International Air Cadet Exchange
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The International Air Cadet Exchange is an annual student exchange program designed to promote character, good-will, and cooperation among the world's civilian auxiliary aviation programs. Participants come from organizations such as the United States Civil Air Patrol, Turkish Aeronautical Association, Hong Kong Air Cadet Corps, Royal Canadian Air Cadets, along with sixteen other equivalent groups in other nations. Cadets spend approximately two weeks every summer with their foreign counterparts. The first exchange occurred in 1947, between the United Kingdom and Canada.
During the exchange, cadets are provided housing by volunteer families and on military installations in their host nation. Scheduled activities vary depending on the host nation, but often include tours of famous landmarks and cultural institutions, tours of local aviation facilities or factories, lectures with local aviation figures and visits to military units. Financially, each nation is responsible for its own cadets, and often comes from governments, civilian aviation enthusiasts, or aerospace industry.
According to its mission statement, the Exchange exists to promote more than a love of aviation. Character development is equally important. Cadets develop a better perspective on the challenges other countries face. The friendships they make through the Exchange help the world combat hatred and intolerance. Through the Exchange, cadets grow to understand and appreciate the roles different nations play in aerospace.
