Who We Are
ESU Charlottesville Branch

Our Branch’s Role

Since its establishment in 1952, our Branch has performed a significant role by funding numerous scholarships, now fellowships, today worth up to $7,500 to successful recipients. These awards have permitted many an outstanding college student or deserving local high school teacher in Charlottesville and its surrounding eight counties to attend summer school study at prestigious British universities, including Oxford and the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts.  

Among ESU Programs supported by the Charlottesville branch include Teaching Shakespeare Through Performance, a three week course for teachers at The Globe, the replica of Shakespeare’s playhouse constructed on the site of the original on the south bank of London’s Thames River.

It also includes Shakespeare Competition for high school students, the hallmark program of the ESU world-wide.  Annual winners gather in April at Lincoln Center in New York City.  Each branch winner qualifies to compete as a national winner.  National winners are offered opportunities to study Shakespeare at Oxford University or the Royal Academy of Natural Arts in England during the summer.

Among other ESU programs are those designed to promote the exchange of ideas between educators and administrators in the United States and those in similar career fields in the U.K. and the Southern Hemisphere. Our Branch members open their homes to these scholars, make appointments for them with local counterparts and provide transport during their visits.

Become a Member

The English-Speaking Union of the United States is a membership organization whose mission is facilitated locally by the volunteer efforts of our Branch members around the country.

We are a 501(c)(3) charitable organization and donations and membership contributions are tax deductible to the extent permitted by law.

OUR MISSION
The English-Speaking Union of the United States:
Expands Minds Strengthens friendships Unlocks opportunities
Through the use of the English language.

Founded in 1920, the English-Speaking Union of the United States is a national membership organization with more than 4,000 members organized in 65 Branches across the country. ESU members and volunteers are the pillars of our educational and cultural programs as they work in their local communities to carry the ESU mission forward. The English-Speaking Union of the United States shares fellowship with more than 50 independent ESUs around the world, including the English-Speaking Union of the Commonwealth in London.