Still, we strongly believe you can become fluent on your own, and more quickly if you employ certain techniques. Doing so is tough and you need dedication. You might consider Cantonese, but everyone understands pu tong hua and more and more people can speak it. Master Mandarin first before moving to other dialects. Most of these programs enforce the no English speaking rule, and pair you with Chinese roommates.
Some people require such a regimine to begin.
Note that many of the programs at Chinese universities are fairly poor. Don't hang out with foreigners . If Chinese speak English with you, speak Chinese back, no matter how hard it is at first. Make it a habit, make it your guiding principle. You will wear them out.