The English-Speaking Union

Secondary School Exchange Scholarship

How to Apply

Calendar for SSE Scholarship Application & Notification for a 2023/24 Gap Year in the UK

August 2022:  SSE Applications open!

  • ESU sends participating schools Invitation to Apply.
  • SSE Applications & information posted on ESU website.
  • Submit the SSE Application.

October 2022:ESU sends interview materials to the SSE Committee Regional Chairs.

December 2022: SSE Applications Due, December 2nd

  • Students will submit completed SSE applications as 1 PDF by Friday, December 2nd to their school SSE Coordinator or via email to Alice Uhl at auhl@esuus.org 

December 5 - 10, 2022:  ESU Regional Chairs conduct interviews (in person or via Zoom/FaceTime).

December 14, 2022: ESU SSE Committee selects finalists and sends SSE applications to the ESU UK for placement. 

February 2023: Notifies SSE applicants of their status.

March/April 2023:  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.

Summer 2023  Pre-departure orientation at the ESU in New York City or virtual TBA.

September 2023:  Students depart for UK.