Work with the Embassy of Spain: Josh Kiggans ’25

Josh Kiggans ’25 has always wanted to help others. He came to VMI intending to join the military; however, over the years, he realized another goal. “In high school, I told people that if I didn’t join the Navy, I would like to find a way to help people in a foreign country,” he said. “I realized that this previous goal was one that I really wanted to pursue and was motivated to follow.”

Kiggans, a psychology major from Virginia Beach, Virginia, joined the North American Language and Culture Assistants Program through the Embassy of Spain following his graduation from the Institute in May 2025. “I applied to NALCAP because I wanted the opportunity to help others and teach, as well as travel the world and learn more about other languages and cultures. I had previously studied abroad through VMI’s summer study abroad program to Spain,” he explained. “When the program ended, I knew that I had to find a way to get back to Spain.”

With help from Dr. Sabrina Laroussi, Ph.D., associate professor of Spanish in the Department of Modern Languages and Cultures, Kiggans was able to find the right program that fit his needs. “In the NALCAP program, I will serve as a teaching assistant in a classroom, helping teach English and coming up with activities about American culture,” he said. “I currently do not know which age group I will help teach, but the ages I can teach range from 1 to 18 years old.”

Thanks to the VMI Office of Career Services, Kiggans was able to land the job with the embassy. “There was an Embassy of Spain table at a career fair where I was able to get in touch with someone who worked with NALCAP. I was able to keep in contact with their representative, and he was very helpful throughout the application process,” he stated.

He credits Laroussi with helping him get through the process by answering any questions he had, while also developing his Spanish and connecting him with people to attain the job. “VMI prepared me for this next step in my life with the opportunities to study abroad and develop cultural experiences in areas most people don’t go to,” said Kiggans. “I believe that having a VMI degree on my resume has given me a competitive edge in obtaining this job, because it tells an employer that you’re hardworking without directly telling them that you’re hardworking. And with all the opportunities VMI gives you to develop your professional career outside of the military, whether it be through the career services, network of alumni, opportunities to gain leadership experience, et cetera, my degree certainly sets me apart from the crowd.”

Kiggans said another important person in his life who inspired him to take this opportunity was his mother. “When she was my age, she did a similar program in Japan and has given me advice, as well as been extremely supportive the entire time,” he said. “Both of my parents have given me the opportunity to further my education and have been supportive along the way. I would not have been able to get through a place like VMI without them.”

In the next decade, Kiggans hopes to have a career based around building a better community for people to live in. After his work with the embassy, he hopes to join the U.S. Navy and give back to the country that has given him so much.