Over this last semester, many alumnae have decided to do the once-in-a-lifetime chance of studying abroad. A few girls in my older sister’s class, including my sister, have taken the opportunity to live a few months in a completely new country and continue their college education. Evelyn LeVecke ‘22 and Giovana Watson ‘22 have been in London since January, and they love everything London has to offer. This is a unique way to see the world, and almost everyone should experience it. Let’s look at what these incredible Rosary grads have been up to while traveling around the world:
Evelyn explains her experience as a very amazing opportunity to see the world while still being able to participate in her regular college classes. She has crossed off many things off of her bucket list while being abroad. “For the past few months, I have had the incredible opportunity to live in London! I am not going to lie, before I came here, I was so scared. I joined a program where I knew absolutely no one, but I have met so many new and amazing people because of it. It wasn’t easy in the beginning, but being in such an awesome city did help a lot,” Evelyn explained “While here, I have traveled so much! I have been to six new countries and 14 new cities! It’s hard to pick a favorite, but my top three include Salzburg, Austria (the city where The Sound of Music was filmed), Venice, Italy and Derry, Ireland. As fun as it has been traveling the world, it has been quite challenging and exhausting, but I do not regret a thing while being here” Evelyn concluded.
Giovana (Jojo) has been spending lots of her time learning new theatre techniques while being in London. She has been making a ton of new friends along the way as well. She said, “While I’ve been studying at Rose Bruford College in London, I’ve been able to study various acting classes that originated in the UK, such as Shakespeare techniques. Another class I am taking requires me to go out into the city and experience different facets and genres of theatre, with many productions specific to London. I’m averaging about two shows a month, and those are just part of my homework!” She is a busy woman! “And just this past week, I was placed in a group of students in my year, and we were tasked with writing, directing, producing and performing an original show! Sound familiar? This project opened for a whole week of performances written, directed and performed by students, all studying varying aspects of theatre. It is incredible to see the talent from both visiting and full-time students at Rose Bruford, and it inspires me to explore other facets of theatre.”
Evelyn and Jojo were also able to travel together to Disneyland Paris. Michaela Watson ‘26 and I were beyond jealous. Having them both send pictures to us during these last few months of all the cool places they have gone to just really hits hard. Michaela mentioned, “It honestly makes me upset that I wasn’t able to visit her during her time abroad, but I know my family, and I will go there one day, ESPECIALLY Disneyland Paris. Brigid and I can’t take it anymore, we want you guys to come home right now.”
Evelyn said, “Having at least one familiar face living in a big city was so nice and we have so many memories together now! My favorite is when we went to Paris and Disneyland Paris a few weeks ago! We had so much fun, and I’m so grateful for this renewed friendship!”
Jojo couldn’t agree more. She replied, “On the days where I’m not in class, I am either exploring London, or other countries. Just a few weeks ago, Evelyn LeVecke and I traveled to Paris and were able to explore both the city and Disneyland Paris! We had an incredible time, from sightseeing all throughout Paris, enjoying the amazing food and riding new, yet familiar, rides at Disney. As much as I love the food markets, fashion and culture of London, there is nothing like going out and exploring the neighboring countries, even if just for a weekend.”
Both Jojo and Evelyn have advice for other Royals who are thinking about studying abroad in the future. Jojo says, “If anyone is interested in studying abroad and finds yourself able to, DO IT! And if you do decide to go, make sure to say yes to everything! You never know how much potential a free day can hold! You will meet so many new and incredible people while you are across the sea.” Evelyn also said, “If you have been thinking about studying abroad in college, DO IT! Studying abroad wasn’t really on my radar until about a month before the application deadline, but I am so happy I did it. I can’t believe my time in London is over, but I know I will return soon. Cheerio!”
If this doesn’t scream adventurous to you, then I don’t know what does. Going to college in a different country, traveling to new places during your free weekends, and making new friends along the way sounds like an impeccable way to see the world. Can’t wait to hear about everyone that will decide to go abroad in college. Pip Pip, Cheerio!
