Page 69 - The Cormorant Issue 14

always treated with the warmest of hospitality wherever we went which made our adjustment to this new culture all the more easy.
The course itself was also not what I had expected. First of all my perception that the international students would primarily be made up of NATO and ‘five-eyes’ nations was shattered when I realized the true international flavour of the course. There were representatives from all over Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and South America as well, and it was this effort to be truly inter- national which I think is one ACSC’s greatest strengths. The opportunity to work and socialize with people from such a wide background has been amazing and not only do I have many new friends from all over the world I have gained a new respect for so many other nations and other military forces. Furthermore, I found that the course fostered the development and expression of a variety of points of view, not just by the inclusion of inter- national students but by a concerted effort to present a broad spectrum of opinions throughout the course. I was extremely surprised by the inclusion of peace activists, aid workers, and captains of industry to the course but now feel that these were some of the most interesting and important lectures we had. I was also amazed at the effort and expense the course went through to expose all of us to all three services. As someone who has only experienced life in my single service the opportunity to see how the RAF and the British Army operate was invaluable and gave me a broader understanding of my army and air force peers. My ride in a Challenger tank was a highlight of the single service phase. The academic portions of the course were also excellent. Although I found writing papers again for the first time
in nearly 15 years daunting, I felt that the work was extremely satisfying and I think it has made me more analytical, and a much better writer (although many would argue I had no place to go but up). The academic staff was helpful, approachable and added so much more to experience than if it had been taught by the military alone, and it must be said that topics where they were more involved I found particularly useful and interesting. All in all the vast range of talented experience from British and inter- national students, King’s College Professors, and military and civilian guest lecturers made this course an incredible (although sometimes challenging) experience.
However this course was not about tours, lectures or even Defence Research Papers, it was about people; and it was the people on this course who made it such a special year. Whether it was nights out with syndicates for a few pints after some ‘heated’ syndicate room discussions or impromptu parties in the patch with my British and international neighbours it was the people on the course and in our little community that made our experience in the UK what it was. I will miss our British and inter- national friends and watching my children playing with kids from the four corners of the globe. The year has passed so quickly and it is time to head back to Canada but I will truly miss the UK and Shrivenham especially. It is interesting that wherever my family and I went in the UK people would tell us that as Canadi- ans how lucky we were to come from such a beautiful country filled with such kind people. Perhaps we Canadians have more in common with the British than I thought.
International Families Day 2010
Judy Clark
International Families Day this year took place on Saturday 20 November and was visited by over 1000 people from across the Defence Academy and local area. This is one of the most pres- tigious events in the JSCSC calendar, as it provides an oppor- tunity for members of the ACSC International Student Body and their families to share with their UK hosts, invited guests and ticket holders from across the Defence Academy, a sampling of international cuisine, together with a display of national cos- tumes and entertainment. Each year, the event is organised by a committee whose members include current ACSC International Students, permanent Military, Serco and ESS Staff.
There were 56 countries showcasing their culture and cuisine and a programme of cultural entertainment in the Forum which included music and dance from Bangladesh, Greece, Spain and
Air Vice-Marshal & Mrs Sarah Lock in traditional costume at the Saudi Arabian Stand.
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