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. 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.
The tours offer the opportunity for participants to develop their debating and/or 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.
US debate tour 2024
In Autumn 2024, the ESU is partnering with the National Association of Communication in the United States to deliver a debate tour across the US. The tour will run from late October to late November, ending in New Orleans at the NCA’s annual conference.
Applications are now open for current students or alumni of a UK or Irish university to apply to be the two members of the British debate team. The team will travel to schools and universities across the US providing debate teaching and coaching. The tour is an all-expenses paid, highly unique opportunity for those who are passionate and experienced in the art of debate.
Further details regarding eligibility and how to apply can be found at the bottom of this page and on the application form below.
Applications close at 5pm on Thursday, 29 August. Video interviews on Thursday, 5 September.
‘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 debating and/or 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
How to get involved
To join the British debate team, you must be over 18 and a current student or alumni of a UK or Irish university. Strong applicants will be experienced competitive debaters and will also have spoken publicly in multiple formats. They will be good team players, open to new challenges and experiences and will have coached debating to a mixed range of abilities. British debate team members are passionate about debate and the exchange of ideas.
Applications close at 5pm on Thursday, 29 August. Video interviews on Thursda,y 5 September.
If you represent an organisation that is interested in hosting a future debate tour, please email education@esu.org for further details.
Registered charity number: 273136