Education Programs

Secondary School Exchange Scholarship

Secondary School Exchange is one of the ESU's oldest education programs.  Founded in 1928, thousands of British and American students have enjoyed ESU fellowship and study abroad.

A "Gap Year" Abroad

The ESU Secondary School Exchange Scholarship is a merit-based scholarship providing tuition, room and board for scholars to spend a year between high school and college at a British boarding school. 

During this "extra" year of high school, these young scholars have new academic and social experiences in another country and culture.  Through this year abroad, the SSE scholars gain independence, a global outlook, and increased maturity that benefit them at college and in their future careers.

ESU SSE Scholars describe their experience abroad as a most formative time in their lives, and many go on to become active alumni of their host schools and members of the English-Speaking Union.

The ESU SSE Scholarship is open to high school seniors for the year immediately following graduation. SSE  candidates must be U.S. Citizens and demonstrate strong scholastic achievement, extra-curricular participation, leadership, and personal character. If offered an ESU SSE Scholarship to a UK boading school, the student must accept the place. 

SSE students Della McDougal, Ted Atwood and Edmundo Ortiz enjoying a cruise around Manhattan, passing by such landmarks as the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island and the Brooklyn Bridge during their SSE orientation.