International Exchange Program FAQ

• What is the International Exchange Program (IEP)?

  The IEP is a Sea Cadet program that provides the cadets with an opportunity of a lifetime — travel to another country to meet like-minded cadets from different nations. Since 1999, with the exception of two years due to COVID restrictions, we have been sending cadets and adult volunteer escort officers (EOs) across the globe every summer as Outbound Exchanges and hosting other countries’ cadets and escort officers here in the US at the Inbound Exchange.
• Why should I go on a Sea Cadet International Exchange?

  Participants earn training credit towards advancement, just like any other training. All cadets participating in an exchange will earn the International Exchange Program Ribbon. For outbound exchanges, travel from your closest major airport to the host country is paid for by the Sea Cadets. In addition to practicing maritime and teamwork skills, while on an exchange, cadets participate in a variety of activities, including many that they would not experience as a cadet otherwise, such as petting a koala in Australia, dragon boating in Hong Kong or exploring ancient ruins in England. They learn about different countries’ military, culture, and traditions and share Sea Cadet stories. Best of all, the cadets make lifelong friends!
• What outbound exchanges are available in 2025?

  We are currently planning exchanges with multiple countries, with each exchange consisting of two adult volunteers and four cadets per country. While we await official invitations, participating countries and dates remain subject to change. We anticipate exchanges with:

  • • Australia (Sept 28 - October 6, 2025)
    • New Zealand (July 23 - August 4, 2025)
    • United Kingdom (July 6 - 19, 2025)
• What countries are coming to the United States?

  The US Inbound Exchange will be held June 14-29, 2025, at the Maritime Institute of Technology and Graduate Studies (MITAGS). This year we expect international guests from Australia, Hong Kong, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom. We will select 2 staff cadets plus 4 US cadets participants, using the same application process as the outbound exchanges. Passports are NOT required for this exchange. The minimum age for Inbound is 16 years old for cadets, maximum age is 17.

• Who is eligible to participate?

  Because of its unique nature, unlike most advancement trainings, participants are selected for IEP through a rigorous application process. Sea Cadets applying to go out of the country must be aged 16 or 17 years old during the entire exchange, be PO3 or above, and have their Commanding Officer’s approval to apply. Applicants for serving as a staff cadet for the US Inbound must have attended Petty Officer Leadership Academy (POLA).
• Do I get to choose the country I want?

  Cadets are selected for exchanges based on final applicant ranking and interviews, followed by their country preference. Cadets will have the opportunity to rank the countries for which they want to be considered. So if you are the #1 ranked cadet, you will be given your first choice. We expect a total of 16 US cadets going on outbound exchanges this summer, but only 4 per country. Make sure you consider all of the countries to maximize your chances for selection. If you want to host the inbound exchange in the U.S., you can still be selected to go to an outbound exchange as long as the dates do not overlap.

  Once you have been offered a country, you will have a choice to either accept or decline the exchange. However, you will not be given another choice of country.

• Where do I go to apply?

  All applications will be completed online through Openwater using this link: Cadet Applications
• When can I apply?

  While we are still waiting for official invitations from the host countries, we can provide you with the following information to help you prepare for your application now. The window to apply is relatively short, so you will want to be ready when it opens!  

  CADET APPLICANTS ONLY
  Application window:	February 15 - March 9, 2025
  Finalist interviews:	March 22 - 23, 2025
  Notification of selection:	March 29 - 30, 2025

• What can I do now to prepare for when the cadet application window opens?

  • Request your official high school transcript that includes the 2024 fall semester/trimester.
  • Your CO will be required to give their approval for you to go on an exchange. Talk to them now to make sure they are willing to do so. Confirm that you have their correct email address.
  • Confirm you have the correct email address for your personal reference. They can be any adult who has worked with you in any capacity who can speak unbiasedly about your suitability for this program (e.g., Teacher, coach, mentor, employer, youth minister, division officer from a Sea Cadet training). No family members can serve as your personal reference. It is best to get who is someone NOT in your home unit.
  • Prepare your dress uniform (not khakis or NWUs) for the required photo to be uploaded with your application. Follow the instructions closely on the application.
• Can I submit more than two references?

  No, as we want to maintain consistency between applicants, only one CO recommendation and one personal reference will be accepted. There is no method to submit additional recommendations. Any letters or additional documents emailed to iep@seacadets.org will not be considered.
• The CO is my mother. What should I do for the CO reference?

  If your commanding officer is a relative, you should get a recommendation from your executive officer (XO). If you are also related to the XO, find another adult volunteer in your unit that you are not related to.
• I was an escort officer 10 years ago. Can I still get selected?

  Yes, repeat participation is possible, as we need adults with experience to serve as the senior escort officer. However, to allow more adult volunteers the opportunity to participate, they will not be selected for exchanges in consecutive years.
• My dad and I want to go on an exchange together. He already applied. Is that allowed?

  While you both can apply for the same exchange in the same year, no parent-child selections will be made for the same exchange. Only one of you may go on that exchange. However, you may go on different exchanges in the same year.
• My passport expires 2 weeks before the required expiration date. Can I still apply?

  Passport expiration dates are not waiverable.
• I applied for a passport and should have it well before the start of the summer exchanges. I have a receipt and a copy of the passport application. Can I still apply?

  Because our travel agency has to have your passport to purchase airline tickets soon after selection, valid passports must be in hand at the time of application submission. No exceptions. Passport applications, receipts, passport cards, renewal applications, etc. may NOT be submitted in lieu of a passport.
• I will turn 18 on the last day of the exchange. Since it is so close, can I get a waiver?

  The age requirements are set by the countries, therefore they are not waiverable