Thoughts from abroad.

LeClair with local rock formation

Jack LeClair, Sted's junior, is currently studying abroad. Taking a break from his rigorous studies and a breather from his packed "European city hopping" schedule, Jack electronically sat down with me and answered a few questions for curious Steds' minds.

St.Ed: So, where are you these days?

LeClair: I am currently studying Biology amongst other things at the University of Notre Dame in London.

St.Ed: London? Yes, someone told me that you were there, interning in Parliament, working for Scottish independence...something about pay back for the War of 1812 or was it Braveheart? I forget...you tell me. 

LeClair: Yeah, I am currently working for a Scottish MP in Westminster who supported the Better Together or No campaign trying to keep Scotland together. Of negligible Scottish ancestry, having watched Braveheart two weeks ago, and, most importantly, hoping that a independent Scotland would cause the plummet of the pound, I spent the last couple of weeks doing everything I could to subvert my MP's efforts to save the Union. But, on a more serious note,  my job in Parliament has been great because it has given me and opportunity to immerse in British culture and communicate with my MP's constituents, which has been rewarding thus far. 

St.Ed: How have the gastronomical delights of English cuisine been? All those bangers and mash, toad in a hole, pickled eggs and figgy puddings?

LeClair: I can't really comment on the gastronomical delights of English Cuisine. By avoiding everything except fish and chips, which is no different than what you would find in New England, I have been spared of the stereotypically bad English food. That said, English Breakfast Tea is constantly coursing through my veins and I am not sure how I feel about that. 

St.Ed: I know that you have a class schedule, with demanding academics, but have you able to see the sights of London? For me, I always wanted to go to London's Piccadilly Circus and see if a British circus is anything like an American one.

LeClair: While there is still a fair bit of academic responsibilities, I have been able to see many of the sights of London. Conway Hall where all of the Notre Dame students live is in the heart of the city so you see the sights, whether that be the London Eye, St. Paul's, or Parliament, on your morning walk to class which is pretty incredible. As for Piccadilly Circus, it is in no way like an American circus and could better be explained as a combination between downtown South Bend and Times Square, although leaning more towards the Times Square end of the spectrum. 

St.Ed: Do you have any advice for your Stedsmen about studying/traveling abroad?

LeClair: As for advice to my fellow Stedsmen about studying/traveling abroad:

- If you are at all on the fence about going abroad, I would recommend doing it. It may be the one time you get to truly live and immerse in a foreign country.

- Learn how to cook in advance.

-Never say no. Hold on, let me qualify this. You shouldn't say “no” to having a new experience or going to a new country. However, it's recommended, nay expected, that you say “no” to any street corner “gypsy fortune tellers” that you will invariably run into in these European cities. 

- To echo my St. Ed's forefathers, "treat everyone with generous love," whether that be the ND people you meet in your program or the people you have quick interactions with all over the globe.