English in Action

The ESU's English in Action 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. The scheme could not be run without the enthusiasm and commitment of our team of nearly forty volunteer tutors. Tutors do not need formal training but they do need to be good communicators who have an interest in other languages and cultures and the commitment to provide language support to someone who is new to the UK. English in Action originated at the English-Speaking Union in New York. It was introduced into the UK 16 years ago by a former tutor in the American scheme, Mrs Alison Wheatcroft. For further information about joining the programme either as a student or as a tutor please contact Kate McCulloch.