Today I came across an organisation that I had not heard of before. It is called The English-Speaking Union and it ‘…is an international charity founded in 1918 to promote “international understanding and friendship through the use of the English language.”
The ESU organises several activities, including scholarships, debates, book awards and lectures, as well as an English learning programme, called ‘English in Action’. This ‘…scheme exists to help non-native English speakers to gain confidence and skills in understanding and speaking English. Students develop their skills through weekly conversation practice with a tutor whose first language is English. In addition to practising their English, students learn about life in the United Kingdom and teach their tutor about their own country and customs. The programme currently attracts over one hundred students annually and operates in three 10-week terms. Students must have at least a basic knowledge of English in order to participate.’
I am wondering if it may be possible for teachers to come up with ways of tapping into this association for teaching and learning purposes. Perhaps the organisation can help find exchange partners or facilitate opportunities for peer-learning, for example. If anyone has worked with this organisation, please drop me a line through the ‘contact’ page.
More information is available from http://www.esu.org/