The English-Speaking Union
Salisbury

The English-Speaking Union’s diverse educational programs are the hallmark of our mission. Our programs highlight the broad base audience we serve—students, educators, English-language learners, new immigrants and members.

Join the ESU Salisbury Branch

Upcoming Events: Speaker Series 2026-2027

Dr. Scott Brennen

September 17 @ 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm UTC+0

Artificial intelligence is everywhere! But how will it be used to influence our critical midterm ele…

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Dr. Patrick Giamario

October 15 @ 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm UTC+0

In light of the hullabaloo over late night hosts Stephen Colbert & Jimmy Kimmel, UNCG Professor …

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Kurt Smith & Katharine Pittman

November 19 @ 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm UTC+0

To commemorate the 250th Anniversary of our nation’s founding, Colonial Williamsburg’s h…

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Dr. Charles Konrad II

January 21, 2027 @ 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm UTC+0

Is the “Big One” coming? A Super El Niño, that is. As warming Pacific waters increase t…

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Dr. Anthony Atala

February 18, 2027 @ 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm UTC+0

3D printing is fast replacing traditional manufacturing, but how does it work? Wake Forest’s r…

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David Maraniss

March 18, 2027 @ 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm UTC+0

What makes a New York Times bestseller? Along with winning multiple other awards for books on famous…

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Anthony Amore

April 15, 2027 @ 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm UTC+0

The billion-dollar world of art forgery is centuries old and still thrives! Boston Museum investigat…

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ESU National Educational Programs

What We Do

National Shakespeare Competition

The ESU National Shakespeare Competition is a performance-based education program. High school students develop analytical and communication skills by performing Shakespeare at the school, community, and national levels. Since 1983 more than 360,000 students have brought the timeless works of Shakespeare to life.

Happy Hour Series

The Happy Hour Program brings guest speakers from locations all over the world, live and free of charge using the Zoom format.

Scholarship Programs

The English Speaking Union offers a variety of scholarship programs for students, educators, and lifelong learners.

English in Action Across America

English in Action helps newcomers to the U.S. improve their English language skills and build confidence. Students and volunteers meet weekly for one-to-one conversation practice. At the heart of the program is a commitment to cross-cultural exchange. Students gain insight into life in the U.S. Volunteers learn about different cultures and support immigrants, refugees and other newcomers building new lives in this country.

Debate & Public Speaking

The ESU’s middle and high school debate leagues provide students with the opportunity to develop critical thinking skills through public speaking at debate tournaments in the US throughout the academic year. Students from all over the world also have the opportunity to hone their skills during the International Public Speaking Competition in London.

International Public Speaking Competition

The International Public Speaking Competition brings together outstandingly articulate young people from all over the world for a week of public speaking competition and international cultural exchange with the ESU of the Commonwealth in London. The finalist contestants meet and learn with their peers of different backgrounds and cultures from some 50 countries. Through all its qualifying levels, the program engages more than 40,000 young people globally.

TLab—Travel and Learn Abroad

Study in the United Kingdom for an unforgettable immersive experience! Live and learn on the famed campuses of Oxford and Edinburgh or discover Shakespeare in the context that brought his works to life — exploring his hometown in Stratford or performing on the stage of the Globe Theatre in London.

Shakespeare Writing Competition

This program is designed for students who express their love of Shakespeare through creative and analytical writing. It will consist of competitive and non-competitive writing events for high school students.
Get in touch with the Salisbury Branch
President Gerry Wood Email: gerry@oldyorkllc.com
Contact Us

Donate to support the Salisbury branch

The ESU Salisbury Branch is always grateful for your kind donations of any amount. The English-Speaking Union of the United States Salisbury Branch LLC is a 501(c)(3) organization. Contributions are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. All information is kept confidential.

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