In 2015, Deseret International Charities (DIC), funded by donations from members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, sponsored the first-ever English Conference in Mongolia. On October 25, 2025, the sixth English Conference was held in Ulaanbaatar in partnership with Brigham Young University (BYU), continuing a decade-long effort to strengthen English education across the country.
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Attendees participate in the first English Conference in Mongolia. 2025 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.This year’s conference featured five visiting BYU experts who shared their experience and teaching strategies with more than 150 English teachers from across Mongolia. Returning to Mongolia was Dr. Norman Evans, professor in the Department of Linguistics, who played a key role in organizing the inaugural 2015 conference. He was joined by Dr. Ben McMurry, Administrative Coordinator of BYU’s Intensive English Program; Dr. Grant Eckstein, professor of linguistics; Karina Jackson, Coordinator of Curriculum and Instruction; and Andrea Gonzalez, Teacher Training Coordinator for the Intensive English Program.
Download PhotoThe one-day event focused on the theme “Explain, Engage Empower: Principles of Interactive English Language Teaching” and included workshops, a panel discussion, a luncheon, and many opportunities for collaboration and exchange of ideas.
The idea for the English Conference originated with President Benson, who served as president of the Mongolia Ulaanbaatar Mission from 2013 to 2016. He envisioned supporting Mongolia’s national goals of English language development. The first three annual conferences were open to anyone interested in learning English. After a brief pause during the COVID-19 pandemic, the conference was revived in 2023 under the direction of President Namgur (2022–2025) with a renewed focus on training Mongolian English teachers.
Current mission leader, President Kunz, offered opening remarks at this year’s conference, expressing appreciation for the teachers’ dedication to learning and their impact on future generations.
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Mission leader, President Kunz, welcomes participants2025 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.Building on the success of previous years, the conference expanded to Darkhan in 2024, and this year, additional sessions are planned in both Darkhan and Sainshand. DIC hopes to continue expanding the conference to reach English teachers throughout Mongolia.
Participants shared heartfelt appreciation for the event. Byambaa, an elementary school teacher, said, “This workshop is so useful in teaching me English teaching methodologies. My students benefit from the new and interesting activities I am learning.”
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| Temple Square is always beautiful in the springtime. Gardeners work to prepare the ground for General Conference. © 2012 Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved. | 1 / 2 |
Khongorzul, the main organizer of the event, added, “We are so grateful for the BYU professors who came so far to share the American teaching culture with Mongolian English teachers. It is beneficial not only for the teachers but for the future of Mongolia.”
Ulaanbaatar City Education Ambassador Boldbaatar also expressed his gratitude: “After the last English Conference, we saw great improvement in student learning. I am so happy the teachers can come to this event and improve their skills to benefit students.”
