LEXINGTON, Va. Jan. 9, 2026 — At Virginia Military Institute’s Office of Global Education, more than 10% of cadets each year choose an international learning experience. Through semester or summer programs, cadets not only widen their global perspectives — but build critical thinking, resilience, independence, and the ability to communicate across cultures. Learn more about these first-hand experiences through our Study Abroad Ambassadors.

Name: Morgan Fraser 

Class: 2027  

Major: International Studies 

Which program did you do? Spanish language program in Madrid, Summer of 2025 

I studied abroad in Madrid, Spain through the Spanish language program, which gave me the chance to really dive into both the language and the culture. Other cities visited include: Toledo, Consuegra, Barcelona, El Escorial, and Valencia. 

What made you decide to participate in this program? 

I’ve always wanted to improve my Spanish, but more than that, I wanted to challenge myself by living in a different country. I had never been outside the U.S. before Spain so there were a lot of firsts. The idea of experiencing Spain firsthand; the history, the food, and the daily life, it was something I knew I couldn’t pass up.   

How did you balance this program with VMI’s unique educational approach? 

VMI teaches you how to manage your time, stay disciplined, and handle challenges head-on. I relied on those same skills abroad — keeping up with classes, adapting to new and different routines, and making the most of every day and opportunity. 

What were your keys to success? 

Being open-minded and willing to step out of my comfort zone were keys to my success. I tried to speak Spanish as much as possible, even when I made mistakes, and I said “yes” to experiences that felt unfamiliar at first. I would always walk into a café or restaurant with the urge to use my Spanish to get better, and most of the time they would work with me, even when I struggled. I was just so thankful to be there that I knew I wanted to succeed and try my very best in classes while I was being taught by Spanish speakers from Spain.  

How do you think participating in this program will aid you in your future? 

It sounds cliché, but it gave me confidence in adapting to new situations and showed me the value of seeing the world through a different lens. Those lessons will carry over into both my career and personal life, especially in environments that demand flexibility and strong communication skills. You have to be willing to adapt in a country that's not yours and it was a humbling experience, but also cool and amazing. 

What was the best part of the program? 

My favorite part was definitely the people, both the students I traveled with and the locals I met. Sharing meals, exploring new places together, and hearing stories from people who grew up in Spain made the whole experience unforgettable. One of my favorite people from my study abroad trip was my professor, Maria, from Spain. She was just great, very down to earth, and we would share so many stories back and forth during class time. We both wanted to learn about each other's backgrounds, and it just made the classes so personal, and I truly learned a lot.  

What was the most surprising thing about the county you visited?

The slower pace of life was the most surprising thing. In Spain, meals are long, people take time to connect, and there’s less of a rush. The work-to-life ratio is insane and they appreciate slowing down. It really stood out to me, especially compared to the constant go-go-go I’m used to at VMI. It was a good place to be to re-center yourself and appreciate all the little things. 

Favorite memory? 

There is a place in Madrid called Temple of Debod. It is an ancient Egyptian structure that was donated to Spain in the 20th century as a thank you gift. It's on an overlook in the center of the city and you can see the entire landscape of Madrid; it was absolutely beautiful. We went one evening to watch the sunset, because that's where everyone went to watch the sun go down, and people would bring their guitars and sing and bring food, and it was just amazing. Such a good memory and experience overall.  

- VMI -