China Teachers Program

Make a Difference

The China Teachers Program (CTP) is a nonprofit outreach program of the David M. Kennedy Center for International Studies at Brigham Young University. Its purpose is to provide native English speakers to Chinese universities.

Since the program’s inception in 1989, over 1,500 teachers have taught tens of thousands of students at major universities in China. CTP teachers are mid-career through retired individuals who bring the wisdom gained through their life experiences to the classroom. Their conscientious service benefits Chinese students, host universities, BYU, and the teachers themselves.

35 Years of Building Bridges

2024 marks the 35th anniversary of the China Teachers Program. Learn more about the program's history and the impact it's had in our newsroom article.

Program Goals

• To provide English language instruction in general language courses or in specialized content areas to students at affiliated Chinese universities.
• To build academic and cultural ties between BYU, the Kennedy Center, and Chinese universities, in order to promote mutual understanding and trust.
• To provide an opportunity for CTP teachers to absorb the ancient and modern culture of China, to enable them to develop friendship and respect for their Chinese students and the People’s Republic of China.
• To provide Chinese students with an intimate and extended exposure to American teachers to increase their awareness of America.

Prospective Teachers

The China Teachers Program offers a rare combination of opportunities for participants to teach Chinese university students, experience a year living in China, absorb the ancient and modern culture of Asia, and contribute to building a relationship of trust for Brigham Young University in the People’s Republic of China. In addition to fostering academic and cultural ties for the Kennedy Center and BYU, the program also provides professional international experience for our teachers and important educational services to our affiliated Chinese universities.