I’ve really enjoyed my summer experience in the Baltics! Working with the NATO CCDCOE has given me incredible first hand knowledge and insight into a really exciting subfield of international security (cyber and cyber defense), and I’ve had the opportunity to interact with leaders and top researchers in the field on a daily basis. I am appreciative of the individual attention I’ve received, and I’ve learned so much about the technical and policy side of cyber defense. I definitely see myself returning to the Baltics in the future. It is the ideal place to be for a career in international security and cyber, which is something I could see myself doing in the long-term. 

I’ve also enjoyed the cultural education received from the Vabamu trips and programming. Learning about the history, the food, the government, and the contemporary issues facing the region gave me a greater understanding of the culture I am living in, as well as an appreciation for the resilience of the Baltic people.