About Us

About Us

CELEBRATING 100 YEARS 1920-2020

The English-Speaking Union of the United States is a non-profit educational charity that employs the English language to foster global understanding and good will through educational opportunities and cultural exchange programs. Founded in 1920 and headquartered in New York City, the ESU is a national organization with more than 65 branches nationwide and affiliated with a network of more than 50 ESUs around the world.

The English-Speaking Union's educational programs focus on teacher enrichment and support, immigrant support, scholarships and youth speaking programs. Each year, our programs serve more than 60,000 teachers, students, volunteers and immigrants around the US.

ESU is supported by its unrestricted endowment, corporate and foundation grants and through the generosity of individual donors and members. Members benefit from the personal relationships, cultural and social programs and international exposure gained by participating in our activities and events.