Study Abroad in England
Saint George Scholars Program

About Saint George Scholars

The Society of the Sons of St. George

In the late 1980’s, the Foundation’s Scholarship Assistance Committee established a relationship with Beaver College’s Center for Education Abroad that continues with The College of Global Studies at Arcadia University. Staff members of CGS identify qualified students who want to study in England and nominate them to the Scholarship Assistance Committee. If you are interested in being considered for this scholarship award or knowing whether you qualify, please be in touch directly with Ms. Rosemary Hall at hallr@arcadia.edu.

Since the inception of this college scholarship program in 1988, a total of $241,900 has been awarded in scholarship aid by the Foundation. To quality, students must live in the Philadelphia area, intend to study in England, have a good academic record, demonstrate financial need and be of English descent. To date, 79 students have been selected.

Our Students

• Have come from 44 different home schools in the United States
  • Academy of the New Church
  • Adelphi University
  • Alfred University
  • Allentown College
  • Arcadia University
  • Boston University
  • Bucknell University
  • Catholic University
  • Chestnut Hill College
  • Connecticut College
  • Cornell University
  • Dartmouth College
  • Denison University
  • Dickinson College
  • Drew University
  • Drexel University
  • Duke University
  • Elizabethtown College
  • Franklin and Marshall College
  • Gettysburg College
  • Hamilton College
  • Lafayette College
  • LaSalle University
  • Messiah College
  • Muhlenberg College
  • Northwestern University
  • Pennsylvania State University
  • Philadelphia College of Textiles
  • Rutgers University
  • Skidmore College
  • Spelman College
  • St. Mary’s College IN
  • Sweet Briar College
  • Temple University
  • Trinity College CT
  • Tufts University
  • University of Delaware
  • University of Maryland
  • University of Pennsylvania
  • University of Pittsburgh
  • University of Scranton
  • Ursinus College
  • West Virginia Wesleyan College
  • Villanova University
• Have studied in 24 different programs in England
  • Arcadia University (London Internship Program, London Semester Program, Oxford Semester Program)
  • City University
  • The Institute of Economic & Political Studies – Cambridge
  • Middlesex University
  • Royal Holloway
  • University of Birmingham
  • University of Bristol
  • University of East Anglia
  • University of Essex
  • University of Greenwich
  • University of Lancaster
  • University of London (Goldsmiths College, Kings College, London School of Economics, Queen Mary Westfield, School of Oriental and African Studies, University College)
  • University of Manchester
  • University of Nottingham
  • University of Sussex
  • University of Westminster
  • University of York

What Our Students Say

• Heather Cooper, University of Greenwich, Spring 2007
  Stonehenge

  In 2007, I studied at the University of Greenwich in Greenwich, England. Before that, I had the opportunity to travel but this was the first time I was able to actually live in another country, and it is an experience that I have always appreciated. Living in another country can be challenging and it was hard for me to live in England at first. The language was the same, but the food was different and the culture was different. I was suddenly in a dorm by myself instead of with all my friends at college. Students commuted to school, so I wasn't even living near any classmates, but this didn't stop them from befriending me. My classmates were wonderful. They included and involved me until I was forced out of my shell. Not only that, but the other students in the program were equally nice, and only a little way into my experience, I was settled and enjoying everything. My school alone was a historical wonder, but right nearby was the Meridian Line and, though a bit further away, I was also able to see Stonehenge. Another wonderful part of the experience was the help from Arcadia University to travel around Europe. With their planned trips, I got to see Wales, Ireland and France. On my own, I went with friends to Spain, Switzerland and Italy.

  Though I had a rough start, by the end of my time in England, I didn't want to leave and, unknown to me, living abroad had become a foundation for my future. After returning, I graduated from Tufts University in 2008 and began an internship at The Learning Project, a nearby elementary school. While there, I found a new love for teaching and as my internship came to an end in 2009, I was faced with finding my next position. I had attended Germantown Friends School and because it was such an enlightening and significant part of my life, I wanted to teach at a Quaker school. It was at this time, and looking back on my travels in England, that I also decided I wanted to teach abroad. Faced with this difficult choice, I explored both until, while looking at Quaker school positions, I found the perfect job. There was a position for an English Language Teacher at Friends School Tokyo. I was nervous to even apply, but remembering living in England gave me the courage to take the chance. It was one of the best decisions I have ever made and right now, I am sitting in Tokyo at an amazing Quaker school teaching students I love and experiencing the culture and life of Japan.

• Jane Bearinger, King’s College, Fall 1989
  King's College

  During the fall of my senior year at Trinity College, CT, I studied chemistry and philosophy at King’s College, part of the University of London, enabled by a scholarship grant from the Society of the Sons of St. George. I fully immersed myself in British culture, visited cathedrals, historic towns and Universities, shopped at the markets, saw plays regularly and took a few trips to other parts of Europe, including Berlin in late 1989, when the Wall came down. I was exposed to greater diversity, studying alongside veiled women, and cramming in forensic lessons while at ‘chippies’, where men of other cultures asked if they could have my books when I was done with them. l lived cheaply on potatoes, partially to afford my pints and snakebites, and the occasional single malt. The malts were undoubtedly in the company of British professors, so were truly part of my educational experience. That said, one of my greatest lessons was never to let my academics interfere with my education…

  After studying abroad in England and finishing my undergraduate degree, I first worked as a chemist at Merck, then built up my engineering background and went on to receive my Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering. I ventured to Switzerland for postdoctoral research; upon arriving at the Hauptbahnhof, I realized it was time to learn a bit of German. My previous experience living in London gave me confidence that I could push and take on a language barrier as well. Well worth it for the research opportunities, chocolate and mountains! I still collaborate and keep in touch with friends I made there in 2000.

  Today, I am the Medical Countermeasures Group Leader in Global Security and a Senior Scientist in Physics at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in CA. I have been able to present at conferences and perform research on a few different continents, work with wonderful people and continuously expand my horizons. I consider my scholarship from the Society of the Sons of St. George the catalyst of all of this, and I remain eternally grateful.

• Janice Barlow, City University, Fall 1990
  Tower of London

  In the time since my first submission, I continue to work in a field in the international realm. After returning from living and working in Japan from 1993 – 1998, I worked with the State of Pennsylvania in the field of export promotion for companies in the Philadelphia and surrounding counties. Currently and for the past 11 years, I have been employed by the U.S. Department of Commerce, the U.S. Commercial Service, an agency that serves to promote the international business development of U.S. companies. I’ve served as a National Team Leader for European Business development and am currently part of a regional team that has created a nationally recognized business development forum bringing the largest trade delegations to foreign countries such as Turkey, Poland, and Brazil and in April 2011, Mexico, to help U.S. businesses grow through exports. I continue to travel overseas and have a great passion in learning about other cultures. The exposure that Arcadia University afforded me, both with a Son’s of St. George of Philadelphia scholarship and utilizing your study abroad programs, gave me the foundation to enter the business world with a global perspective. Once again, I thank you for the opportunity.

• Jennifer Evanitsky, University of Westminster, Spring 2007
  Westminster Abbey

  My name is Jennifer Evanitsky and I received a scholarship from the Sons of St. George of Philadelphia for my Spring Semester Abroad to London in 2007. I studied at the University of Westminster with an emphasis in Tourism which was part of my degree at Penn State. In December 2008, I graduated from Penn State with degrees in Public Relations (minor in Sports Journalism) and Recreation, Park and Tourism Management. After graduating, I worked as an intern for the United States Olympic Committee in Colorado Springs, CO before taking my current job with the Department of Defense in Philadelphia, PA as a Contract Specialist. My desk at work is surrounded by pictures from my time abroad and little mementos from my trip. I thank the Sons of St. George of Philadelphia for helping me have the experience of a lifetime with their financial assistance.

  There isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t think about the times I had while I studied abroad. It has impacted my life in such a positive way and allowed me to have experiences I never even thought I would have, like visiting Stonehenge and touring Windsor Castle. Since my semester abroad, I have been back to London twice. I no longer take part in all of the tourist aspects of London, I can just enjoy the British culture by eating at some of my favorite restaurants and bakeries (Hummingbird), seeing the new shows on the West End and walking around enjoying the shopping and markets. I still hope that one day I will be able to move to London.

  My time abroad allowed me to travel to over 12 countries! I believe these experiences have made me a well-rounded individual that has become more willing to try different things and experience different cultures. I am grateful everyday for time abroad because I know it has shaped me into the individual I am today.

• Jodi Warren (Young), Oxford University
  Oxford University
  

  What a pleasant surprise it was to receive your letter asking about my study abroad experience. As a mom of three small kids ages 7, 5 and 2, it gave me an excuse to step back into time (and away from the chaos!) and recall one of the most wonderful experiences I've had to date.

  Currently, I live in Wayne, PA with my husband and kids. After working as a technical recruiter for 8 years, I became a stay at home mom when my son was born and love every minute except when there are snow delays! We lead a busy life of shuttling kids to and from soccer, karate, lacrosse, t-ball and Gymboree while trying to sneak out to dinner every once in a while.

  I've tried to retain a bit of England ever since I returned and graduated from the University of Delaware in 1994. I'd hoped to move to London and find a job but it wasn't in the cards. Instead, I visited friends who had moved there for grad school and two of my siblings who participated in a lacrosse exchange program. My children have grown up watching Thomas the Tank Engine, Charlie and Lola and Noddy, all popular kids' shows in the UK. For a time, I subscribed to Tatler magazine -- just HAD to know what was happening with the upper crust -- but now I get my tabloid fix via the 3am girls on the Sun's website. We always have PG Tips in our cabinet, I'm waiting anxiously for a Wagamama to open in Philadelphia, we rooted for England in the World Cup (big mistake) and at a big party my husband and I hosted this past weekend, we served up some mean Pimm's Cup to the roaring applause of all attendees.

  Although the academics at Oxford were par to none, at the risk of sounding trite, I valued the overall experience of life in a different world more than anything and feel so grateful to both Arcadia and the Sons of St. George for making that possible. I met such a wonderful collection of expats at both the dinner they hosted for us at the Union League before we left and at a dinner several years later at Arcadia. Their generosity and enthusiasm is well-recognized in our family.

• John Goodchild, Oxford University
  Oxford University
  

  I received my undergraduate degree in History in 1991 from Dartmouth College, a little over a year after I returned from England. I attended the University of Pennsylvania Law School thereafter, and received my law degree in 1994. I joined the law firm of Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP in August 1994 and have been with the firm ever since. I specialize in corporate and commercial litigation cases, especially relating to real estate and restructuring. Much of my work over the years has been in connection with international matters. In one of my most significant representations I served as the Chair of the liquidation committee of a large hedge fund in the Cayman Islands, which involved serving with English representatives and working alongside Queen’s Counsel in the UK.

  You asked about my impressions of England, and about how my experience there has affected my life. I remember England as a place where learning and culture are celebrated. I found fellowship, warmth, and support among its people, and left with an enduring affinity for the nation. What I remember most about Oxford, however, was how it encouraged self-reliance and independent thinking. The Oxford system of studying one-on-one with an expert tutor requires rigorous research, precise writing, and vigorous advocacy. I found that system built confidence and stimulated intellectual discipline and creativity, traits I rely on to this day.

  My time in Oxford was one of the most important parts of my education. I am thankful that I had that opportunity, and I am grateful for the support of the Sons of St. George.

• Leah Kowalski, University College London
  London
  

  I am very happy to say that my semester was exciting, challenging, and educationally rewarding. I formed a deep respect for the British emphasis on individual scholarship as a part of the University of London system. As a literature student, I was able to take courses that exposed me to works not usually included in a typical American syllabus. I was also lucky enough to join some unique courses which were intensely focused on fascinating British literary topics (such as one centered on the medieval poem Beowulf and the portrayal of witchcraft in theatre for the past four hundred years).

  After graduating from Arcadia in 2006 I went on to teach high school English. My international experiences informed some of my literature choices for my classes, and I have encouraged many high-achieving students to study abroad in their future college careers by sharing my stories with them. The friends and acquaintances I met in the UK -- both English people and those from other parts of the globe -- have helped me form a more balanced understanding of other cultures than I might have had without them.

  Due to my great experience in England as an undergrad, I decided to pursue my master’s degree there as well! I have taken a year off from teaching and am currently in London working toward a degree in London-based Literature at the University of Greenwich. I plan to graduate in October and return to teaching. The excellent time I had through Arcadia six years ago is only being enhanced and reaffirmed this year with my second immersion in English culture, this time as an adult with a bit more professional and life experience to bring to the proverbial table. I have always felt grateful to the members of the Sons of St. George of Philadelphia for the scholarship I received, and in helping me financially with my original study abroad experience, I believe it has actually gone further than that to enrich many aspects of my life.