18 Jan 2024 | |
Alumnae News |
This January marks the 50th anniversary of the student exchange programme between Germantown Friends School in Philadelphia and St George's School in Edinburgh.
The programme first began in 1972 when Germantown student Dorothy Cary spent a term at St George's. The idea was conceived by Dorothy's mother, Betty and a former St George's teacher, Kathleen Dickson. After sporadic early years, the exchange became formalised in the 1980s under headmistress Helen Mackie, focusing on the Upper 4 age group of students.
Due to Covid, exchanges moved virtual but more recently, the physical exchanges have resumed. This month, three Germantown Friends students have arrived back in Edinburgh to live with host families until midterm. Our girls will travel to GTS later in the year.
In 2023, Dorothy Cary returned to St George's to share memories about her formative experience. She recalled the programme's goal of providing cultural exchange, friendships, independence and personal growth.
Current students report the same valuable outcomes today. After 50 years, the Germantown Friends- St George's exchange continues to foster connections and understanding between the two school communities.
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