ESU Application Process

 

As an educator, I rarely have the opportunity anymore to be the student, and when I do, it’s usually related to new school district programs or the Master’s in Curriculum I’m currently finishing. As a writer, I haven’t written anything substantial just for the joy of writing in a very long time. My month in Edinburgh allowed me to do both of these things, and it was so surreal. I was absolutely submerged in a reading-writing culture that I haven’t experienced in a long, long time. Scotland is a beautiful example of a country where learning is deeply valued and has remained largely apolitical, and this alone was so freeing for me. With local book shops, museums, and libraries on every corner, Edinburgh felt like an absolute refuge from the storm that is education in Florida right now. In addition, the program and curriculum managed to be both demanding and relevant. I loved being able to lose myself in literary lectures only to turn around and talk about my own writing with my small group or writing tutor. It felt like such a gift. I came home feeling renewed as a writer and an educator. One of my funny revelations was that because I’m a writing teacher myself, my audience for a lot of what I worked on was my students! I’m forever asking them to take risks and be vulnerable, and then there I was being called on to do the same things. I brought back so many ideas and revelations that will go directly into my classroom. 

I hope I’m adequately conveying how valuable and redeeming this summer program was for me! The curriculum, faculty, and fellow students of all ages and all nationalities that the SUISS program included helped create an inimitable experience. Please feel free to ask any additional questions, etc. I’m so happy to share! I’m attaching some photos of my time there as well as a video (in a second email) of a spoken word piece I performed on Open Mic night (way outside of my comfort zone, but also something I teach to students!). 
                                                                                                                           – Laurie MacLeod, ESU, Creative Writing 2025

 

My time at SUISS was truly life altering. Not only was it a joy to explore beautiful Edinburgh and learn from such a range of experts and professionals, but also sharing the company of an amazing group of young colleagues. It has left me inspired and invigorated.

                                                                                                                              -Anne Herring, ESU, Theatre & Performance 2025

 

My time in Edinburgh was amazing, both intellectually stimulating and just incredibly fun. I got to learn about a diverse array of texts from fascinating lecturers before discussing the texts with people from around the world. The author nights, where authors of the texts that we were reading for the course came in to talk to us, were truly unique experiences, and I loved our group hike to Arthur’s Seat. Edinburgh is also just a wonderful city to explore–great museums, gardens, architecture–and there is nothing like Edinburgh during Fringe! On the weekend, I got to explore the Highlands and do some hiking. Just overall, I feel like I got to do it all with this program!                     

                                                                                                                     -Sarah Schriber, ESU, Contemporary Literature, 2025

 

If you are an educator and wish to apply for an ESU TLab Scholarship to attend one or more of our Text and Context, Creative Writing and Theatre & Performance courses, please follow the instructions below.

You can register for all SUISS courses and book accommodation in Edinburgh by downloading the relevant application form. Please note that ESU applicants are exempt from making the £100 deposit. Before you apply, please be sure to confirm with your ESU Branch whether they are willing to support standard or en-suite accommodation as there is a substantial difference in price. Most scholarships will only cover standard accommodation. However, should you be accepted, you are welcome to upgrade at your own expense.

ESU Reflections

Lindsey Wrin (Text and Context) reflects on her experience studying with an ESU TLab scholarship.

 

Michael Mezzo (Creative Writing) reflects on his experience studying with an ESU TLab scholarship.

Application forms

Download an application form using the links below. Completed application forms, along with supporting materials, should be submitted via the ESU by April 24, 2026. If you have any questions or require an extension, please email tlab@esuus.org.

Text and Context Application ESU

Creative Writing Application Form ESU

Theatre Performance Application ESU

 

Checklist

Text & Context / Theatre & Performance application requirements

  • Completed application form
  • One reference letter, either from an academic institution or an employer familiar with your work, who can speak to your ability as a student/ educator
  • a passport-style photo
  • Supporting documents: If you are applying for a scholarship, please include a letter demonstrating why you are an excellent candidate for a scholarship

 

Creative Writing application requirements

  • Completed application form
  • One reference letter, either from an academic institution or an employer familiar with your work, who can speak to your ability as a student/ educator
  • A passport-style photo
  • Supporting documents: Written sample of work: EITHER a single work of prose or drama (max. 3,000 words) or a selection of poetry (max. 50 lines)
  • If you are applying for a scholarship, please include a letter demonstrating why you are an excellent candidate for a scholarship

 

Enquires about ESU TLab SUISS Scholarships, please contact:

English-Speaking Union
Teachers Learning Abroad
144 East 39th Street
New York, NY 10016, USA
tel: 212-818-1200 Ext 212

email: tlab@esuus.org