Celia Lange of the field hockey team spent the spring semester of 2024 in England and writes about her time on the other side of the Atlantic. Here is her experience.
From Celia Lange ’26
When I was choosing a college, I always knew I wanted to study abroad. Washington College made this possible for me while I was still a student-athlete. The college offered extensive support, helped me with the application process, and answered all of my questions. During the field hockey offseason last spring, I studied at Royal Holloway University of London (RHUL) in England. RHUL is the most academically demanding program offered by WAC, but as a Presidential Fellow, student-athlete, and with dual degrees in Sociology and Communication and Media Studies, I was well prepared for the challenge.
I was attracted to RHUL because it is known for its excellent academic education, and the proximity to a major city like London would give me a new experience away from my small hometown and university town. At RHUL, I was able to pursue my academic interests and make some lifelong friendships. The learning environment was different from what I was used to at Washington College, with a greater emphasis on independent study and research. I only had classes on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays, where I studied various aspects of sociology, criminology, and media arts. On weekends and during semester breaks, I had the opportunity to travel with my new friends: two from Australia, one from Boston, and one from Los Angeles. I was able to travel to 13 countries (14 if you count Vatican City) and over 25 cities, and the opportunity to experience the culture, learn about the history, and see the famous sights in each destination was priceless.
Being only 15 minutes from London Heathrow Airport meant I could easily travel to each destination and see some friends from home again. While it was exciting to see all the major tourist attractions in each city (I mean, they are touristy for a reason), my favorite part was being able to experience the authentic cultural aspects of a city. I met my teammate Kate Gromacki ’24 in Paris, France, who had studied abroad the previous year. I experienced the city from her point of view, which allowed me to go beyond what a tourist would see. I also visited my friend from my hometown of Madrid, Spain, who studies abroad year-round. In Florence, Italy, my four RHUL friends and I took a cooking class where we made fresh tagliatelle, ravioli, and tiramisu. While in London, two former teammates, Julianna Sterling ’23 And Ally Campbellcame to visit and we explored the city together for a day.
I was also fortunate enough to visit the campuses of two other study abroad programs that WAC partners with, as RHUL was my first choice for Spring 2024. The independence, cultural experiences, and newfound knowledge I gained while studying abroad have instilled in me a desire to travel abroad next spring. The experience broadened my horizons and sparked a desire to explore more of the world. On a week-long trip through Ireland, I visited University College Cork, which had a beautiful campus and a pretty surrounding town. A week later, I stopped by Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore in Milan, a five-minute walk from the metro, making it quick and easy to move throughout the city. These visits fueled my ambition to continue my education and personal growth through international experiences.
During my semester abroad, I was able to connect with people from all over the world, explore places I’ve always wanted to see, gain unique cultural experiences, and expand my knowledge in ways I never imagined. Although I thoroughly enjoyed my experience and plan to study abroad again, I’m excited to return home to Washington College to see my friends on and off the field hockey team and continue my education, now with renewed confidence and a broader perspective.
