Beginnings

The Teach for Friendship Foundation -- TFF -- was created in 2002 in response to requests from Chinese educational institutions for native English speakers to strengthen their students’ ability to converse in English and to build bridges of friendship between China and the United States.

Based in Tucson, Arizona, TFF is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization.

Growth

Over the years, TFF and its teachers have successfully engaged thousands of Chinese university students in English conversation classes. TFF has also conducted innovative teacher-training programs at two universities in China. In 2006, TFF's founder and president, Bill Ingram, was awarded the Bell Chime Award, the highest honor in China's Hubei Province, for contributions to education and economic development.

Expanding beyond its China base, TFF also implemented well-received English conversation programs in Guatemala and Kazakhstan and a teacher-training program in Chile. (No programs are currently available in these countries.) Both in China and elsewhere, TFF has worked closely with host institutions to provide specially tailored English classes for groups ranging from lawyers to medical students to hotel employees.

TFF continues to explore opportunities to meet the needs of educational institutions and companies around the world. Wherever we go, our programs are designed not only to help students improve their English and engage more confidently in communication with native speakers, but also to foster cultural exchange between teachers and students.

TFF's Teachers

TFF's success is closely tied to the quality of its teachers. TFF looks for native speakers who are enthusiastic about gaining a deeper understanding of another culture by living in the country and working and interacting with students, faculty, and local residents.

TFF requires its teachers to have at least a bachelor’s degree as well as teaching or other relevant experience and to be native English speakers. Excellent health, stamina, flexibility, and cultural sensitivity are also essential. Potential teachers must submit written applications and are interviewed by members of TFF's Board of Directors. Accepted teachers participate in intensive training sessions and receive TFF's own extensive resource guide as an aid in lesson planning.