The Intensive English Training Program (IETP) has been running since 2001, in line with government policy to encourage the country's representatives to communicate directly with people overseas.

The IETP is run by Beijing Foreign Studies University and the Chinese Academy of Governance.

Twelve senior officials from around China have temporarily left their posts to undertake 15 weeks of study to improve their command of English.

This video talks about how their teachers feel about the program and the students.

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Videographer: Yu Chenkang

Editor: Yu Chenkang

Producer: Flora Yue

Contact the reporter at yuchenkang@chinadaily.com.cn