The International Air Cadet Exchange (IACE) is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that brings together young people from around the world to foster camaraderie, cultural exchange, and a shared passion for aviation.
This journey, starting from the UK and spanning across borders, gave me the opportunity to connect with incredible cadets and staff, challenge myself in new ways, and embrace a global perspective. What follows are reflections on the first two days of this unforgettable adventure—days filled with excitement, challenges, and profound gratitude.
Day 1: Stepping into the extraordinary
Nerves mixed with excitement as I arrived at RAF Northolt, the gateway to this life-changing journey. Meeting the staff and fellow cadets was an immediate reminder of the shared values and dedication that united us. The evening briefing put into perspective the significance of our selection: out of 43,000 cadets in the UK, only 37 were chosen to represent our country on this prestigious exchange.
The gravity of our accomplishments was humbling, yet inspiring. As I reflected on the hard work that brought me here—volunteering, excelling in sports and academics, and contributing to my community—I began to embrace a newfound pride in my achievements.
The camaraderie started early, with cadets from around the world mingling and sharing stories. It was clear we were part of something bigger than ourselves—a global network of young leaders passionate about making a difference. Though the night ended with a rush of packing and excitement for the journey ahead, Harriet Tubman’s words rang in my mind: “Every great dream begins with a dreamer.”
Day 2: Bound for adventure
After a restless night on a squeaky bunk bed, the excitement of the day ahead easily overcame any fatigue. A gray British morning marked the start of our long journey to Florida. The mood among our group was bright, despite minor hiccups like a missing plane ticket and a misplaced suitcase. With determination and teamwork, we resolved every challenge, embodying the resilience that defines cadets.
The nine-hour flight, though uneventful for some, was a test of patience for me due to a broken in-flight entertainment system. Yet, I made the most of the time with a good book and a welcome voucher from the airline. Upon landing in Florida, the wave of sticky humidity hit like a wall, instantly fogging up my glasses—a stark contrast to the UK’s mild weather.
The warm welcome from the Canadian cadets and Civil Air Patrol staff set the tone for an evening of connection and laughter. From cultural exchanges on a school bus to impromptu games in the hotel pool, our bonds grew quickly. Even simple activities like icebreaker games during the briefing highlighted the fascinating linguistic and cultural nuances between us.
The arrival of the Dutch cadets in their formal uniforms marked the end of a long but exhilarating day. As I lay down that night, a quote by Abraham Lincoln resonated deeply: “Be sure to put your feet in the right place, then stand firm.” I was exactly where I was meant to be, surrounded by extraordinary people, ready for the adventure of a lifetime.

Day 3: Exploring the wonders of space
The day began with excitement as we visited the Kennedy Space Center, where our group was joined by the New Zealanders, completing the full circle of cadets. As a space enthusiast, I was absolutely captivated by the exhibits, especially the space shuttle. Our tour guide, a former member of the Civil Air Patrol and NASA employee, gave us an incredible insight into both the history of space exploration and the engineering behind it.
One of the highlights was standing before the space shuttle, marveling at its resilience after 33 missions. We even had fun with the interactive displays and enjoyed the thrilling slide in the museum. A bus tour around NASA’s buildings and a chat with astronaut Mike Foreman added to the unforgettable experience. The day concluded with a moment of reflection on how small we are compared to the vastness of space, a humbling reminder of our place in the universe.
Day 4: Time capsules and data in space
Today, we traveled to Cape Canaveral, where we were introduced to the history of the first satellite launched by America—Explorer 1. The museum was a living time capsule, preserving the technology and tools used during America’s early space missions. We also got a glimpse into NASA’s data analysis area, where real-time footage and data from unmanned missions are monitored. It was a rare opportunity to see the behind-the-scenes efforts that go into space launches. I couldn’t help but feel a sense of wonder, particularly after hearing the inspiring words of Sally Ride: “The stars don’t look bigger, but they do look brighter.” This quote perfectly captured the awe I felt exploring NASA’s history and achievements.
Day 5: Excellence, aviation and bonding over drill
After long days and late nights, I found myself utterly exhausted, but it didn’t stop me from being fully immersed in the day’s activities. The first stop was a motivational speech at Jet Blue, where I learned about the importance of striving for excellence—something that resonated deeply with me as a part of the Air Cadets. The tour of Jet Blue’s training facilities was fascinating, from flight simulators to emergency evacuation slides, where I had a blast practicing for the unthinkable. Later, we visited a WWII museum and enjoyed a performance from a local Civil Air Patrol group. This culminated in a drill routine where all the nations performed their drills. Despite the nerves, our drill was flawless, and it felt incredible to march alongside such talented people, united in our dedication and teamwork. The evening ended with a BBQ, where I had the pleasure of tasting Sansonetti dip, a delicious chili-based dish that brought everyone together. By the end of the day, I had made some amazing friends, reinforcing the power of shared experiences.

Day 6: Soaring over Florida
Today was all about experiencing aviation firsthand, starting with our orientation flights at Lakeland Linder International Airport. Paired with a fellow cadet, we boarded a Cessna aircraft and soared over Florida's stunning landscape—electric blue lakes and lush forests. The flight was a serene experience, with perfect weather and clear skies. After landing, we visited the Florida Aviation Museum, filled with both civilian and military aircraft, and enjoyed some light-hearted fun in the kids' play area. The afternoon was spent at Tampa Bay beach, where we enjoyed the warm sea water and socialized, strengthening bonds with cadets from other nations. To wrap up the day, we watched a thrilling baseball game between the Toronto Blue Jays and the Cleveland Guardians. Despite not knowing the rules, the game provided the perfect opportunity for mingling, and I couldn't help but smile at how tight-knit our group had become. This day truly embodied the spirit of camaraderie.
Day 7: Splashing into fun
Today was one for relaxation and fun, as we spent the day at Typhoon Lagoon Waterpark. After breakfast, we set up camp at the park and spent the day bouncing between thrilling waterslides, drifting lazily down the river, and battling the waves in the wave pool. It was a much-needed break from the intensity of the trip, and we enjoyed some much-needed downtime, forming even stronger connections with the cadets. The sunny day did lead to some sunburns, with even the Aussies feeling the heat! As the day came to a close, a storm rolled in, forcing us to leave the park just in time. The evening was filled with card games and socializing, as we relaxed and reflected on the experiences we had shared.
Day 8: A day in the life of the military
Our day began with a visit to McDill Air Force Base, home to the 6th Air Refueling Wing, U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM), and the Military Working Dogs K-9 unit. The scale of the base was immediately apparent, with traffic queues and bustling activity everywhere. Our tour began with a talk from SOCOM members, giving us insights into their work with multinational operations. We also had the chance to visit the KC-135 Stratotankers, a vital part of the U.S. Air Force for over 60 years, and speak with the technicians who maintain them. As a parting gift, they gave us handcrafted bottle openers, made using cutting-edge machinery.
The afternoon took us to the U.S. Coast Guard Clearwater Station, where we toured various aircraft and spoke to the courageous crews responsible for saving lives. Despite the sunburn, the day was full of awe-inspiring experiences, reminding us of the dedication and skill behind these incredible machines.

Day 9: A day with the Orange County Sheriff's Aviation Unit
Today was spent with the Orange County Sheriff's Department Aviation Unit, where we received an in-depth tour of their facility and operations. The sheriffs were incredibly accommodating, sharing the variety of roles they play in the community and letting us witness their quick response to an emergency call mid-tour. While part of the group observed the aviation unit, the other half explored a nearby hangar where a Civil Air Patrol staff member gave us a private tour of a Challenger 350, offering insights into the commercial aviation side of flying.
After lunch, we visited Textron Aviation’s Tampa Bay facility, where we saw the scale of the commercial aircraft maintenance industry, servicing around 70 aircraft a week. The luxury of these planes had us dreaming of one day affording one ourselves! The evening was spent relaxing by the pool and trading patches, challenge coins, and memorabilia. As one quote goes, “Friends are either for a reason, a season or a lifetime,” and I truly hope these friends will be for a lifetime.

Day 10: The Magic of Disney
Today was a magical adventure at Disney’s Magic Kingdom. From the early excitement of booking the Tron ride to experiencing the spectacle of Disney's fireworks and the projection show on the iconic castle, the day was filled with awe and wonder. As we rode thrilling attractions and indulged in delicious meals, one of my closest friends and I bonded further, discussing everything from Taekwondo to our shared experiences in cadets.
The evening show was both emotional and inspiring, with discussions about gender equality and our shared commitment to making a difference in the cadet program. The night ended with silly laughter and late-night bonding, feeling closer than ever to the friends who felt like family.

Day 11: The final day in Florida
Our last day in Florida marked the end of an unforgettable chapter with the Civil Air Patrol cadets, as they flew home while we continued our journey to Washington D.C. We spent the day at Disney Springs, exploring shops and relaxing after the whirlwind of the past few days. Some of us went back out to buy matching bracelets, a symbol of the bond we’d created, and I’m determined to wear mine for as long as it lasts.
Back at the hotel, we scrambled to iron uniforms and prepare for our final meal together. Despite the rush, the night was filled with awards, laughter, and heartfelt goodbyes. The staff in Florida had made this experience unforgettable, and as we headed into our last evening together, we were filled with bittersweet feelings.
Day 12: Farewell to Florida
Today was tough—saying goodbye to the Floridian staff and American cadets felt like a bittersweet end to one chapter of the journey. The flight to Washington D.C. was uneventful, but we did manage to get a shout-out from the pilot, which was fun and earned us some curious glances from other passengers. Once we arrived in D.C., we had a quick stop at Target for snacks, followed by dinner and an evening briefing. Later, we gathered for karaoke, though we kept it quiet to avoid disturbing other guests. The evening wrapped up early, but I found myself reflecting on the quote: “Work hard in silence, and let your success be your noise.” It was an apt description of our karaoke performance!
Day 13: Exploring Washington D.C.
Our first full day in Washington D.C. began with breakfast and then a metro ride to Arlington Cemetery. The vastness of the cemetery was overwhelming, and we visited iconic sites such as the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the Challenger and Columbia Memorials, the Eternal Flame, and the Kennedy graves. Afterward, we made our way to the Lincoln Memorial and continued exploring the city's war memorials, all the way to the Washington Monument. We had an insider’s tour, which made the experience even richer. Our lunch was at the International Trade Center before heading to the White House, the Library of Congress, and the Capitol Building. The Library of Congress was particularly inspiring—its architecture and history of literature made me feel truly at home among the greats like Shakespeare and Homer.
Back at the hotel, I realized how quickly the trip had passed. We had become so close in just a week, and as much as I was enjoying D.C., part of me wished we had more time together. Dinner was a highlight for me, thanks to an amazing chicken quesadilla soup, which I raved about to anyone who would listen! That night, some of us ended up crashing under a table in someone else’s room and, well, fell asleep. It was a strange but fitting way to end the evening. As Jo Jo Jensen wisely said, “Without enough sleep, we all become tall two-year-olds.”

Day 14: Museums and conversations
The decision between visiting the zoo or museums was tough, but as a lifelong dinosaur enthusiast, I couldn’t resist the Natural History Museum. The exhibits were incredible, especially the full dinosaur skeletons—something I’d dreamed of seeing for years. I would’ve loved more time to explore, but the experience was still amazing. Afterward, I visited the Museum of American History, where I had a rather unusual conversation with a PhD student from Taiwan about British politics and American independence. As someone who wants to study politics at university, I found the conversation challenging but fascinating. Despite my exhaustion from the trip, the transport section of the museum stood out as a highlight. That evening, we gathered for movie night, watching Minions with snacks galore. It was a fun, laid-back way to spend our evening. As Woody Allen said, “Movies are like dreams; they allow us to escape the harsh reality of life and indulge in fantasies.”
Day 15: The final day of the exchange
Our final day in the U.S. brought some tension, as the UK group had to follow a separate schedule from the other nations due to differing flight times. We first visited a shopping mall, which, although large, was underwhelming for most of us. However, we made the most of it and shared lunch together. In the afternoon, we visited the newly opened Smithsonian Museum of Aviation. Despite the fascinating exhibits, we were all so exhausted that we didn’t absorb as much as we would have liked. For dinner, we presented photos from the trip, which felt a bit unnecessary but still fun, with cheers and clapping for each presentation. Awards were given out, and we had a blast completing our last-minute tasks, like finishing the paper plates. I even wrote little notes on extra plates for the friends I’d made, leaving me with a stack that’s still sitting in my room. After dinner, we traded T-shirts and trinkets, and I even ended up with an Australian Air Force Cadets cap, making me feel like an honorary Aussie. The rest of the evening was spent savoring our final moments together.
Day 16: Goodbyes and final moments
The day started with a wave of sadness as the New Zealanders were the first to leave. We formed a tunnel with our hands for them to run through, giving them hugs and heartfelt goodbyes. The Canadians followed shortly after, and this goodbye was even harder. They were such a big group, and saying goodbye felt like a major turning point. Some of us were in tears. The Dutch cadets, like us, were staying longer, and the Aussies had a different schedule, leaving just as we were headed to our final tour stops. The mood was heavy after the goodbyes, but we continued the tours, visiting the 9/11 Memorial and the American Air Force Memorial. It was difficult to focus, but we pushed through.
Lunch was an experience on its own—I devoured an entire medium pizza (well, except for a slice I shared with one of the Dutch cadets), and I was so full it felt unreal. We then headed to the final museum, where we saw the plane Enola Gay, the one used to drop the atomic bomb on Hiroshima during WWII. Midway through the tour, the Dutch cadets had to leave. I thought I was fine, but I couldn’t help but cry. We had become incredibly close, and now it was just the UK left in the US. After dinner (where I ate nothing because of my massive lunch), we headed to the airport. We spent the time there playing card games, racing down the terminal, and making the most of our last moments together. The flight was cold and a little turbulent, but we landed safely. As I reflected, I realized, “Leaving: a bittersweet symphony of freedom.”
Day 17: Saying goodbye
We landed back home, but typical of our group, one of us had lost their passport between the flight and security. This meant extra security checks, but he eventually made it through. We grabbed our luggage and headed out together, just like we had at the beginning. Saying goodbye was incredibly hard, and as we hugged and took photos with the friends who had become like family, I felt the quietness settling in. The waterworks started for many of us as we realized how much we would miss each other. I reflected on the moment, thinking, “Once I left home (AKA my newly found family), I finally understood how to define nostalgia.”
This trip has truly been life-changing. Some of us are already planning trips to visit each other in our home countries, and I know I’ll continue to rave about this experience for the rest of my life. Thank you to everyone who made this possible. It was the best experience I’ve ever had.