Semester Abroad

The Semester Abroad Program provides an authentic culture and language immersion opportunity for qualified cadets to develop increased cross-cultural competence, foreign language proficiency, and knowledge of the regional dynamics in their target countries.

Second-class cadets selected for the program study for one semester at select foreign institutions, both military academies and civilian universities. Cadets are selected and placed at an institution based on a combination of cadet language ability, academic suitability, cadet performance scores, disciplinary offerings at the institution, and cadet graduation requirements.

Foreign Academy Exchange Program

The Foreign Academy Exchange Program (FAEP) offers a great opportunity for cadets to improve their firsthand knowledge of language and culture. Past exchanges have included trips to Chile, Croatia, Egypt, and Greece.  FAEP visits are scheduled during spring break and are fully funded.  The program involves not only visiting an Academy overseas but also hosting cadets from those Academies at USMA. A cadet's level of language proficiency directly influences the likelihood of his/her selection. 

Spring Immersion

The Spring Immersion program offers cadets an opportunity to experience short-term language and culture immersion. Cadets travel to various worldwide locations to experience firsthand the cultures and languages they’ve been studying all year. Spring Immersion is conducted during the Spring Break period in March.  Cadets are selected based on their desire and availability to participate, as well as language ability. Past Spring Immersion trips have included: Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and various countries around Europe.

Foreign AIADs

USMA’s Academic Individual Advanced Development (AIAD) program allows cadets to spend two to four weeks during the summer academic break (late May to early August), conducting academically enriching studies, service, research, and cultural immersions.  Foreign travel-focused AIADs are offered by numerous Departments and accommodate cadets majoring in any number of subject areas. Past foreign travel-focused AIADs have included trips to Latvia, Central Asia, Oman, and various countries around Europe.

Foreign MIADs

USMA’s Foreign Military Individual Advanced Development (MIAD) program combines military training with the opportunity to apply language skills and deepen a cadet's understanding of foreign cultures. Cadets spend two to four weeks during the summer academic break (late May to early August), conducting military training at a foreign military school. Cadets are selected based on a combination of cadet suitability, military scores, and language ability. Examples of foreign MIAD opportunities include Chilean Mountain Warfare School, Brazilian Mountain School, Taiwanese Airborne School, and Georgian Mountain Training School.