The English-Speaking Union

Secondary School Exchange: 2021 Application Deadline Extended to Feb 26

How to Apply

Calendar for SSE Application and Notification for a 2021-2022 Gap Year

Fall 2020:  Call for applicants.

  • ESU staff sent an outreach letter to the committee, and then to school coordinators.  Student materials posted online.
  • Submit the SSE Application.

February 2021:  SSE Applications Due Feb 26, 2021

ESU staff will send interview materials to the SSE Committee Regional Chairs.

  • Students will submit applications as 1 PDF by Friday, Feb 26 via email to Alice Uhl at auhl@esuus.org or mail to:

The English-Speaking Union
144 East 39th Street
New York, NY 10016 Attn: Alice Uhl, International Programs

March 1-10, 2021:  ESU Regional Chairs conduct interviews (in person or via Zoom/Skype/FaceTime).

March 15, 2021: ESU SSE Committee selects finalists and sends to the ESU UK for placement.

By Mid-April 2021:  The ESU US notifies finalists and families of their placement.  A $2,000 non-refundable program fee is due to the ESU upon acceptance of placement.

June 2021:  Pre-departure orientation at the ESU in New York or virtual TBA.

September 2021:  Students depart for the United Kingdom.