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At Virginia Military Institute’s Office of Global Education, more than 10% of cadets each year choose an international learning experience. Through semester or summer programs, cadets not only widen their global perspectives — but build critical thinking, resilience, independence, and the ability to communicate across cultures. Learn more about these first-hand experiences through our Study Abroad Ambassadors.
Name: Anthony Pate
Year: 2026
Major: Economics and Business
Which program did you do?
I did the internship with Pasta Fabianelli.
What made you decide to participate in this program?
I wanted to participate in this internship to gain hands-on work experience with the opportunity of being abroad in Europe.
How did you balance this program with VMI’s unique educational approach?
The program included Italian classes along with the internship. It also provided certain educational experiences in the town. I balanced these activities by completing all of my work as soon as I received it. I also kept reminding myself that I was there representing VMI.
What were your keys to success?
My keys to success were trying to bring a positive attitude to each day and working my hardest. Adaptability is taught at VMI, so I just tried my best to adapt to any situation possible.
How do you think participating in this program will aid you in your future?
The participation in this program gave me quality work experience that I can bring to my future jobs.
What was the best part of the program?
The best part of the program was to be able to experience a whole new culture while also gaining work experience.
What was the most surprising thing about the county you visited?
There were many more English speakers than I anticipated. I also was surprised how beautiful Tuscany was.
Favorite memory?
My favorite memory was visiting a restaurant recommended by my roommates’ parents. We had to jump through hurdles to get there, but it was the best steak I have ever eaten. Another fond memory from the internship was talking about soccer everyday with my colleagues. When they found out that I loved soccer they would speak to me about the games.
At Virginia Military Institute’s Office of Global Education, more than 10% of cadets each year choose an international learning experience. Through semester or summer programs, cadets not only widen their global perspectives — but build critical thinking, resilience, independence, and the ability to communicate across cultures. Learn more about these first-hand experiences through our Study Abroad Ambassadors.
Name: Josiah Farrell
Year: 2028
Majors: International Studies with a Chinese minor
Which program did you do? National Chengchi University (NCCU) Huayu BEST Chinese program
What made you decide to participate in this program?
I knew coming to VMI that I wanted to study abroad at some point, so getting to spend the summer in Taiwan seemed like the perfect fit. My aim is to someday speak Mandarin Chinese fluently enough to serve as a U.S. diplomat, so I saw this trip as a perfect opportunity to get speaking experience in a native setting which is close to unachievable in the U.S. Being able to travel with my friends was also a huge draw for me to this program.
How did you balance this program with VMI’s unique educational approach?
Being in this program was my first time experiencing a normal college lifestyle, so it was a learning curve at first figuring out how to utilize all the free time I had. However, I found that establishing a routine much like that at VMI was an effective strategy for ensuring I stayed on task.
What were your keys to success?
I found that establishing a routine for balancing work and free time was critical for success. However, outside of that, I found that going out and seeking natural speaking experiences was extremely beneficial for practicing the content that we learned in the classroom. These everyday interactions, such as going to the convenience store, attending a concert, or exploring the city with friends all provided practical speaking experience which in turn allowed for better performance in the classroom.
How do you think participating in this program will aid you in your future?
I believe this program affirmed my ambitions to serve as a diplomat in Eastern Asia and that the speaking and comprehension skills I learned while abroad gave me a better understanding of colloquially spoken Chinese. I believe that these experiences will allow me to better understand both the people of Taiwan and the Mandarin speaking world as a whole in my future career.
What was the best part of the program?
The best part of the program by far was the ability to explore the city of Taipei with friends and make new connections with both Taiwanese locals and other foreign students. The free time we had allowed us to embark on a new adventure every day such as visiting temples, picking and brewing local tea, and participating in traditional games like dragon boat racing.
What was the most surprising thing about the county you visited?
By far the most surprising aspect of Taiwan was how exceptionally clean it was. The Taiwanese culture of sustainability and personal responsibility for the environment meant that, despite Taipei being a massive and densely populated city, the streets were spotless and the surroundings were luscious and green. I was extremely impressed by just how carefully the Taiwanese cared for their community.
Favorite memory?
My favorite memory in Taiwan by far was our first morning, where I climbed to the very top of a nearby mountain and visited a temple. From there I was able to take in the amazing views of Taipei’s metropolitan area and dense forests alike, and the reality of being on a once in a lifetime trip finally set in.
At Virginia Military Institute’s Office of Global Education, more than 10% of cadets each year choose an international learning experience. Through semester or summer programs, cadets not only widen their global perspectives — but build critical thinking, resilience, independence, and the ability to communicate across cultures. Learn more about these first-hand experiences through our Study Abroad Ambassadors.
Name: Edward Menton
Class: 2026
Major: Economics and Business Major
Which program did you do?
I first studied abroad in the spring semester of 2024 at the American University of Rome and then completed an internship this past summer in Castiglion Fiorentino, Tuscany, working with De’ Magi – Alchimia de’ Formaggi, an Italian cheese refiner.
What made you decide to participate in this program?
I grew up in a small town, so I’ve always been drawn to the idea of traveling. I wanted to broaden my global perspective, experience life outside of the United States, and make meaningful memories along the way. Studying in Rome gave me the chance to learn international business and economics in a European setting, while my internship provided valuable hands-on experience working as a U.S. liaison for an artisan Italian company.
How did you balance this program with VMI’s unique educational approach?
The values VMI teaches, such as discipline, time management, and professionalism, helped me in both settings. In Rome, they kept me focused as I adjusted to a different classroom style and culture. During my internship, these skills were most evident, enabling me to manage projects independently, meet deadlines, and effectively represent both myself and VMI in a cross-cultural business environment.
What were your keys to success?
Keys to my success were adaptability, time management, confidence, curiosity, and communication.
How do you think participating in this program will aid you in your future?
These experiences have given me international awareness, professional confidence, and practical skills in business and logistics. Now I understand better how cultural differences impact trade and business. This global experience will benefit me in my future career, first as I pursue a path in the U.S. Army, and later as I hope to move into international business or operations management.
What was the best part of the program?
In Rome, it was living in a historic city and having the ability to travel to different countries with my best friends. For the internship, it was working directly with Andrea Magi, the owner of the company, and seeing how passion and attention to detail can elevate a small business into an internationally recognized company. Also, Florentine steaks.
What was the most surprising thing about the county you visited?
How much Italian culture and tradition influence everyday life, from business practices to meals.
Favorite memory?
My favorite memory was getting the chance to visit the Vatican multiple times and experiencing Rome during Easter. It was unforgettable to be in the city at such a meaningful time.
At Virginia Military Institute’s Office of Global Education, more than 10% of cadets each year choose an international learning experience. Through semester or summer programs, cadets not only widen their global perspectives — but build critical thinking, resilience, independence, and the ability to communicate across cultures. Learn more about these first-hand experiences through our Study Abroad Ambassadors.
Name: Morgan Fraser
Class: 2027
Major: International Studies
Which program did you do? Spanish language program in Madrid, Summer of 2025
I studied abroad in Madrid, Spain through the Spanish language program, which gave me the chance to really dive into both the language and the culture. Other cities visited include: Toledo, Consuegra, Barcelona, El Escorial, and Valencia.
What made you decide to participate in this program?
I’ve always wanted to improve my Spanish, but more than that, I wanted to challenge myself by living in a different country. I had never been outside the U.S. before Spain so there were a lot of firsts. The idea of experiencing Spain firsthand; the history, the food, and the daily life, it was something I knew I couldn’t pass up.
How did you balance this program with VMI’s unique educational approach?
VMI teaches you how to manage your time, stay disciplined, and handle challenges head-on. I relied on those same skills abroad — keeping up with classes, adapting to new and different routines, and making the most of every day and opportunity.
What were your keys to success?
Being open-minded and willing to step out of my comfort zone were keys to my success. I tried to speak Spanish as much as possible, even when I made mistakes, and I said “yes” to experiences that felt unfamiliar at first. I would always walk into a café or restaurant with the urge to use my Spanish to get better, and most of the time they would work with me, even when I struggled. I was just so thankful to be there that I knew I wanted to succeed and try my very best in classes while I was being taught by Spanish speakers from Spain.
How do you think participating in this program will aid you in your future?
It sounds cliché, but it gave me confidence in adapting to new situations and showed me the value of seeing the world through a different lens. Those lessons will carry over into both my career and personal life, especially in environments that demand flexibility and strong communication skills. You have to be willing to adapt in a country that’s not yours and it was a humbling experience, but also cool and amazing.
What was the best part of the program?
My favorite part was definitely the people, both the students I traveled with and the locals I met. Sharing meals, exploring new places together, and hearing stories from people who grew up in Spain made the whole experience unforgettable. One of my favorite people from my study abroad trip was my professor, Maria, from Spain. She was just great, very down to earth, and we would share so many stories back and forth during class time. We both wanted to learn about each other’s backgrounds, and it just made the classes so personal, and I truly learned a lot.
What was the most surprising thing about the county you visited?
The slower pace of life was the most surprising thing. In Spain, meals are long, people take time to connect, and there’s less of a rush. The work-to-life ratio is insane and they appreciate slowing down. It really stood out to me, especially compared to the constant go-go-go I’m used to at VMI. It was a good place to be to re-center yourself and appreciate all the little things.
Favorite memory?
There is a place in Madrid called Temple of Debod. It is an ancient Egyptian structure that was donated to Spain in the 20th century as a thank you gift. It’s on an overlook in the center of the city and you can see the entire landscape of Madrid; it was absolutely beautiful. We went one evening to watch the sunset, because that’s where everyone went to watch the sun go down, and people would bring their guitars and sing and bring food, and it was just amazing. Such a good memory and experience overall.
At Virginia Military Institute’s Office of Global Education, more than 10% of cadets each year choose an international learning experience. Through semester or summer programs, cadets not only widen their global perspectives — but build critical thinking, resilience, independence, and the ability to communicate across cultures. Learn more about these first-hand experiences through our Study Abroad Ambassadors.
Name: Ryan Getgood
Class: 2026
Major: International Studies with a Chinese minor
Which program did you do?
I did the Huayu BEST program, which allowed me to study at National Chengchi University in Taipei, Taiwan.
What made you decide to participate in this program?
I decided to participate in this program because I really wanted to learn more Chinese and practice in an active environment. I also thought teaching English to kids would be fun and a valuable experience to prepare me for teaching abroad after graduation. Plus, the scholarship covered most of my expenses.
How did you balance this program with VMI’s unique educational approach?
VMI’s educational approach is pretty strict; cadets are expected to balance athletic, academic, and military commitments. While in Taiwan I had academic commitments, but still worked out and found ways to participate in athletics, like during the dragon boat racing event. Instead of military commitments, I chose to dedicate time to exploring local cultural sites. In short, I still modeled my commitments after VMI’s unique three-legged stool approach.
What were your keys to success?
My key to academic success was dedicating an appropriate amount to study writing, speaking, and listening. My key to overall language success was fully immersing myself in Taiwan’s environment, speaking Chinese (even if it was bad) instead of English whenever possible.
How do you think participating in this program will aid you in your future?
I think my participation in language exchange with Taiwanese elementary school students will make me more competitive when applying to teach English abroad after graduation. The challenges I faced while adjusting to life abroad have given me more resilience, a calm composure, and a genuine passion for adventure. I believe interacting with Taiwanese people of all ages has exposed me to new perspectives and worldviews, which has improved my critical thinking and decision-making ability.
What was the best part of the program?
The best part of this program in particular was the freedom that came with it. I got to explore places I was interested in within Taiwan and was also allowed to leave the country to visit South Korea and Japan.
What was the most surprising thing about the county you visited?
The most surprising thing about Taiwan was how easy it was to travel. I could take the mass rapid transit or bus 45 minutes to the heart of the city which was filled with impressive skyscrapers that lit up at night. I could take the high-speed rail to the south; I went to Taizhong where I visited Sun Li-jen’s Class of 1927 (a famous Chinese VMI alumnus) family home.
Favorite memory?
Times meeting up with my BRs while abroad became my favorite memories. I met up with Chen Po-Yen ’26 to visit Sun Li-Jen’s house and the GaoMei wetlands, met up with Benjamin Shyu ’26 to explore Xinyi in Taipei, and met up with Zebadiah Barrett ’26 to hike Mount Fuji in Japan.
Trips to Barcelona, Granada, Madrid, and more were just the perks for a group of Virginia Military Institute cadets this summer.
Nearly two dozen traveled to Spain this summer for a study abroad program, with varying majors and minors represented, from economics and business, modern languages, history, computer science, engineering, and more.
The five-week program allowed cadets to take three classes at the Universidad de Alcalá in Alcalá de Henares near Madrid. They were enrolled in two Spanish classes taught by the university professors and an economics elective class, which was taught by VMI’s Col. Valentina Dimitrova-Grajzl, professor of economics and business.
“Study abroad programs are important because they humanize the rest of the world and introduce the students to new ideas and different ways of living, working, and interacting,” she said. “In a world of so much polarization, such programs can be a bridge for better understanding and cooperation.”
Dimitrova-Grajzl said cadets are able to develop an open-mindedness about the world by participating in study abroad programs like this one. She said it was rewarding to see how each cadet’s knowledge and worldviews were expanding and changing organically.
“Students experienced how the definition of economic and social well-being can differ across countries and cultures, how the architecture and design of cities can incentivize people to be active and socially integrated, and how the structure of a workday varies based on geography and climate,” she said.
The program was put together by Dr. Sabrina Laroussi, associate professor of Spanish in the Department of Modern Languages and Cultures, who has led the program for the past six sessions. Laroussi said she gets immense satisfaction seeing her students’ Spanish language skills progress.
“Every student has his or her own strategies to overcome language barriers as they go from being shy to order food in a restaurant or a coffee shop, or purchase something in a store, to making every effort to speak some of the local language to get around, connect with locals, and make friends,” she said. “Even if it is through using plain language or basic Spanish phrases such as ‘Hola’ (hello), ‘Gracias’ (thank you), ‘Un café con hielo, por favor’ (iced coffee, please).”
Firsthand experience and gaining credits
Connor Franklin ’26 decided to sign up for the Spain study abroad program because he and a friend both needed six more credit hours of Spanish language, plus it was his first time traveling to Europe for school. The economics and business major said the classes were very laid back but interactive. He was able to meander between classes, check out cafes, and enjoy the culture.
“The experience was awesome; it was the most fun I have had. I learned so much about the culture of Spain and a lot about the European Union,” he said. “It was very interesting to see how people operated throughout their day and also to see how different their priorities were from people from the U.S.”
Franklin said surrounding himself in the Spanish culture gave him a different way to learn the language.
“You are surrounded by the language, so you are forced to learn it. To me it is one of the best ways to learn a language,” he said.
This program allowed Cadlee Jarvis ’26, a history major, to travel abroad for the first time. Taking classes in a foreign country did take some adjusting, he said, especially compared to the structure that VMI has.
“I think this program is important to have at VMI because it gives cadets the opportunity to travel abroad and learn new information about different cultures,” he said. “It also helps cadets gain new experiences and memories that will last a lifetime.”
In addition to class time, cadets took trips to Southern Spain (Granada and Sevilla), to Northern Spain (Barcelona), and several day or half-day trips to Madrid to the U.S. Embassy, the Royal Palace, the Prado Museum, and several tours of the city.
Laroussi said she enjoyed seeing everyone embrace new experiences and step out of their culinary comfort zones.
“When we visit very touristy cities such as Seville, Barcelona, or Toledo, I always emphasize to students to avoid tourist traps: restaurants on big, popular squares or near major tourist attractions, or restaurants with a menu featuring multiple languages,” she said. “So, at the end of the day, when they tell me that they went to a restaurant where there were only locals, the waiters did not speak English, the menu was entirely in Spanish, and they ordered a local specialty… that is my greatest satisfaction.”
The students lived in a dorm at the Universidad de Alcalá along with Spanish students and other international students who were taking summer classes in Alcalá. They got to practice their Spanish language regularly since it is a town that is less touristy and provides a very authentic experience of living in a Spanish town.
Suzanne J.P. Leaptrot ’25, an English major, decided on the study abroad program so she could lighten her course load in her final year at VMI. This is her second study abroad opportunity. In the spring of 2023, she did a semester at Oxford. Spending a month in Spain, taking three classes was also the most cost-effective opportunity, she and others said. For nine credits, she only spent $5,400 on the classes, plus the flight to get to Spain.
“Part of what makes this trip so valuable is the weekend trips we took. One thing I kicked myself for when I was in England was not traveling more and seeing the major England things. This trip took all the planning and energy out of my hands and took me to the major Spanish sites, and I’m so glad it did,” she said. “Alone, I never would have gone to the Picasso Museum in Barcelona, which was my favorite of all the places we visited.”
Thanks to taking an immersive language class, Leaptrot was forced to figure out ways to describe things when the vocabulary in the other language is limited.
“For example, toward the end of my trip, I was looking for Post-it notes at a grocery store and I did not know the word, so I asked a worker if they had sticky papers to take notes in books, the worker understood and told me where to go to find them. Three hours a week in a classroom just does not compare to an immersion class,” she said.
Colton Jones ’26, an international studies and political science major with a minor in national security, was intrigued by the program after seeing posters about it around post. A driving factor in going was so he could knock out his Spanish requirements, while being able to apply what he’s learning in real-time situations.
“It gives cadets a chance to really focus on their Spanish studies in a way that are unable to when they are at VMI,” he said. “They also get to experience a different culture and it may open their eyes to new experiences and new things that they otherwise never would have seen.”
Virginia Military Institute cadet Kaiden Minter ’26, an international studies major, is spending spring semester studying with the Faculty of Political Science at the University of Belgrade in Serbia.
Minter awarded the Gilman Scholarship, a program of the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, which fosters mutual understanding between the people of the U.S. and the people of other countries to promote friendly, sympathetic, and peaceful relations.
Minter has been interested in the Balkan region for a long time. “The peninsula has a history of several different cultures living on it, causing a past marred with conflict as these cultures interact. When you look at other regions of similar sizes in Europe, like the Iberian Peninsula or the British Isles, you don’t see this type of conflict, so I’ve always been curious to study it physically,” stated Minter.
The courses in which Minter is currently enrolled in Serbia are U.S. Foreign Policy; European Politics; An Analysis on Conflict in the Balkans; International Political Economy; and Serbian Language, Culture and History. Each class compliments the others, and all of them are applicable to his major and classes he will be taking when he returns to Lexington. Minter shared that choosing to study in Serbia was a smart decision. “From the low cost of living to its similarity in geography to Southwest Virginia—with rolling soft mountains and deciduous forests—this is a wonderful place for me to study. The thing I love most though is the city of Belgrade itself. It’s a unique blend of Mediterranean and Eastern architecture mixed with the block structures of a communist state. The main fortress complex of Belgrade called, Kalemegdan, which has been used since the times of the Romans, is a short walk from my apartment.”
According to Todd Lee Goen, director of the Office of Global Education and senior international officer at VMI, the Gilman Scholarship was awarded last fall to approximately 1,700 American undergraduate students from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. “The global education team is proud of Kaiden’s success in obtaining a Gilman Award, which is a testament to his desire to advance his global competencies through study abroad. His experiences in Serbia will expand his worldview and make him more competitive throughout his career,” said Goen.
Minter’s academic advisor, Col. Patrick Rhamey, professor in the Department of International Studies and Political Science recalled that Minter developed a clear passion engaging the world in his introduction to international politics course. “What makes that academic experience all the more exciting is this chance for Kaiden to study abroad provided by the Gilman Scholarship. These opportunities provide a firm foundation for future successful careers beyond America’s borders.”
Minter recommends Serbia as a place for other VMI cadets to study because of all the military history surrounding the region.
Minter is the grandson of Mark and Millie Minter of Roanoke. He is a graduate of Northside High School. He plans to join the Peace Corps and pursue a career in diplomacy after graduating from VMI.
