U . S . N AVA L A C A D E M Y A L U M N I A S S O C I AT I O N A N D F O U N D AT I O N
I M PA C T R E P O R T
2022–2023
INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMS 1
LETTER FROM THE PROVOST The mission of the Naval Academy’s International Programs Office (IPO) is to enhance globalization of midshipmen education by providing experiential opportunities to increase foreign language proficiency, enhance regional understanding, and appreciate cultural differences and points of view. This is an important priority for me as Provost. Our 18th year saw a return to our pre-COVID participation as we totaled 420 midshipmen for semester abroad, short duration language and cultural experiences, and foreign exchange cruises. The expertise of the International Programs team ensured the safe planning and execution of complex trips around the globe. This last cycle, we sent 102 midshipmen, the most in a semester, to 20 different countries. For the first time, we began our semester exchange with the Australian Defense Force Academy, our 13th counterpart. We appreciate the generosity of the many classes, individual donors, and foundations for their investment in our future leaders. Upon their return, the midshipmen reflect on their time abroad and its impact on their understanding of world. They discover tangible evidence of the strength of alliances and strategic partners and demonstrate empathy in their leadership styles within the Brigade. Your investments have made a tremendous difference in the professional development of our future leaders and for that you should be very proud! On behalf of the Brigade—THANK YOU!
Samara Firebaugh, Ph.D. Academic Dean and Provost
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2022-2023 IMPACT REPORTS
International Programs
SEMESTER STUDY ABROAD PROGRAM Semester study abroad programs are opportunities for midshipmen who are in their junior year or in the first semester of their senior year. Although the largest number of these midshipmen are science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) majors, many of them enhance their experience by enrolling in programs that are immersed in the host country’s language. Some of these programs are reciprocal, meaning that midshipmen study with counterpart naval academies in countries such as Australia, Austria, Canada, Chile, France, Germany, Israel, Italy, Japan, Portugal, Singapore, South Korea, and Spain. The majority of the international exchange midshipmen primarily attend during the fall semester—last cycle, there were 30 in the fall and seven in the spring semester. In fall 2022 and spring 2023, 102 midshipmen were able to study in 20 countries, including Australia, Austria, Canada, Chile, Czech Republic, Egypt, Ghana, Hungary, Italy, Japan, Korea, Latvia, Morocco, Oman, Portugal, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Taiwan, and UAE.
ARABIC NOOR MAJAN LANGUAGE INSTITUTE, OMAN “This program was the highlight of my USNA career because I was able to dedicate much needed time to studying Arabic. I met other researchers and USNA graduates and was inspired every day to continue working and studying so that one day my Arabic skill will be an asset to the United States.” – ENS DREW KOIKE ’23
AMIDEAST, MOROCCO “This experience was deeply enriching and caused me to develop academically, physically, mentally, and emotionally. Every day in Morocco was challenging, but in a way that was enlightening, stimulating, and exciting.” – MIDN ALYCIA RUIZ ’24
JAPANESE JNDA, JAPAN “My experience in Japan greatly enhanced my linguistic and cultural knowledge, allowing me to better understand and effectively communicate with our Japanese allies. This has not only helped me excel as a future officer, but also contributed to my personal development and growth as an individual.” – ENS PATRICK MICHALIK ’23
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2022-2023 IMPACT REPORTS
International Programs
STEM AMERICAN UNIVERSITY OF SHARJAH, UAE “I cannot overstate the significance of this experience. I already believe this experience has added immense value to my training as a potential future naval officer.” – ENS GREGORY SMITH ’23
CIEE PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC “The experience I had studying abroad in Czech Republic is a time that I would not trade for anything. I learned how to be more independent as an individual and to take initiative in my life when things get slow. I was able to discover what my passions are in life and what makes me happy.” – 2NDLT JULIA BIANCHI ’23
KOREAN NAVAL ACADEMY, SOUTH KOREA “Studying abroad in Seoul was one of the most impactful leadership and professional development experiences. While in Korea, I was not only able to gain an understanding behind the group culture of Asia but of how to lead sailors in another region of the world.” – ENS DONOVAN JONES ’23
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2022-2023 IMPACT REPORTS
International Programs
SPRING BREAK TRIPS
In spring 2023, 29 midshipmen took the opportunity to travel abroad during spring break to immerse themselves in diverse cultures around the world, focusing on specific themes or events that fit their personal interests or studies.
ARGENTINA—Three midshipmen had the opportunity to experience and explore the rich culture that Argentina has to offer. Midshipmen were able to visit some of Argentina’s world-renowned landmarks and eat and drink from local cuisine. The highlight of the trip was a visit to the Argentinian Naval Academy and a full-day Gaucho Tour. Midshipmen ate and trained with the officers and cadets of the academy and spent two days making friendships that will last a lifetime.
AUSTRALIA—During this trip, midshipmen explored and toured many aspects of Australia, including extended tours of the Australian Defense Force Academy to learn similarities and capabilities and interact with Australian midshipmen, touring the Parliament House, visiting the Australian War Memorial, touring the HMAS Kuttabul base, and seeing world-renowned sights like the Sydney Opera House.
GREECE—This was a Language, Regional Expertise, and Culture (LREC) trip focused on exploring Greek culture and its impact on issues facing modern-day Greece.
ITALY—Midshipmen took part in the Sanremo competition, an International Humanitarian Law (IHL) competition where mixed-nationality teams composed of three cadets/midshipmen represent a notional country in a multi-lateral Law of Armed Conflict scenario. Students study and learn IHL and how to work as a team to overcome legal issues that will arise during such a conflict. After learning IHL in ten weekly sessions, the midshipmen team traveled to Sanremo, Italy, to spend a week participating in the competition.
UNITED KINGDOM: NAVEX—Midshipmen were able to pursue leadership and professional development opportunities on this trip including touring some of the sights of London, visiting Britannia Royal Naval College, touring the Naval Base of Portsmouth, receiving a guided tour of the aircraft carrier Queen Elizabeth, and visiting the Maritime Warfare School.
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2022-2023 IMPACT REPORTS
International Programs
2023 SUMMER DURATION PROGRAMS
CULTURAL OPPORTUNITIES The IPO office engages midshipmen in faculty-led excursions in order to develop global awareness and crosscultural appreciation. The following trips took place over summer 2023 and varied in length, location, and group size. Each experience had a great impact on the personal and professional development of the midshipmen.
During the summer, 196 midshipmen participated in 21 trips led by 26 faculty members to 24 countries. These impactful programs provided opportunities to develop foreign language proficiency, understand regions and their associated challenges, and appreciate other points of view. These opportunities are divided into language immersion programs, cultural opportunities, and professional training with foreign navies.
This summer, these opportunities occurred in: Brazil, Colombia, Egypt, Estonia, Georgia, Germany, Israel, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, Singapore, South Korea, and Spain.
LANGUAGE IMMERSION PROGRAMS The Language Immersion Programs are focused on language development and proficiency for the seven languages taught at the U.S. Naval Academy. ARABIC: EGYPT CHINESE: TAIWAN FRENCH: FRANCE GERMAN: GERMANY JAPANESE: JAPAN RUSSIAN: LATVIA SPANISH: COSTA RICA
Additionally, USNA participates in the Critical Language Scholarship Program administered by the U.S. State Department. This enabled seven participants in the following programs: ARABIC: OMAN “This trip to Brazil opened my eyes in ways I would have never anticipated and without a doubt will be a lasting core memory. After this trip, I understand the importance of a first impression and the impact of welcoming others with open arms.”
CHINESE: TAIWAN HINDI: INDIA INDONESIAN: INDONESIA
– MIDN ANNIE TAYLOR ’25
JAPANESE: JAPAN
“This trip to Daugavpils University in Latvia pushed my Russian skills to the next level; the more Russian I learned, the more excited I became to learn more. I cannot fully describe how thankful I am for this wonderful opportunity.” – MIDN MATT MARINKOVICH ’25
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2022-2023 IMPACT REPORTS
International Programs
PROFESSIONAL TRAINING WITH FOREIGN NAVIES
INTERNATIONAL PARTICIPATION IN MIDSHIPMEN-LED CONFERENCES
There are also opportunities for midshipmen to conduct hands-on professional training with counterpart naval academies. This cycle, the IPO office sent three participants to a counterpart training ship with Spain.
During the three midshipmen-led conferences at USNA —Science and Engineering conference, Leadership conference and Foreign Affairs conference—international midshipmen are invited to participate. During the last academic year, an impressive 76 international midshipmen participated from 20 countries.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENT PROGRAM Since 1863, there have been 580 graduates from 79 countries. For the 2022–2023 year, there were 58 international students from 28 countries. Some of those countries included Cameroon, Egypt, Jordan, Malaysia, Peru, Philippines, Romania, South Korea, Taiwan, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. These students are fully integrated within the Brigade and return to their host nation upon graduation.
IPO LOOKING FORWARD
Thanks to the gifts that fund study abroad programs, approximately 25% of each class has been able to participate in a significant experience abroad. Priorities for the next cycle include: •
Working with the Naval Academy Foundation to establish a reliable funding base to support a robust program of international opportunities.
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Seeking funding in support of international experiences for the popular Area Studies majors (2025 will be first class to graduate with this major).
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Increasing partnerships with counterpart naval academies through participation in USNA midshipman-led conferences and USNA summer professional programs
THANK YOU Thanks to the generous support from the Naval Academy community, the International Programs Office is nationally recognized for excellence in internationalization, innovation, and creativity. Because of this, the Naval Academy can continue to expand upon programs that transform the personal and professional lives of midshipmen and faculty. Thank you for your commitment to the mission of the International Programs Office.
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