The ESU runs two exchange programmes between Westminster and legislative bodies overseas. The ESU Centre for Speech and Debate arranges visas and work placements for university students in political offices over a period of several months each summer.
The two current programmes are the ESU Capitol Hill Programme and the ESU Assemblée Nationale Programme.
Capitol Hill
Every year the ESU Centre for Speech and Debate selects up to ten undergraduates at British universities to intern in the offices of senators or congressmen in Washington D.C. The ESU provides official visa support and arranges accommodation for the interns in conjunction with Catholic University of America. From 2004 onwards the programme will be augmented by the ESU/George Washington University Congressional Fellowship, awarded to the two outstanding successful applicants for the Capitol Hill programme. The Congressional Fellows will enjoy an augmented programme of activities, provided by the Graduate School of Political Management at George Washington, and placements with lobbying firms for an additional 2-3 weeks following the end of their Congressional placement.
In exchange, the ESU offers placements for up to eight participants in the CUA’s Study Abroad Programme, and two students from George Washington University to intern in the offices of British MPs at Westminster. These placements are very kindly arranged by Sir Patrick Cormack MP.
Assemblée Nationale
In association with ESU France, the Centre for Speech and Debate selects one or two undergraduates at British universities to intern in the offices of a member of the French Assemblée Nationale in Paris. ESU France arranges the office placements and offers help in finding accommodation in Paris.
In exchange one or two undergraduate students from universities in France are placed by the ESU with MPs in Westminster.
