Discover the transformative power of cultural immersion through military service with submarine officer Sean Fitzmaurice. In this episode, Sean introduces us to the Olmsted Scholarship Program a prestigious opportunity for military officers to study abroad, gain language fluency, and immerse themselves in a new culture while remaining on active duty.

This unique path has shaped distinguished leaders and it continues to prepare the next generation of globally minded military leaders.

What Is the Olmsted Scholarship Program?

The Olmsted Scholarship Program selects just 15–20 officers annually from across all service branches. Scholars receive:

• One year of intensive language training
• Two years studying abroad in master’s-level courses taught entirely in that language
• $10,000 per year in travel grants, encouraging regional exploration and cultural immersion
• Family support, including stipends for spouse language training

The result? Officers return not only with advanced academic and language skills but also with a deep understanding of global perspectives critical for leadership in today’s interconnected world.

Sean Fitzmaurice’s Journey

From Naval Academy Brigade Commander to scholar in Estonia, Sean shares how the Olmsted experience reshaped his leadership style and worldview.

• He and his family took advantage of travel grants, averaging trips every other weekend throughout Europe.
• He learned firsthand how living abroad changes the way military officers think about strategy, engagement, and diplomacy.

Why Olmsted Matters for Military Leaders

Olmsted isn’t just about earning a degree or mastering a language it’s about building leaders who can think globally and act with cultural understanding. The program seeks officers with strong command potential and develops them into leaders ready for complex international challenges.

If you’re curious about unique military career paths or ready to expand your own, this episode is a must-listen. Learn what it takes to apply, what the commitment looks like, and why the Olmsted Scholarship might just be the most life-changing chapter in your service. 

The mission of Academy Insider is to guide, serve, and support Midshipmen, future Midshipmen, and their families.

Grant Vermeer your host is the person who started it all. He 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.

We are here to be your guide through the USNA experience.

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