IACE Escort

[LSThiker]

I did not see any dedicated topics to IACE Escorts (SM-type; not the other).  A few touched on it but those were around 2007. 

For those that have been IACE Escorts, is it really worth it? 

When I did IACE as a cadet, the cost was $100.  Today, the cost is $1,170.  For about $800-$900 more, I could travel to a foreign country on my own and be without the "hassles" of cadets.  Granted, unlike during my time, the number of cadets participating in IACE has dropped due to a lower number of slots.  For example, Canada had three groups of 8-10 cadets each, while today it is a total of 8 cadets.  This of course means a lower possibility of "adventurous" cadets (which I was one) and less "hassles".

For the selection criteria, I have looked at the documents posted on NCSAS.com.  I have not been to that many countries, (8 countries on 4 continents that range from developing to developed and cities that range from completely impoverished to global economies).  Nevertheless, I understand the passport process, ETA/Visas, the airport, etc.  However, as a long known weakness, for the life of me, I cannot learn another language.  I took 6 years of Spanish and still do not know it.  I failed to pick up Asian languages numerous times.  I started getting the grasp of German but have not had the time to pursue it. 

For when I went on IACE, my escorts did not know any of the local languages.  With the selection criteria being more competitive, how much would that weakness really hurt my chances?

[Garibaldi]

Having not ever gone on IACE, but hosted a couple of participants (Japan and Egypt) I would say that knowing the parent language of the country you visit isn't 100% necessary, but helpful.  I would assume that the adult escorts would want to know the language of the country they're going to, as would any tourist. The guides for that country should be bilingual, I would think.

But what do I know? I could be 100% wrong, this is just my opinion.

[MSG Mac]

The official language of IACE is English, so not knowing the local language is not a major problem. However being familiar, if not fluent, will increase your chance of selection.

[PA Guy]

I have been an escort twice. It is a full time job with sometimes very long days.

Your room and board are provided by the host country. You often go to places, meet people and do things the general public does not. The only expenses you incur are personal items. The last time I went to Europe on my own the cost of food and lodging was pricey.

When I went to New Zealand language was not an issue. When I went to Belgium I didn't speak Flemish or French but did learn a few phrases. While  English is the language of IACE I have encountered cadets who didn't speak a word of English.

The cost of IACE is worth it in my opinion. If you consider cadets a "hassle" being an escort might probably isn't for you since you are expected to be with them constantly and have very little time to yourself. I consider the cost to be a bargain.

[LSThiker]

I have been an escort twice. It is a full time job with sometimes very long days.

Your room and board are provided by the host country. You often go to places, meet people and do things the general public. The only expenses you incur are personal items. The last time I went to Europe on my own the cost of food and lodging was pricey.

The cost of IACE is worth it in my opinion. If you consider cadets a "hassle" being an escort might probably isn't for you since you are expected to be with them constantly and have very little time to yourself. I consider the cost to be a bargain.

I do not find cadets to be a "hassle".  However, there is a difference between cadets at NBB or COS and cadets at IACE.  As I was a cadet on IACE, I know the trouble we got into.  A lot that should not be repeated on these forums.  That trouble is what I mean by "hassle". 

I enjoy working with cadets.  I am just trying to determine whether my money would be better spent going to another NCSA or going to IACE.  I took my family earlier this year to Europe for 1.5 weeks and did the whole trip in $2,000 (yes really).  I have also taken my family to SE Asia for a little under that.  So I could take $500 and go to another NCSA and take my family to another country or I could take $1,170 and go on IACE and take my family on a US vacation. 

[PA Guy]

It is kind of a crap shoot. You won't know the number of cadets you will have until you are selected and assigned a country. Cadets are more closely screened than they used to be and the groups tend to be smaller. The larger the group the more chance of "hassle". Cadets are still frequently sent home for doing some incredibly stupid things. The absolute prohibition of alcohol has helped a lot and cadets no longer all meet in Frankfurt at the start and end as they did in the past.

I guess it comes down to how you want to spend your money. For myself I would go to an NCSA and travel to Europe without the responsibility of escorting cadets.