CULTURAL ISSUES

Attending VFMA&C provides a comprehensive and wonderful learning experience. You will learn much about American life and its cultural values. You may notice that some American values are quite different from your own. When you come to Valley Forge, these differences will become more apparent. You will likely experience culture shock as you learn to adjust to a new culture and a new way of living.

Culture Shock
Culture shock occurs because your mind and body have to go through a period of psychological and physiological adjustment when you move from a familiar environment to an unfamiliar one. The experience of being in a different place far from home where people do not always think, act or react the way to which you are accustomed can be difficult and even painful. Homesickness, anxiety and depression are symptoms of culture shock. The main thing to remember is that this is a very normal process that nearly everyone goes through, and the symptoms will subside with time and patience.

Religious Life
The Sunday Chapel Service is central to cadet life at VFMA&C. While Christian in format, the service is nondenominational and features guest speakers who address values and character development. 

In addition to the weekly Sunday morning service on campus, Protestant cadets may attend an Episcopal Eucharist Service in our Chapel on Wednesdays at noon. For Catholic cadets, Mass is celebrated in the Chapel on Sunday afternoons at 5 p.m. Arrangements are also made for Catholic, Muslim and Jewish cadets to observe holy days at Valley Forge or at an appropriate, nearby location. VFMA&C provides transportation.

The R. Michael Arnovitz chapter of the Jewish fellowship group meets on campus weekly. A Christian fellowship group, a Catholic fellowship group, a Muslim fellowship group and a Newman Club for Catholic college cadets also meet regularly.

Leave Policy
Leave* is a privilege and not a right. VFMA&C wants each cadet to have leave for the good of each individual cadet as much and as often as may be practical. We must, however, maintain a certain level of attendance to meet academic requirements, ceremonial obligations, and other missions such as cadet guard duty. As a rule, no more than 10 percent of the Corps can be on leave during Parade seasons. Thus, the cadet may not always be able to take leave when he desires. Therefore, it is a good idea to plan ahead and reserve one of the regular leave entitlements for any special occasions at which the presence of a cadet may be desired off-campus.

Leave is defined by date and time. VFMA&C has contracted the services of a travel agency that is familiar with our schedule throughout the year and can ensure that cadets depart from and return to campus within designated leave periods. All commercial means of travel will support the published leave schedule. To make travel arrangements, please contact the House of Travel of PA, Inc. at (610) 649-4850.

Routine Corps Leave Periods allow all cadets to take advantage of leave. The leave periods for academic year 2003-2004 are specified below:

• Corps Weekend Leave: October 24 - 27
• Thanksgiving Leave: November 26 - December 1
• Christmas Leave: December 18 - January 4
• Corps Weekend Leave: February 6 - 9
• Spring Leave: February 27 - March 7
• Easter Leave: April 8 - 12

Because the campus will be closed for Christmas and Spring Leaves, cadets must make arrangements to vacate. Cadets may remain on campus for all other leaves.

*Complete information on VFMA&C's Leave Policy and Procedures are detailed in the Parents' Handbook, which can be provided for you by the Admissions Department or the Parents' Association.

Safety and Security
For information on VFMA&C's Safety and Security Services, click here.