By JENNIFER JONES
International Language Programs trains BYU students to teach English to children in Russia and other countries, giving students extraordinary experiences.
“This non-profit corporation has programs in five Russian cities, including Moscow, St. Petersburg, Voronezh, Perm and Ufa,” said Trevor McKee, president of the ILP board.
Brook Davis, 19, a sophomore from Provo majoring in international and area studies, taught English in Voronezh during the fall of 1998. Davis explained that besides a few day-retreats, the volunteers only receive a one-week training session before beginning to teach.
“I went to Voronezh not knowing what to expect, but I came home with a changed outlook on the world.”
Brook Davis, 19, a sophomore from Provo majoring in international and area studies
“I went to Voronezh not knowing what to expect, but I came home with a changed outlook on the world,” Davis said.
Davis said the people in Russia were the most hospitable she had ever met.
McKee said the ILP is teaching children English in Belarus (located in the Baltic region) and Taiwan. He said until the Chinese government tightened restrictions on visas, ILP had 75 teachers in mainland China.
McKee said he founded ILP in 1992 because he did not want to start children on a second-language program and then abandon them.
“The students we originally began teaching several years ago are now fifth-graders, and our teachers love to see their progress,” McKee said.
Volunteers must apply to ILP and demonstrate high moral standards to be accepted.
For information about the International Language Programs call 374-8854 or fax 374-8913.
