Since 1957, the ESU has provided summer study abroad scholarships to middle and high school teachers at Oxford, Edinburgh, and Shakespeare’s Globe in London.
Program Details
Shakespeare’s Globe | Teaching Shakespeare Through Performance.
“We had unique and fabulous opportunities.” – Natalie Hawkins, 2024 Globe Scholar
University of Oxford
“This opportunity refreshed my passion for literature and allowed me to learn from some of the brightest minds at Exeter University. Surrounded by the history and beauty of Exeter made the experience even more immersive and enjoyable.” – Shana Call, 2024 Oxford Scholar
University of Edinburgh | Fringe Festival
“This experience has been transformative, and I thank the ESU for making it happen. It’s been so valuable to experience being a student instead of a teacher, especially with people who are passionate about their craft.” – Kristopher Kahn, 2022 Edinburgh Scholar
Drey Scholar
Program Eligibility
2024-2025
Who is Eligible?
- Current Educators in the tri-county area of Central Florida: Orange County, Osceola County, Seminole County
- Educators with FOUR (4) FULL YEARS of FULL-TIME teaching experience completed in one (1) of the areas in which the scholarship is offered: English, Humanities, Drama, and History/Social Studies
ESU Conditions of Award:
- Applicants MUST have completed at least four (4) years of full-time teaching in one of the areas in which the scholarships are offered.
- Applicants MUST INTEND to remain in the classroom for at least three years here in Central Florida following their summer study.
- ABSOLUTELY NO friends, family members, children of any age, or pets are permitted to accompany you during any part of this high-level, residential, academic program. *Except in the case of disabilities where a service dog or an assistant are medically necessary.
- Applicants MUST have or be able to attain a valid US passport for travel and a visa may be required.
- Applicants MUST not only be a student, but also act as an ambassador for the United States of America, the English-Speaking Union and the teaching profession.
- Drey Scholars MUST sign a legally binding contract with the ESU Central Florida Branch wherein the scholar shall repay the entire scholarship amount if for any reason the terms of the contract are unfulfilled.
- Drey Scholars MUST complete the program’s academic work in its entirety and receive a Certificate of Completion from the chosen program.
- Drey Scholars MUST submit the original Certificate of Completion along with a personal reflection highlighting the experience. *These reflections may be published in the Branch’s Newsletters.
- All applicants selected as Drey Scholars MUST attend an award reception on February 23, 2025 (time TBD) at the Winter Park University Club.
- All applicants selected as Drey Scholars MUST attend a mandatory ESU Central Florida Branch meeting, date TBD, to offer an 8-10 minute presentation on the experience.
- All applicants selected as Drey Scholars MUST become an active member in the ESU Central Florida Branch with membership for the 2025/2026 year to be paid by the Central Florida Branch in addition to the scholarship itself.
- Drey Scholars attending the “Teaching Shakespeare Through Performance” at Shakespeare’s Globe in London the summer of 2025 MUST participate in the ESU Central Florida Branch National Shakespeare Competition in February 2025 (exact date TBD).
- In case of an unforeseen event, e.g., a birth, accident, illness or death in the family which prevents the Drey Scholar from fully participating in the program, the Scholarship Committee will review the situation and may permit the scholar to postpone participation for up to two years.
How To Apply:
- ENSURE ALL ELIGIBILITY & REQUIREMENTS LISTED ABOVE CAN BE MET.
- Complete the 2025 TLab Scholarship Application and submit by 11:59 PM on Monday, January 6, 2025.
- NOTE: Candidates MAY be invited to be interviewed on Saturday, January 25, 2025
If awarded a TLab Scholarship must attend the Scholars Reception Sunday afternoon, February 23, 2025