Programs Established in Michael's Memory
Georgetown University
The Michael Jurist Memorial Scholarship for Study Abroad

Another recipient is in the School of Foreign Studies, majoring in Science, Technology and International Affairs with a concentration in Environment & Energy. She wanted to study at Lyon’s Institut d’Etudes Politiques to bolster her understanding of global affairs as well as challenge herself to become part of the fabric of daily life in an international city. One of her biggest goals is to fully immerse herself in the language and culture of France while also experiencing other cultures through travel.

To quote: “This scholarship allows me to fuse both elements of my desire to study abroad: to experience the world on a larger scale and to become fluent in the richness of the French culture and language.”

One, a Government major and French minor at Georgetown, combined her academic interests -- Political Science and an affinity for the French language and culture -- at Sciences Po. She wanted to learn about French government relations, representation in government and history to enhance her knowledge of France and its cultures, as well as the US as a point of comparison. Lyon provided her the opportunity to perfect her French as well as experiences inside and outside the classroom to further grow as a person and citizen of the world.

Excerpt from a recent postcard: “ I have fallen in love with the city ... from delicious meals to explorations through all the neighborhoods... my French has improved tremendously, I have made friends from all over the world. It has truly changed my life .. a million thanks!”

The second recipient was interested in growing her knowledge of the French language and getting to know the French method of thinking, writing and cultural celebration. She felt that such opportunity would contribute greatly to how she would view her study of government at Georgetown and her shaping of goals in applying her studies and experience beyond graduation. She wanted to engage fully in Lyon’s unique opportunities and benefit from new experiences. Her time abroad, she believes, allowed her to grow as a student and member of a new community.

Excerpt from a recent postcard: " I really love love it here - the history is fascinating, the people are friendly, and I’m enjoying making Lyon feel more like home. I feel so fortunate to be able to experience the culture and history of Lyon. I am truly thankful... “

The postcard was “... found at studio of an artist who paints scenes of Lyon... Church is Fourviere in oldest part of town.”

This year’s recipient has had an admiration for French culture and language since he began studying French seven years ago. Currently the president of Georgetown’s French Cultural Association, the opportunity to study in Lyon allowed him to further expand on his Georgetown French living-learning community and passion for “all things French”. During his semester he fully experienced museums, Lyon/French heritage and travel, all of which contributed to his understanding of a nation’s traditions and values.

Excerpt from a recent postcard: “Everyday I learn something new in French and about the French culture and realize how fortunate I am to be here. This is a life-changing experience for which I am truly grateful!”

The 2015 recipient of Michael’s Study Abroad Scholarship was a Junior from Conshohocken, PA, majoring in Culture and Politics, School of Foreign Service. Interested in developing an “insider” perspective of social movements, human rights and general French “joie de vivre” she found her Lyon experience to be very enlightening. “As interesting as the classroom has been, engaging with the city of Lyon and the people here has been even more rewarding. And, it’s been very enriching to speak with my host family about French secularism, freedom of expression, perspectives and approaches. Like Michael, I have an insatiable sense of curiosity about places I visit, I enjoy embracing cultural opportunities and look forward to sharing my experiences with other Hoyas”.

Excerpt from a postcard from Lyon: “I wanted to share one of my favorite view of Lyon ... the Fourviere Cathedral overlooking the Saone River.... it’s visible from almost everywhere in the City ... I’m loving my time here and am so grateful to you for making it possible.”

Excerpt from a postcard from Morocco: “During February break I decided to change things up by going to Morocco... love the classic European art and architecture ... refreshing to discover my new found love of Islamic architecture (the tile is incredible!) ... and experience new sounds and tastes...”

This year’s scholarship recipient was a Junior from Manhattan Beach, CA, majoring in International Political Economy. She chose the Sciences Po Lyon program for a full academic year because it provided her the opportunity to study Sub-Saharan African studies and pursue her personal professional goal of a career in development agencies and as a Foreign Service Officer. Her extended stay, necessitated by the duration of her research program, was subsidized by Michael’s scholarship during her Spring term. Beyond her academic achievements, her Lyon experience strengthened her language skills, allowed her to grow strong relationships with other students and partake in new cultural and life experiences in Lyon, other regions of France and beyond.

Excerpt from postcard from Au Pays du Mont-Blanc: “In March, Georgetown organized a ski trip for us in Megeve. I had never skied before and had the most wonderful time learning a new sport and taking in the beauty of a new part of the Rhone-Alpes. France has shown me so much diversity this year, and Lyon really feels like a second home. I am deeply grateful for your generosity which has allowed me to take full advantage of this place.”

This year’s recipient was a Junior from St. Louis, MO studying Culture and Politics, School of Foreign Service. He chose to study at Sciences Po Lyon to improve his understanding of the French language while engaging in a year of rigorous studies of the modern East Asian world.

Michael’s Scholarship afforded him the opportunity to gain a level of depth and perspective in International Affairs and global history as well as exposure to Lyon and its proximity to Southern and Central Europe.

A departure from past recipients, unfortunately, we were unable to obtain any personal commentary on his year-long experience.

Spring 2018 welcomed two Lyon Scholarship recipients with the opportunity to expand their horizons at Sciences Po, Lyon, France.

One, a Government major believed studying in Lyon would address her increasing interest in pursuing a career in Foreign Service. Her Scholarship afforded her the opportunity to explore Lyon’s own culture and history and to become French fluent. As well, Lyon’s accessibility to other countries allowed her to experience different cities and landscapes and interact with international faculty and students. “My time in Lyon was more fulfilling and impactful than I could have ever imagined, I’ve grown so much as a person … and thank you for he opportunity to connect with amazing people.”

The second recipient is studying International Political Economy. Her education always driven by her experiences as an African immigrant, she was drawn to Sciences Po for its comprehensive African Studies, Economic and Political Science reputation. Her goal: to further her understanding of France’s integral role in terms of language and political economy of many West African nations. Scholarship funds afforded her the chance to immerse herself in French culture and history, improve her French language proficiency, and explore France’s history and relationship with Francophone Africa. “This scholarship helped me return to Georgetown with increased understanding of world affairs and new knowledge to help me with my studies back on the Hilltop”.

Five recipients shared this year’s Lyon Study Abroad Spring 2019 Scholarship:

The first, a Major in International Political Economy at Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service, plans to use French fluency in a career in the US Foreign Service or Intelligence Community. His goal: Lyon will afford him the opportunity to take courses that will engage his interests in justice and peace studies, provide an understanding of French society and norms surrounding social justice which, hopefully, will aid in his working with developing nations.

“My experience at Sciences Po has improved my French immensely and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed Lyon and visiting other cities in France, like Nice, to learn their history and culture. Merci Beaucoup.” Postcard: Exposition Mark Di Suvero

The second recipient, a McDonough School of Business Major in Accounting/Operations and Information Management , chose Lyon for the opportunity to expand her French language capabilities and learn about economics, history and politics in an environment different from her Business School campus.

“This Scholarship has allowed me not only to travel to Lyon but also discover Lyon’s rich culture through educational and recreational experiences firsthand. Merci Beaucoup.” Postcard: Lyon Ville Magnifique

A Science, Technology and International Affairs Major, the third recipient chose Sciences Po, Lyon for the opportunity to increase her language fluency and take classes that exposed her to different ways of thinking about International Relations.

“Lyon offered me the chance to fully engage in strong academics as well as fully embrace and appreciate French culture.” Postcard: Palais Des Papes, Avignon

The fourth recipient, a Junior studying Psychology, was driven by past French cultural exchange opportunities and wanted to assimilate French language and culture with her passion for studying in Lyon.

“I am so grateful for the chance to know another part of the world, discover different pockets of Lyon and absorb the breadth of what Lyon and environs had to offer.” Postcard: Paris - Place Igor-Stravinsky

The fifth, a French Minor, studying Psychology, was drawn to Lyon for its culture, gastronomy, history and opportunity to “live and breathe French”, a language she has pursued since childhood.

“A trip to Avignon gave me the chance to personally visit this bridge, the subject of a favorite French children’s song I learned in childhood in French class. My Lyon experience has allowed me to embrace change, seek adventure and grow as a person.” Postcard: Avignon Bridge

Lyon welcomed two Scholarship recipients in Fall 2019, both of whom were eager to improve their language proficiency and experience the culture and history of Lyon, France and environs.

The first recipient, a Junior from Baton Rouge, LA studying Regional and Comparative Studies at The School of Foreign Service, while keen on completing the Western European portion of her Major, especially enjoyed exploring the region and arts and culinary aspects afforded her during her semester. Deeply involved with feminist organizations in high school and college, her hope is to examine and spread gender equity around the world, particularly in francophone areas. She looks forward to a career in which perhaps one day she speaks French with young girls in Cameroon.

“It’s been great to explore France - the arts from Le Musee des Beaux Arts to local Jazz to the famous bouchons (bakery cafes) of Lyon. I’m grateful for the tremendous growth opportunities and look forward to continuing to sharpen my French linguistic skills.”

The second recipient, a Junior from Old Lyme, CT, sought to round out her knowledge of French culture while building on her International Politics Major at School of Foreign Service. She hopes her passion for European Affairs, evidenced by prior Dutch and French immersion experiences and the Lyon opportunity to continue to improve her French language skills, will enable her to develop a deeper understanding o the diversity of French peoples’ perspectives. Her goal is build upon this foundation and achieve her long term objectives of having a future career based in a French speaking country.

“My Lyon favorites, besides my loving and always humorous host family, included visits to the Musee des beaux arts, the Palais de Solego and running and picnic-ing through the Botanical Gardens in Parc de la Tete d’Or. Running is a huge part of my life and this Scholarship allowed me to participate in the Lyon Half-Marathon - an awesome day surrounded by 30,000 runners full of collegial spirit.”

Michael’s Scholarship program resumed in the Fall of 2022, post-Covid Shutdowns, with two enthusiastic recipients, each keen on improving their proficiency in French and immersing themselves, not only in academics, but also the culture and history of Strasbourg, France.

The first recipient, a Junior from Liliburn, GA, studying Business and Global Affairs (SFS/MSB ’24) wanted to build on a previous French language high school Study Abroad opportunity which whet her appetite for language and global affairs. Strasbourg offered the perfect opportunity to challenge her passion for politics, history, language and culture which, in turn, would expand her knowledge of global affairs and examine the intersection of these fields.

Her reflections:

“Attending a European Parliament Round table on future fiscal policy; being privy to debates; and attending a plenary session of the Council of Europe invaluably enriched my Strasbourg experience and knowledge.”

“I gained a greater sense of French culture given the opportunity to visit various museums and monuments in the Alsace region, Paris and Strasbourg.”

The second, a junior from Rogersville, TN studying Culture & Politics also sought to improve her French language abilities, reaffirm her identity within her “French family background’” and expand on her knowledge of worldwide affairs. Strasbourg’s extensive French language program and the opportunity to experience the regions’ culture and history addressed her desire to further improve academic and extracurricular pursuits. Strasbourg studies fueled her
passion for restorative justice and rehabilitation and her post-graduate goal focussing on Worldwide Justice, Identity and Criminal Law.

Her reflections:

“ I relished the opportunity to further improve my French capabilities enabling me to bridge family language barriers and for the first time, the chance to have a real conversation with my Grandmother”

“This opportunity hopefully offered me the ability to work in Francophone countries in future “

“I loved exploring Paris with fellow students and discovering the most beautiful city and gastronomic centre of the world; and, having the opportunity to live with a wonderful and very supportive French host family.”

This year’s recipient, a Junior from Bowie, MD studying Science, Technology and International Affairs (SFS) was determined to become fluent in French to further his desire and ability to work internationally. This overseas opportunity allowed him to take full advantage of of the Scholarship’s immersive experience which involved living with a host family, establish new friendships via academic pursuits and participation in the University’s basketball team; as well as the chance to explore the culture of France.

“This scholarship facilitated my dedication to improving my French and my eagerness to immerse myself in a different culture. My studies and experience in Strasbourg will hopefully, in future, help me to achieve my goal of working in international service in francophone African countries such as Cameroon, my family’s birthplace.“