US Organizer:
International Leadership Academy

Email: admin@ilaschool.org

---

Note: Passports MUST NOT expire before January 2026.

---

Join us this summer for an unforgettable experience!

CHINA Study Tour

3 Weeks in June 2025 • Beijing • Xi’an • Hong Kong
(Application Deadline: March 1)

Embark on the experience of a lifetime this June 2025 with a three-week study tour in China, organized by the International Leadership Academy in Utah in partnership with Beijing Normal University. Designed for American students studying Chinese, this program offers an unparalleled opportunity to deepen your language skills through rigorous training, engage in meaningful service projects, explore career development opportunities, and immerse yourself in authentic cultural interactions. From hands-on learning to forging connections with local communities, this study tour is your gateway to a transformative journey that will broaden your horizons and leave a lasting impact. Don’t miss your chance to explore, grow, and thrive in China!

★ Audience:

• 7th to 12th grade students

★ Tentative Schedule:

• Depart in the last week of May for a total of 3 weeks.
• 2 weeks in Beijing + 1 week in Xi’an and Hong Kong

★ Features:

• Cultural Learning:
  • Kung Fu, calligraphy, folk dance, folk music, traditional painting, handicraft, etc.
• Language Learning:
  • Training towards passing AP Chinese and beyond.
• Service Learning:
  • Meaning service opportunities within the local communities.
• Career Learning:
  • Visiting professional sites and learn from professionals.
• Immersive Learning:
  • Collaborating with local students in various activities.

★ Excursion sites include:

• Beijing: Great Wall, Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, ancient Hutong, Summer Palace, Olympic Park, National Museum of China, the Drum Tower, Wangfujing Night Market, Beihai Park, etc.
• Xi’an: Terracotta Warriors, Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, Ancient City Wall, Muslim Quarter, Bell Tower, Xi’an Museum
• Hong Kong: Disneyland Resort, Victoria Harbor, the Peak tram, street shopping, China Hong Kong Temple (optional)

★ Organizers:

• International Leadership Academy in Utah
• Beijing Normal University (BNU)
  BNU is China’s most prestigious institution for education, with its School of International Chinese Language Education being the oldest of its kind in the country. BNU also has a longstanding relationship with Brigham Young University and the state of Utah, fostering academic and cultural exchanges over the decades. (See article).

★ Cost:

• Program Fee: $4,200 including international and domestic airfares, other transportation in China, meals, classes, activities,  excursions, accommodations, insurance, tips for guides and drivers, and China visa
• Application Fee: $50 (This nonrefundable fee will be applied toward the total program cost.)

Tour Leaders

Mr. Peter Xie – Director of the China Study Tour
Mr. Peter Xie brings a wealth of experience in both education and global business leadership. A native of China, he earned his bachelor’s degree in business from BYU–Hawaii and later completed his MBA at Brigham Young University. With an extensive background in corporate leadership, Mr. Xie has held executive roles at major international companies, including Nu Skin, Amazon, Nestle, and Vivint. His deep understanding of both Chinese and American cultures, combined with his professional expertise, makes him an invaluable guide for students embarking on this immersive learning experience in China.

 

Mr. Jared Chan – Assistant to the Director 
Jared Chan recently returned from a two-year Mandarin-speaking voluntary mission in Riverside, California, where he developed a deep appreciation for language, culture, and service. He is currently pursuing his studies at BYU–Hawaii and has a passion for teaching and mentoring youth. As a young adult himself, Jared easily connects with students, making learning both engaging and relatable. His enthusiasm, leadership, and firsthand experience with Mandarin language and Chinese culture make him a valuable guide and mentor on this study tour.

 

Dr. Peter Chan – Advisor
Dr. Peter Chan is the Principal of the International Leadership Academy and an Adjunct Associate Professor at BYU, where he oversees China-related programs and teaches Instructional Psychology & Technology. He has helped administer several international schools in China and private schools in the U.S., while also advising high-level collaborations between China and Utah. Dr. Chan was the drafter of SCR9, honoring Helen Foster Snow, signed into law by Governor Spencer Cox in 2022. Previously, he spent eight years at BYU–Hawaii, chairing the Instructional Design and Development program and assisting with Asia-related projects.

 

 

Ms. Joyce Tan – Advisor 
Joyce Tan, a native of Singapore, is passionate about education and has dedicated her career to teaching and mentoring international students. She holds a TESOL Education degree from BYU–Hawaii, an MA in Education from BYU–Provo, and an MS in Educational Technology from Johns Hopkins University. With over three decades of experience, she has taught ESL at BYU–Hawaii, BYU, and other institutions, including training pre-service teachers in effective ESL instruction. She has also taught Chinese in Hong Kong and Utah and was instrumental in establishing and overseeing the Chinese Studies program (Pre-K–12) and Mandarin afterschool activities at Ivy Hall Academy in Provo. Currently, she is a doctoral candidate in BYU’s Instructional Psychology and Technology program, continuing her commitment to innovative learning.