Rising junior Lexi Covalsen ’20 is London bound this summer! Covalsen is the recipient of the 2018 Summer ESU Dr. Manning Pattillo, Jr. Travel Scholarship, which supports study abroad program expenses in England for either Oglethorpe’s short-term London-Oxford program or GO London. The scholarship covers tuition, program costs and airfare.

Lexi Covalsen ’20

“Studying abroad was something that I dreamed about, but I never thought it would be financially possible,” Covalsen said.

An English and Comparative Literature major, Covalsen has selected the two-week London-Oxford course focused on Shakespeare studies, led by Dr. Robert Hornback, professor of English. Students will spend five days exploring London and and seven more at Oxford University. Historic site visits will include Stratford-upon-Avon, Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, performances at the Globe Theatre and Stratford Royal Shakespeare Company, and a cruise on the Thames.

Applicants were required to have good standing with the university and submit a written statement explaining how a program “about English history, culture, society, politics or economics would contribute to their academic, professional, or personal aspirations.”

“I talked about how the study abroad experience would enrich my academic life as an English major and how it would enrich my personal life as someone who has always wanted to travel but has never had the opportunity,” said Covalsen.

A review committee evaluated the applications based on the persuasiveness of students’ letters, as well as a broader consideration of their prior academic performance and current financial need.