Study Abroad in China: Summer Intensive Chinese Language in Kunming – City & Daily Life

Kunming, China

The southwestern city of Kunming, as the capital of Yunnan Province, is brimming with resources. The city of over five million people is a political, economic and communications center linked by rail to Vietnam and by road to Burma and Laos. World War II helped launch Kunming’s position as a modern metropolis—the city became a refuge for eastern Chinese trying to escape wartime brutalities. Among the refugees were the wealthy, who brought their money, and scholars, who brought their expertise, both of which have helped Kunming thrive.

Today, aside from Kunming’s year round mild climate (earning it the moniker “City of Eternal Spring”), the city’s reputation rests on two particular issues. For one, as new buildings sprout up at breakneck speed, Kunming conservationists push to preserve the region’s breathtaking landscape. For another, with the province’s large population of ethnic minorities, the area grapples with equality—how do minority populations share in the wealth of modernization? CET students use their quickly improving Chinese to explore these issues and more during their summer in this fascinating city.

Yunnan University

The CET Kunming program is hosted by Yunnan University, a large university of over 20,000 students. The beautifully landscaped campus is located near scenic Cui Lake and boasts some historic buildings—one building was used in the Qing Dynasty for students attempting the imperial examinations.

YU offers students an array of amenities: cafeterias, sports facilities, a library, stores and cafés. CET students have access to a private activity room, equipped with TV and ping pong table, about a 5-minute walk from the dormitory.

The campus also serves as a public transportation hub, making it a jumping-off point to the city proper and beautiful Yunnan Province.

Kunming Housing & Meals

Students share rooms with Chinese roommates in an international student dormitory on the YU campus. Rooms have private bathrooms and internet access.

Teachers interact regularly with students outside of class, attending most activities and eating dinner with students at least once a week. For other meals, students explore the vibrant neighborhood around campus with eateries of all kinds.

Chinese Roommates

Sharing a room with a local roommate is frequently cited by CET students as “one of the best parts of the program.” Many students become good friends with their roommates. They share everything from conversation to ping pong games to late-night snacks of guoqiao mixian noodles.

Chinese roommates are Yunnan University students selected by CET for their enthusiasm for cultural exchange. Roommates attend program activities, help with homework and offer cultural advice.