ESU Secondary School Exchange 2026
Hi, I was wondering if anybody here who had previously been on the English Speaking Union's SSE could answer some questions/give me some advice on what a good application looks like/how competitive it has been in previous years? Also whether my school needs to be affiliated with the ESU or anything like that. Thanks.
Reply 1
Hi, I'm a current ESU SSE scholar for 2026. Although I am yet to embark on my experience, I'd be happy to answer your questions! As for competitiveness – this was my case, but lots of people around me didn't know about the programme, so I asked the admin team this last year, and they said it pretty much fluctuates every year, so there isn't really a number? However, what I do know is that for my year, there were around 25-ish people got to the interview stage, and from there, there are a couple of stages afterwards, but around 6-8 people were picked for the programme. In terms of what a good application looks like, I think you should try to make it personal and how the programme will make an impact on you specifically. I know that it's kind of hard to think of things other than "going to an American high school will be so cool", haha but what helped me is that I mind mapped all the questions in the notes for applicants document. Also, your school does not need to be affiliated with ESU, although you will need a reference from one of your teachers. If you would like to know more information, there's a dedicated ESU SSE thread that's been running on here for over ten years its called " Gap year at a high school in the US" It includes past scholars speaking about their experiences, and when I was applying, I found it quite helpful! Good luck!!
(edited 10 months ago)
Reply 2
Original post
by HalcyonixHi, I was wondering if anybody here who had previously been on the English Speaking Union's SSE could answer some questions/give me some advice on what a good application looks like/how competitive it has been in previous years? Also whether my school needs to be affiliated with the ESU or anything like that. Thanks.
Hi again, I have a blog where i'll be writing about my experiences in the states and will be posting some application tips if you're interested ? http://britishataushighschool.wordpress.com
Quick Reply
Related discussions
- Submit 2 full time schools on Ucas
- DESPARATE need advice on applying for foundation medicine
- Gap Year at a High School in the US - Our progress and your questions answered :)
- Applying for USA uni as UK Y12 student (apply 2025, enrol 2026)
- Valid extenuating for med/dent school?
- In srilankan studen are studying in imu malasia partner mbbs program at this moment
- Ecf for GCSE resits?
- Looking for a room in Kingston
- UoM Contextual Conditions
- Second degree funding for qualified teacher.
- UCL one Poole street commute to Bloomsbury
- Questionnaire : Perceptions of China among UK Primary and Secondary School Students
- tenacy take over vita student warick
- Programmes and work experience
- 5th choice for Law
- Question about Newman University PGCE Secondary Computing
- Proof/timeline of extracurriculars for Interviews/personal statement
- KCL Great Dover Street Room for April-June - Official Contract Trans
- which university will be good for CSE in UK?
- y12 medicine work experience
Latest
Trending
Last reply 5 months ago
Packing Tips for International Students Coming to London
How The Student Room is moderated
To keep The Student Room safe for everyone, we moderate posts that are added to the site.
