A Global Perspective: The Olmsted Scholarship Experience

Jul 30, 2025

Learn about the Olmsted Scholarship!

As parents of United States Naval Academy Midshipmen, you're always looking for ways to support your child's growth and development. Today, I want to share an incredible opportunity that exists for Naval officers after graduation: the Olmsted Scholarship Program. This program offers a unique blend of cultural immersion, language acquisition, and academic pursuit that can significantly enhance an officer's leadership capabilities and global perspective.

What is the Olmsted Scholarship Program?

The Olmsted Scholarship is a prestigious program that allows young military officers to study abroad in a non-English speaking country. Scholars spend a year learning a foreign language, followed by two years pursuing a master's degree at a foreign university - all while being taught in that country's native language.

Key aspects of the program include:

Full language training prior to departure
Two years of graduate-level study abroad
Cultural immersion in a foreign country
Continued active duty status and pay
Travel opportunities throughout the region

The Olmsted Experience: More Than Just Academics

What makes the Olmsted Scholarship truly unique is its focus on creating well-rounded, culturally aware leaders. It's not just about earning a degree; it's about gaining a deep understanding of another culture and developing a global perspective that can inform future leadership roles.

Language Immersion

Scholars spend a full year learning their host country's language before departing. This intensive language training continues throughout their time abroad, as all coursework is conducted in the local language.

Cultural Exploration

The program encourages scholars to fully immerse themselves in the local culture. This might include joining local organizations, participating in community events, or even, as one scholar shared, joining a university fraternity!

Regional Travel

Olmsted Scholars receive a travel grant of approximately $10,000 per year to explore their region. This allows them to gain a broader understanding of the geopolitical landscape and cultural nuances beyond their host country.

Why the Olmsted Scholarship Matters

In today's interconnected world, military leaders need more than just tactical skills. They need a deep understanding of different cultures, languages, and perspectives. The Olmsted Scholarship provides exactly that.

In our podcast interview, Sean mentions "The Olmsted Scholarship is designed to generate leaders who are multicultural. They have that perspective and then they're going to lead forces, which is the huge difference between that FAO cultural expertise program to where the Olmsted Scholarship is. We're going to give you this ambiguous experience so you can lead forces in combat better."

This unique experience can set officers apart in their military careers, providing them with skills and perspectives that are invaluable in both peacetime and conflict situations.

How to Apply

The application process for the Olmsted Scholarship is competitive, but not insurmountable. Here are some key points to remember:

Applications are typically due in August
Candidates must take the Defense Language Aptitude Battery (DLAB) test
Performance evaluations play a significant role in selection
Applicants submit a list of 10 preferred study locations

It's worth noting that while the program is highly selective, it's not limited to service academy graduates. Any qualified officer can apply.

Preparing for the Olmsted Scholarship

For Midshipmen interested in pursuing this opportunity in the future, here are some steps you can take now:

Excel in your current roles
Develop language skills
Cultivate a global mindset
Set long-term career goals

The Lasting Impact

The Olmsted Scholarship isn't just a two-year adventure; it's an experience that shapes an officer's entire career and perspective. Many Olmsted Scholars have gone on to high-ranking positions, including Admiral Jamie Foggo (former commander of U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa) and General John Abizaid (former commander of U.S. Central Command).

For parents, knowing about opportunities like the Olmsted Scholarship can help you support your Midshipman's long-term career planning. It's a reminder that a Naval Academy education is just the beginning of a journey filled with incredible opportunities for growth, learning, and leadership.

The Olmsted Scholarship represents the best of what military service can offer: the chance to serve one's country while gaining a profound understanding of the world. It's an opportunity that can transform good officers into exceptional global leaders.

If you want to learn more about the program, watch the full interview here!

Or listen to the audio podcast here!

Also - you need to check out the book "My Olmsted Scholar Journey" published by USNA graduate, Shakir Robinson.

You can purchase it here!

Founder of Academy Insider and Podcast Host Grant Vermeer

Grant Vermeer is the founder of Academy Insider and the host of The Academy Insider podcast. He was a recruited athlete which brought him to Annapolis where he was a four-year member of the varsity basketball team.

He was a cyber operations major and commissioned into the Cryptologic Warfare Community. He was stationed at Fort Meade and supported the Subsurface Direct Support mission.

He separated from the Navy in 2023 and now owns The Vermeer Group, a residential real estate company that specializes in serving the United States Naval Academy community with nationwide consulting and connection.