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    First cadets study abroad in Lithuania

    May 25, 2023
    UNG cadets Andrew Garner and Ian Priour are the first participants in a military academy exchange in Lithuania, and faculty member Dr. Raluca-Viman Miller is teaching in Romania this semester.

    Article By: Agnes Hina

    The University of North Georgia (UNG) has added a new program to its military academy exchange program, and two UNG cadets are taking advantage of the opportunity. From Feb. 27 to June 26, the pair of cadets are fully immersed in Lithuanian culture while studying at the General Jonas Žemaitis Military Academy of Lithuania.

    This internship will fulfill graduation requirements for strategic and security studies majors and will provide these cadets the opportunity to broaden their understanding of other nations’ worldviews and cultures.

    To be able to see from the perspective of other another country is crucial to the development of cadets seeking to commission into the Army, according to Wesley Pirkle, director of global military programs.

    "The cadets who participate in these opportunities are able to better understand more intuitively what it looks like to be on the other side of the planet," he said.

    I am getting to learn about the world from the point of view of a different country. This helps to shape my worldview in a broader sense, instead of that of the U.S. only.

    Cadet Ian Priour

    UNG sophomore

    Cadet Ian Priour, originally from Round Rock, Texas, and fellow cadet Andrew Garner arrived in Lithuania in late February. The sophomore who is pursuing a degree in strategic and security studies shared that a typical day can start as early as 6:30 a.m. with a trip to the gym and won't end until around 9:00 p.m.

    The cadets have their weekday formation at 7:45 a.m. and then go straight to class, which for Priour lasts until 11:30 a.m. Afterward, he will grab lunch and explore all the country has to offer.

    In addition to studying abroad, Priour and his peer Garner meet cadets from the European Union and NATO, which Priour said has been his favorite experience thus far. The opportunity allows him to better understand not only the United States' allies, but how to conduct himself in a foreign country.

    "I am getting to learn about the world from the point of view of a different country. This helps to shape my worldview in a broader sense, instead of that of the U.S. only," Priour said. "As for the military training side of things, it is great learning to work with NATO Allies. These are countries I may work with throughout my career so learning to understand how to work with Allies early in my career will only benefit me in the long run."

    Other UNG cadets on military exchanges this semester include:

    Republic of China Military Academy, Taiwan

    • John O'Quinn

    Fu Hsing Kang College, Taiwan

    • Nathan Hartkemeyer
    • Stephen Lee

    Nicolae Balcescu Land Forces Academy, Romania

    • Hayden Burchfield
    • Zayne Hiott

    Korea Military Academy

    • Isaak Robley

    UNG also has a faculty member participating in these military exchanges. Dr. Raluca Viman-Miller, associate professor of political science and international affairs, is teaching this semester at the Land Force Academy (LFA) in Sibiu, Romania. As a visiting professor, she teaches a variety of classes on different topics such as international organizations and collective security issues. Miller teaches students participating in the international semester, which includes 64 international cadets and 100 Romanian cadets.

    "This experience so far has been unbelievable. LFA has gone above and beyond to offer me the best accommodations, access to their resources and collaboration with their students and faculty," Viman-Miller said. "It is an opportunity that no one should pass up."

    For more on outgoing international cadet programs like military exchanges or internships, UNG students can visit the Global Military Programs website to see what programs are currently being offered and learn information on how to apply.

    Contact the Author

    Four students earn  Boren scholarships

    Four students earn Boren scholarships

    UNG students Justin Heintz, Mia Libosada and Emily 'Gracie' Ragon won Boren scholarships in spring 2023 to support their language and cultural learning experiences. One student who won the Boren wishes to remain unnamed.
    Linatoc is top cadet in Army small arms event

    Linatoc is top cadet in Army small arms event

    UNG cadet Anthony Linatoc took first place in the cadet division of the U.S. Army Small Arms Championships on March 18 at Fort Benning, Georgia.
    Farmer makes history as Ranger School graduate

    Farmer makes history as Ranger School graduate

    UNG alumna 2nd Lt. Hayley Farmer, '22, became the first woman to graduate from Ranger School after commissioning as an officer from UNG.

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