Role model Rowan jets off to Harvard
An Edinburgh College Modern Languages student is embarking on a new adventure as he heads to one of the world’s most prestigious universities to continue his academic journey.
Seventeen-year-old Rowan Whitworth is moving to Harvard University, equipped with a solid educational background from both the College and school, which has prepared him for this next step. Rowan spent a year studying Advanced Higher French through the College’s online programme, as the course was not available at his school.
Now, Rowan is set to study English at Harvard, a goal he has pursued for several years. Despite focusing on English, he plans to continue learning French.
“I’ve wanted to move to the United States, particularly to Harvard and the Massachusetts area, for several years—ever since I watched Good Will Hunting when I was younger,” said Rowan.
“I visited the university last summer to get a feel for it, and I knew then that it was the place for me. Since then, I have worked hard to achieve the results I needed, and now I’m excited to go. I am nervous, but I feel ready to make the move, and the university has a great pre-orientation plan in place for international students, which will make it easier to settle in.
“My plan is to study English initially, and I’m considering majoring in it as well. However, I will definitely continue my French education, as it’s something I’ve dedicated many years to—especially with the Advanced Higher course at college.”
Rowan credits his college experience with preparing him for the next stage in his educational and life journey.
He said: “Studying the Advanced Higher French course was tough and nerve-wracking at first because it was all online, and I didn’t know many people in the digital classroom. But I soon became comfortable with it and found the new experience to be really beneficial. I think going through this will help me in the future, and I’m really grateful to the College for supporting me in studying French at this level.”
Edinburgh College Curriculum Team Manager and Rowan’s lecturer, Caroline Cordier, said: “We are so delighted for Rowan as he prepares to take on this amazing opportunity at Harvard University. Rowan has worked incredibly hard and achieved outstanding results—including full marks in written coursework, which is a rare feat.
“Throughout his year with us, Rowan has been a role model to his classmates, who, like him, were adapting to a digital classroom for the first time. Rowan was always very proactive and led by example, encouraging and motivating his peers to engage in class discussions—which is so important when learning languages.”
Edinburgh College’s online delivery of Modern Languages courses has become a lifeline for many students across Scotland, allowing them to pursue success at a higher level in a new environment. Each year, the College welcomes students from the Highlands and Islands to the Borders to join online classes, allowing them to further their development in Modern Languages and achieve National Qualifications.