CULP

David Atkinson

"Over the summer I took part in a new program called cultural immersion. After applying I was one of 15 cadets from the nation selected to go to Slovakia, in the heart of Europe. The trip was about three weeks long, with two days spent in Washington D.C. and the rest of the time spent all over Slovakia. The first week in Europe we visited the capital city, castles, went on a river boat cruise, visited the embassy, saw museums and were given plenty of free time to roam the cities at night. The army gave us $862.50 to spend while there, and they paid for the flights and hotels. Every hotel we stayed in was a 5-star.

During the second week we went to the Slovak military camp and lived in the barracks with their cadets. The cadets were all very nice and helpful, and the training was not bad. As a bonus, the week we were there the Slovak Special Forces were there to help train the cadets. The biggest challenge was walking- seriously. We walked an hour to the training area twice a day and walked back for lunch. From the barracks to the mess hall was another 10-15 minute walk. To pass time the Slovaks would talk to us as we walked and tried to teach us some of their language. At the end of the week we were torn because we had a great time, but had to continue our tour of Slovakia.

            At the military academy were we stayed a few nights we were allowed to sleep in the officer’s quarters, meaning our own rooms and comfortable beds. In the final week we went to Central Europe’s biggest water park, toured an air force base, climbed to the peak of a mountain, went mountain biking up a mountain (the ride down was about 30 minutes and due to gravity I did not have to pedal at all). We toured more cities and were given more free reign to go out and have fun at night and had a blast the whole time.

            When it was time to go most of us wished we could stay. On the trip I learned a lot from the other cadets and the colonel who was with us. I was able to soak up another culture and make the most out of the opportunity, learning some of the language, customs, and various other tidbits that helped me better understand Europe’s culture. I was exposed to new ideas and customs and used it to better appreciate how life is led there. In addition, at the military camp I learned to be more appreciative of how great our military training facilities are and the structure we have. From listening to their majors and colonels I now have a greater understanding of how other countries work with us, NATO, and the UN on a grand scale. If I could recommend any school to anyone, I’d strongly suggest they apply to attend the next CULP program."