This summer was my first opportunity to live and work outside the United States, and I couldn’t have asked for a more rewarding place to do it than the Baltics. While interning at the NATO Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence, I had the opportunity to work alongside professionals from across NATO member states and partner countries. Through interviews with government officials, military officers, and private-sector leaders, I gained firsthand insight into the value of international cooperation. But beyond the office, Vabamu’s trips to Tallinn, Riga, and Vilnius have given me a much deeper appreciation for the Baltic culture and resilience. Exploring the region with such an incredible group of peers has made this experience truly special, and I leave with lasting friendships, valuable professional growth, and a genuine connection to a new part of the world.