Studying abroad equals great memories

Kelly Lamarche didn’t head to London to see the queen, but the fact that she was there during Her Majesty’s diamond jubilee was an added bonus to a trip she never planned to take.

Lamarche, of Chesterfield, is a student at the University of Evansville, an institution known for its study abroad programs.

“But it’s not why I chose Evansville,” Lamarche said. Then the study abroad bug bit and Lamarche said she’s glad it did.

Lamarche, a graduate of Lafayette High School who is majoring in biology, was among 35 University of Evansville students who traveled to England in mid-May for a five-week study abroad experience at  Harlaxton, a 100-room Victorian manor in the English countryside.

She took one class – neurobiology – which met Monday through Thursday from 8:30-10:30 a.m. Her schedule left plenty of time for playing golf, making friends and seeing the sights.

When called for an interview, Kelly’s mom, Karen Gloutney, said, “She’s made friends with a 70-year-old man who is a security guard at the college. She’s gone golfing with him.”

Lamarche said she told her parents that the gentleman, a veteran, was “a strange old man who used to kill people.” Then added that he was actually very sweet.

As for golfing, Lamarche said one of the highlights of her trip was playing at the prestigious St. Andrews Links.

“It was cold and rainy, but it was still beautiful and everything I wanted it to be,” said Lamarche who is serious about golf. She plays on the university’s team and admitted, “My only piece of checked luggage was my golf bag.”

Five weeks isn’t long, but in addition to playing golf and waiting five hours in the rain to get a glimpse of the queen, she managed to squeeze in one more highlight.

“I got to celebrate one of my friend’s 21^st birthday with her in Paris,” Lamarche said.

The culmination of those experiences has Lamarche singing a different tune these days about studying abroad.

“Do it,” she said.