Fifteen University of North Georgia (UNG) students in UNG's Corps of Cadets participated in study abroad excursions this spring. For the first time, two cadets studied at the Hellenic Army Academy in Athens, Greece. Two cadets from Greece came to Dahlonega, as well. 

"Cadets Panagiotis Argyropoulos and Iasonas Skouras, from Greece, were both exceptional students and cadets," Wesley Pirkle, director of Global Military Programs, said. " We are honored that the Hellenic Army Academy selected such incredible cadets to come be part of the Boar's Head Brigade."

The cadets who studied abroad were: 

• Brandon Alexander at the Korea Military Academy in Seoul, South Korea. 
• Jordan Barrocas at the Lith Mil Academy in Vilnius, Lithuania. 
• Stephen Claghorn at the Military University of Land Forces in Wroclaw, Poland. 
• Abraham Condrell at Management College, National Defense University in Taipei, Taiwan.  
• Micah Dell is studying at Fu Hsing Kang College, National Defense University in Taipei, Taiwan. 
• Jude Douglas at the Hellenic Army Academy in Athens, Greece. 
• Vincent Furtado is studying at Fu Hsing Kang College, National Defense University in Taipei, Taiwan. 
• Christian Key at the Korea Military Academy in Seoul, South Korea. 
• Aidan Lawall at Management College, National Defense University in Taipei, Taiwan. 
• Cyler Perkins at the Hellenic Army Academy in Athens, Greece. 
• Noah Provencher at the Land Forces Academy in Sibiu, Romania. 
• Austin Riner at the Military University of Land Forces in Wroclaw, Poland. 
• Melani Sotelo-Leon is at the Lith Mil Academy in Vilnius, Lithuania. 

• Mariah Statton at Republic of China Military Academy in Kaohsiung, Taiwan. 
• Alex Wilson at the Land Forces Academy in Sibiu, Romania. 

From Feb. 24 to July 1, Key, a sophomore from Decatur, Alabama who is pursuing a degree in strategic and security studies, is in Seoul. Inspired by his peers in the corps, Key was excited by the opportunity he described as too good to pass up. 

"I am hoping to grow my leadership by observing the way in which Korea Military Academy cadets learn to lead their cadet subordinates and by partaking in leadership roles by engaging with cadets within the company as a leader," Key said.

"I plan to grow by taking classes taught by teachers with different teaching styles and non-American perspectives that will broaden my abilities to learn in different ways." 

Furtado, a sophomore from Anaheim, California, is pursuing a degree in modern languages with a concentration in Chinese for global professionals. For five months, the cadet immersed himself in Taiwan.  

"As future leaders, whether in the military or government, UNG cadets will be put in situations where drawing from past experiences of the nuances of life outside the United States will be extremely beneficial," Furtado said. "Study abroad trips allow us to ensure that the right decision is made at the right time, and ensure national and global security and stability. It also provides cadets with insight into how to communicate across cultures, and how to use that skill to further develop international relationships with foreign militaries and governments." 

Furtado aspires to work for the United States government after graduating.