—became a beautiful and unexpected part of our students’ stories.
As you may remember, the term “缘” (yuán) we previously discussed, is frequently used to depict the mysterious bonds and relationships between individuals, as well as the unexpected events that influence our lives. I genuinely hope that our yuán with Guilin, along with the cherished connections we’ve made here, will endure and remain meaningful. Until our paths cross again, may these special bonds and memories stay close to our hearts, reminding us of the unforgettable experiences and friendships forged during our time in Guilin.