US Organizer:
International Leadership Academy
Email: admin@ilaschool.org
Join us this summer for an unforgettable experience!
CHINA Study Tour
3 Weeks in June 2025 • Xi’an • Beijing • Qinghai
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 Northwest University in Xi’an and 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 Xi’an + 1 week in Beijing and Qinghai
★ 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:
- Xi’an: Terracotta Warriors, Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, Ancient City Wall, Muslim Quarter, Bell Tower, Xi’an Museum
- 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.
- Qinghai: Snow Leopard Habitat, Sanjiangyuan National Park, Qinghai Lake, Tibetan Plateau, Herdsman Dance Workshop, Gazelle Conservation, etc.
★ Organizers:
- International Leadership Academy (Spanish For, Utah)
- Northwest University (Xi’an)
- Beijing Normal University (Beijing)
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). - Qinghai Provincial Foreign Affairs Office
★ 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.
Introduction of
International Leadership Academy
This camp is organized by the International Leadership Academy (ILA), a private school embedded within American Leadership Academy in Spanish Fork, Utah. Our mission is to help international students excel in the United States by providing a holistic education model—Head, Heart, and Hand—that nurtures intellectual growth, character development, and practical skills.
To support our students’ future success, we have built an extensive university network, ensuring that upon graduation, they can seamlessly enroll in highly recognized institutions. Our partner universities include University of Utah, University of California–Irvine, University of Massachusetts, Auburn University, and many more.
Over the years, we have welcomed over 2,000 Chinese students to Utah for summer and winter camps. Hosted at various schools throughout the state, these camps have provided life-changing experiences, fostering lifelong friendships and deep cultural exchanges. (Let us know if you are interested to be a paid host family for Chinese students this summer.)
Below are just a few of the thousands of unforgettable moments captured from our camps!
