LEXINGTON, Va. Dec. 5, 2025 — 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: Ryan Getgood 

Class: 2026 

Major: International Studies with a Chinese minor 

Which program did you do? 

I did the Huayu BEST program, which allowed me to study at National Chengchi University in Taipei, Taiwan. 

What made you decide to participate in this program? 

I decided to participate in this program because I really wanted to learn more Chinese and practice in an active environment. I also thought teaching English to kids would be fun and a valuable experience to prepare me for teaching abroad after graduation. Plus, the scholarship covered most of my expenses. 

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

VMI's educational approach is pretty strict; cadets are expected to balance athletic, academic, and military commitments. While in Taiwan I had academic commitments, but still worked out and found ways to participate in athletics, like during the dragon boat racing event. Instead of military commitments, I chose to dedicate time to exploring local cultural sites. In short, I still modeled my commitments after VMI's unique three-legged stool approach. 

What were your keys to success?

My key to academic success was dedicating an appropriate amount to study writing, speaking, and listening. My key to overall language success was fully immersing myself in Taiwan's environment, speaking Chinese (even if it was bad) instead of English whenever possible. 

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

I think my participation in language exchange with Taiwanese elementary school students will make me more competitive when applying to teach English abroad after graduation. The challenges I faced while adjusting to life abroad have given me more resilience, a calm composure, and a genuine passion for adventure. I believe interacting with Taiwanese people of all ages has exposed me to new perspectives and worldviews, which has improved my critical thinking and decision-making ability. 

What was the best part of the program? 

The best part of this program in particular was the freedom that came with it. I got to explore places I was interested in within Taiwan and was also allowed to leave the country to visit South Korea and Japan. 

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

The most surprising thing about Taiwan was how easy it was to travel. I could take the mass rapid transit or bus 45 minutes to the heart of the city which was filled with impressive skyscrapers that lit up at night. I could take the high-speed rail to the south; I went to Taizhong where I visited Sun Li-jen's Class of 1927 (a famous Chinese VMI alumnus) family home. 

Favorite memory? 

Times meeting up with my BRs while abroad became my favorite memories. I met up with Chen Po-Yen ’26 to visit Sun Li-Jen's house and the GaoMei wetlands, met up with Benjamin Shyu ’26 to explore Xinyi in Taipei, and met up with Zebadiah Barrett ’26 to hike Mount Fuji in Japan. 

 - VMI -