Study Abroad Ambassadors: Max Perry ’28
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: Max Perry
Year: Class of 2028
Major: Psychology
Which program did you do?
Paros Island, Greece
What made you decide to participate in this program?
I’ve always wanted to go to Europe, so getting six credits while exploring Greece felt perfect for my first trip across the pond.
How did you balance this program with VMI’s unique educational approach?
It was different from most study abroad programs from other schools. We had two VMI professors who already knew us and understood what we go through during the school year. They struck a great balance, letting us explore on our own while still making sure we learned what we needed to.
What were your keys to success?
I left my phone in the room and went out to explore. I tried as many new things as I could and pushed myself out of my comfort zone. Also, I got work done as it came. If you let it pile up when studying somewhere fun, it can be frustrating because all you want to do is go do something.
How do you think this program will help you in the future?
It gave me experience with a different culture and part of the world – you never know where life might take you. It also gave me a broadened perspective on the world, showing me how small my problems are and how beautiful different parts of the world are.
What was the best part of the program?
The excursions were the best part. They connected what we were learning in the classroom to real, hands-on experiences — trying new foods, hiking beautiful trails, and more.
What was the most surprising thing about the country you visited?
It surprised me how relaxed and present people were every day. No one was in a rush. It was genuinely inspiring.
Favorite memory?
My favorite memory was the friendships I built with my peers and locals and in Paros over those three and a half weeks. In the beginning of the trip, I knew only a couple of the people in the group and by the end we were all super close. There were too many good memories to just put one.
