In brief
Global understanding and international friendship are at the heart of the English-Speaking Union and one of the many ways in which we encourage this is by offering opportunities for experienced debaters to take part in tours offered by our International ESUs and partner organisations.
The tours offer the opportunity for participants to develop their training skills and to experience another culture and country with all expenses paid. They also offer a chance for both nations to learn from each other and share ideas, both through public speaking and debating events, and through more informal cultural and social activities.
What to expect
Tours typically run for one to two weeks and oracy coaches are expected to deliver debate coaching (to students and/or teachers), attend outreach events and lend organisational support to debate competitions, helping to embed debating in classrooms around the world.
Our debate tours have been running since 1922 and have taken place in countries including Rwanda, Morocco, Turkmenistan, China and, most recently, Italy and Romania. Applications are open to anyone over 18 who is a current student or alumni of a UK university, though priority is given to existing ESU mentors, trainers and coaches. Details of any current tour vacancies will be posted below.
‘The week I spent teaching in Romania was among the most rewarding and enjoyable times of my life. The sightseeing in the evenings allowed us to bond with the students and talk to them about debating in a real-world setting, which was hugely rewarding.’
Elle McLoughlin, 2018 Romania debate tour
Why do it?
- Opportunity to travel internationally with all expenses paid
- Chance to improve your teaching/coaching skills
- A unique opportunity to immerse yourself in a country’s culture and to meet people from differing walks of life
- Increased cultural awareness and a broader perspective on life
- Key differentiator on CVs and interesting point of discussion at interviews
- Social activities provide the chance to make new friends from all over the world
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debate coaches were sent on tours to 5 countries in 2018
How to get involved
If you represent an organisation that is interested in hosting a debate tour, please email education@esu.org for further details.
Registered charity number: 273136