The CLS Program in Dalian is hosted by Dalian University of Technology at its Lingshui District campus. Originally established in 1949 as Dalian University’s School of Engineering before becoming independent in 1950, DUT now ranks among China’s top universities. It is particularly renowned for its work in AI, engineering, and computer science.

DUT has hosted both in-person and virtual CLS Chinese institutes and has developed an interactive and rigorous curriculum. Students are immersed in an eight-week language learning program equivalent to one academic year of university-level instruction where they attend approximately 18 hours of formal classroom instruction each week, with emphasis on intensive reading, writing, speaking and listening practice.

CLS students can look forward to the program’s experiential learning component, which is comprised of cultural activities and excursions to the surrounding areas designed to enrich students’ understanding of Chinese culture and language through interactions with members of the host community. Past excursions have included overnight trips to Shenyang and Huaren, as well as visits to local businesses.

In addition to structured programming, participants meet with Chinese language partners for several hours each week, during which time they are free to explore Dalian, play sports, or simply chat over a cup of coffee in one of Dalian’s many cafes. Students live with a local host family for the duration of the program. Host families and language partners provide students with informal, spontaneous language practice and exposure to daily life and culture of urban China.