Travel and Learn Abroad in the UK  ESU TLab Summer Programs

University of Edinburgh: 2024 SUISS Summer Programs

COURSES

2024 Program 

The ESU has partnered with the University of Edinburgh through the Scottish Universities International Summer Schools program, also known as SUISS, to provide a variety of courses. These are multi-week courses ideally suited for secondary school teachers. Study literature, creative writing, or theater - or all three!

Text and Context                                             

• Modernism (July 8 - 20,2024) Lectures are complimented by visits to the Scottish Parliament, the National Gallery of Modern Art, and more!
• Contemporary Literature (July 22 - August 3, 2024) Activities include a Ceilidh dance, a Burns Supper, and a formal evening recept ion at the beautiful Playfair Library.
• Scottish Literature (August 5-17, 2024) Takes place during the Edinburgh festival season, and includes a performance at the Edinburgh International Festival among many other events.

Creative Writing (July - August, 2024)

Theater & Performance (August 5 - 17, 2024)

PROGRAM COST

Below is a list of all the courses offered by SUISS. The dates of each program are listed below along with the cost in dollars. See more than one course that interests you? You can mix and match multiple courses, provided their dates do not conflict. 

Program cost includes accommodation in the Pollock Halls of Residence, University of Edinburgh, with breakfast and dinner at the Pollock Halls cafeteria.  Housing with en-suite accommodation is available at an additional cost.

Program cost does not include travel, travel insurance, medical insurance, additional meals, or incidentals.

SCHOLARSHIPS FOR TEACHERS

Every year, the ESU provides nearly 50 scholarships for classroom teachers in their communities. ESU scholarships are for current classroom teachers attending our multi-week courses at Shakespeare's Globe, the University of Edinburgh, and the University of Oxford.

SUISS offers their own scholarships which are completely independent from the ESU. Please read below for more information.

You may also explore further scholarship and grant resources in our fundraising guide. 

SUISS SCHOLARSHIPS

SUISS offers a number of scholarships to applicants. These opportunities can be explored in greater detail on their website. There are four opportunities which are open to American applicants:

• Partial SUISS Scholarship - All applicants to SUISS programs are eligible to request a partial SUISS Scholarship, worth up to £500. 
  
• The Saltire Scholarship - Open to early-career teachers and academics looking to promote Scottish Literature. May only be applied to the Text & Context: Scottish Literature course. 
• The John McGrath Scholarship - Open to aspiring playwrights and may only be applied to the Theatre & Performance course. 
• The Elizabeth MacLennan Scholarship - Open to actors, performers, and related theater professionals and may only be applied to the Theatre & Performance course. 

Please note that because these scholarships are offered by SUISS, staff in Edinburgh are best equipped to answer any and all questions. You can contact them through their website. SUISS is the authoritative source for any information related to their scholarships, not the ESU.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT CONTACT HOURS AND CREDIT

• Text and Context: 34 hours
• Creative Writing: 60 hours
• Theater and Performance: 30 hours

All students who successfully complete their course receive a certificate of attendance verifying the number of contact hours. Academic credit is optionally available for a modest fee.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS

This program is comprised of rigorous, graduate-level seminars. Students are strongly advised to read as many of the texts as possible before arriving in Edinburgh, as time will be limited once the program is underway. The lectures will be pitched high, and lecturers are advised that all students will be familiar with the texts at the time of lecture. To see the reading lists for the different courses, click on the course title: Text and Context, Creative Writing, Theatre & Performance.

APPLICATION DETAILS

Application Instructions:

1. Download and complete the 2-page ESU SUISS application form for the course you wish to study at the folllowing link: https://www.suiss.ed.ac.uk/application/esu-applicants/

2. Compile your application materials:

Complete the TLab Application - Scottish Universities' International Summer School. Follow the prompts to upload the preceding materials into the application. All applications must be submitted digitally to the ESU via this application by March 15th.

TERMS & CONDITIONS

Cancellation Policy: For cancellations received in writing more than eight weeks prior to the start date of the course, 50% of the total course fee will be retained. The English-Speaking Union regrets that it will not be able to refund any part of the course fee within eight weeks of the start date of the course owing to accident, illness, or any travel disruption due to strike or terror. You are strongly urged to purchase adequate travel and health insurance which also protects against any emergency medical expenses or loss of personal property.

If you are unable to attend the program, you must notify the ESU immediately in writing at auhl@esuus.org and when applicable cc the ESU Branch that awarded you an ESU TLab Branch Scholarship. Fees already paid to SUISS will be returned according to SUISS' cancellation policy, as specified in their application and course information on their website.

ESU Branch TLab Scholarship Recipients: In addition to the cancellation policy as stated above, ESU Branch TLab Scholarship recipients will also be obligated to repay the ESU for any and all additional TLab fees such as stipend and/or airfare if disbursed or paid prior to departue in the event of a withdrawal.

If the State Department of the United States announces a "no travel" policy or SUISS cancels a program, fees paid to SUISS will be returned according to the SUISS' cancellation policy, as specified in their materials.

International Airfare: It is highly recommended to all participants to book a changeable/refundable flight. ESU TLab Branch Scholarship recipients do NOT book international airfare until given permission by your ESU Branch.

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