The history behind our coat of arms
Our company, Bilsborough Study Abroad, was born from the union of two cultures and two families of different nationalities, whose paths converge with a shared purpose. Inspired by the symbols of our respective family crests, we have created our own emblem that reflects the core values of our mission.
The crowned lion represents strength, courage and steadfastness, qualities present in the national coats of arms of both England and Spain, two countries closely linked and with which we identify deeply. This symbol embodies the confidence with which we accompany our students in this transformative experience, an adventure that demands courage not only from them, but also from their families, as it represents a major step in their lives that drives both their academic growth and their personal development.
The olive branches supporting the coat of arms evoke the landscapes of Spain and symbolise the expression ‘extend an olive branch’, which means to offer a gesture of peace, reconciliation and connection. For us, this image represents the bond we create between two cultures and the unconditional support we give to our students. We want their experience abroad to be an opportunity for enrichment and transformation, built on good faith, openness and a commitment to accompany them every step of the way.
Our founders
Beatriz P. González-Buendía García
Dual Bachelor's degree in International Relations (specialisation in Foreign Policy and International Security) and Translation and Interpreting, Universidad Pontificia Comillas | Bachelor's degree in Law, Universidad Internacional de La Rioja
Beatriz started her career in international mobility, first as a student in the fifth year of secondary school (equivalent to the first year of Spanish Baccalaureate) in East Lothian, Scotland, and then as a second year undergraduate student at Salford University, Manchester, England.
In addition to a Bachelor's degree in International Relations, a Bachelor's degree in Translation and Interpreting and a Bachelor's degree in Law, she has broadened her academic horizons at prestigious foreign institutions such as the London School of Law and Criminology, Université Catholique de Lille and Université de la Sorbonne in Paris, which has allowed her to consolidate her knowledge in both the field of International Relations and linguistics.
With extensive experience in various professional sectors, always working on issues related to internationalisation and languages, Beatriz has more than three years of experience in the International Mobility Department at San Pablo CEU University in Madrid, where she gained a comprehensive understanding of the opportunities and challenges faced by students wishing to study abroad.
Her studies and experience have enabled her to develop a comprehensive approach to educational internationalisation and to build a wide network of contacts in the international academic sector.
Chloe Olivia Fitzpatrick
Bachelor's degree in Dance and Performing Arts, University of Salford | Master's degree in Social Work and Policy, University of Salford
Chloe began her career in education and child development, working in international settings and adapting her teaching to different cultures. After gaining honours degrees in Dance and Performing Arts and Social Work and Policy (with a major in Child Protection) from the University of Salford, Manchester, Chloe turned her career to the education sector, in particular teaching English as a Foreign Language (EFL), setting up her own company to deliver English language classes in Europe and Asia, both face-to-face and online.
Her work experience in international schools has given her a deep understanding of diversity in educational environments and the importance of cultural sensitivity. Her professional background has given her valuable tools in managing a successful educational business and building effective relationships with students and families from diverse backgrounds.
Chloe's academic background includes studies in English Literature, Sociology, Dance and Greek Mythology, areas which complement her holistic view of child development. Currently at Bilsborough Study Abroad, in her role as the person directly responsible for the welfare of students in both schools and host families, with whom she is in constant and direct contact, Chloe keeps the protection and welfare of students at the forefront of her mind. This philosophy drives her to foster an intercultural education environment where every student can develop in a space of respect and diversity, valuing individual differences in thinking and behaviour as opportunities to foster each student's full potential.
