Participants Feedback
Scott Zimmerman, USA
Why did I apply? Has Aliante fulfilled my expectations?
What started out as a curiosity has become a passion. I entered this competition with a basic understanding of NATO but I have come away with so much more. My world view has expanded and my awareness of international politics and my understanding of current issues have grown in ways I could not have imagined. The final round in Germany focused on international cooperation, teamwork, and physical endurance. Along with my U.S. and Slovak teammates, I completed in a series that tested teamwork, endurance, and quick thinking, and found out how much we really wanted to win. It was the most mentally intense and physically grueling competition I have ever been a part of. Taken as a whole, the information I learned, the people I met, and the places we went, Aliante 2007 was truly a life changing experience!
Didzis Stāvausis, Latvia
Why did I decide to participate this year again?
Aliante is like drugs, but in positive meaning. If you have tried it once, you get addicted very fast and you want it more and more. Aliante is a great competition where you can not only test yourself in difficult conditions, but also learn a lot of new things about NATO. Aliante gives you an opportunity to meet new people and gain new friends from all over the world, and one of the best things – thanks to Aliante young people can travel around world and visit many interesting places, where regular tourists can’t get in. These were the things that motivated me to participate 2nd year per row. I admit, I’ve became addicted from this competition and I wish to others to try out this fantastic “drug” – Aliante.
Marcin Miedziński, Poland
What do I think of Aliante?
Shortly speaking I think that Aliante is a great organization which gives us a chance to check our skills and compare knowledge on international area.
It is also an opportunity to visit and get in places where no one else can go inside (Winner’s Trip); (cool). Honestly, I’ve always wanted to see United States so for me Aliante = just wishes, dreams come true! :-)
Why so many Polish students are involved & win? Is it because Aliante is prestigious?
So... I realize that Aliante is a famous and prestigious organization, but I’m not sure if it is an only reason :-). In my opinion Polish students just love adventures and challenges. They are friendly and they enjoy creating new relationships. Besides, in Poland there is the best promotion of this contest... (big merit of our great supervisor Iwona).
Generally I know that we are the biggest group which takes part in that competition, but I hope that an amount of Polish students will be rising gradually.
Michal Abaffy, Slovakia
What words come to my mind when I think of Aliante?
Traveling, experience, army, competing, searching for information.
I can see places and things that normal citizen can not.
Ieva Janonytė, Lithuania
Would I recommend Aliante to my friends?
In fact, there are some difficulties in all rounds, but it’s really worth doing. I really recommend others to participate in this contest because it’s unbelievable opportunity to meet people from different countries, to see places that other people wouldn’t be able, to attend and, of course, to gain more knowledge about NATO and military in general.
Hans Karelsohn, Estonia
Is it demanding to go through Aliante?
As I’ve heard the final of Aliante 2006 was a bit easier than the final this year. Since I’ve been related to military for years, the competition wasn’t difficult for me. But for some competitors, the physical parts were definitely a bit hard.
Can I compare it with an army training that I went through?
This contest is really great and well organized. First of all, we learned a lot of new facts about NATO and world history. Secondly, the prizes for this contest are really motivating. Unfortunately, I’m 20 years old next year and therefore can’t take part anymore, but I really recommend it to all students of Aliante countries.
Pavlo Pedenko, Ukraine
Why it was interesting to participate?
I’ll divide my answer into two parts. First and foremost, Ukraine isn’t a part of NATO, so before Aliante started we didn’t know almost anything about North Atlantic Treaty Organization. Now, we’ve got answers on lots of questions not from books, not from Internet, but from PEOPLE.
From another side, Aliante brought together youth from different countries and, as you know, it is always interesting to communicate with people just like you.
Aliante is not a contest anymore. It’s a style of your life.
Jan Grygárek, Czech Republic
Has Aliante helped me? In what way?
I thing Aliante is great competition for improve your language. You can make new friends from many countries from Europe and USA. I gained a lot of information about NATO and European Union. I found some good web pages about it when I was looking for answers for second round of the competition.
Will I also participate next year?
Of course I will, especially when the final of Aliante 2008 will be in the Czech Republic. And I’m going to win and travel to Norway :-).
