CET has complete autonomy in the design and implementation of the program inside and outside the classroom. Every student is encouraged to live with a Chinese roommate attending a local university. Daily interaction with a Chinese roommate not only enhances the language focus, but also deepens the student s understanding of Chinese culture. Though students may choose to live alone or with an American roommate, more than 80 percent of CET students choose to share a room with a local roommate. Students agree to use only Mandarin in these locations.
Students typically choose from activities such as calligraphy, painting, cooking, taiqi, and wushu.
Experienced local teachers conduct these classes each week. CET sponsors a daylong getaway to a historically significant site that students would not likely be able to reach on their own. Together with their Chinese roommates, students visit sites such as the remote sections of the Great Wall and Ming Tombs. Students and their roommates also participate in a Language Immersion Weekend in the town of Changping in which they must use only Chinese in conducting skits, debates, interviews, and games throughout the weekend. While the program strives to promote cultural awareness through site visits, lectures, and activities throughout the stay, language training remains the central focus.