Austrian Cadets at West Point

United States Military Academy West Point © Dave Lowe/ Unsplash

For more than ten years, the Austrian Military Academy in Wiener Neustadt and the United States Military Academy in West Point, NY have been conducting a semester-long exchange program of six cadets each. Austrian cadets have a mandatory requirement to attend a foreign military academy for four to six months. This requirement is part of their bachelor studies in military leadership. Studying abroad in the United States broadens their academic knowledge and improves their use of the English language. Furthermore, it is an important cornerstone of understanding and valuing a different culture.

The Austrian cadets enjoyed their stay in all aspects. The special welcome and the support of teachers and fellow students alike made it very easy for them to blend into the student corps of more than 4,000 cadets.

The Austrian cadets departed Westpoint in late December after a number of new experiences and - most importantly - after having gained new friends.

Thomas Langpaul, Washington Bureau Chief of the Austrian Broadcasting Corporation (ORF) speaks with an Austrian cadet at West Point © ORF

A view of the dining hall at West Point © ORF