Overseas Language Programs

I’ve recently returned to Columbus after a very busy month of both international and domestic travel. Most of the time I’m by myself when I’m traveling, and I actually never planned on being a solo traveler. In 2013 I took my first solo trip to Lithuania, where my dad’s family is from. The original plan was to go with my friend, but he had to back out at the last minute. I didn’t want to cancel my trip just because I had no one to go with, so I tried going on my own. It ended up being one of

For many language learners, the biggest and most exciting part of their journey is doing a language immersion. Language immersion is great way to hone your skills and build your confidence, and it’s usually considered a necessary step in language mastery. However, often the general idea is “just go overseas and you’ll come back fluent!” This is a massive oversimplification, and something I wish I had known when I got serious about my language studies. In this post I’m going to focus on my overseas immersion experiences and some of the lessons I learned while doing them. It’s worth mentioning

So you’ve finally made it abroad – yay! Now begins the fun part, but with this fun comes a price tag. With all the places to go and things to see, it’s very easy to lose control of your spending. Whether you’re studying abroad or embarking on an international adventure, learning how to manage your finances wisely can make a significant difference in your overall experience. Here are our tips for stretching your budget while you’re traveling and how to save money while you’re abroad. Stick to your budget Just like we mentioned in another post, it’s worth creating a

If you’re learning a language, one of the best things you can do is immerse yourself in the language. Formal classes play an important part in language acquisition, but through my experience studying abroad, I’ve learned some of the best language practice often occurs in unexpected places. In this blog, we’ll take a look at some of the unexpected places for language practice that get you out into your host community and using your language skills in real-world situations. Grocery stores/Food markets Going grocery shopping is a great way for everyone to practice their language skills. It’s also one of

Yep, we’re gonna talk about periods. Why? Because traveling with your period can be a challenge and nobody is talking about it. I’ve personally been caught off guard plenty of times, and dealing with it in the moment is sometimes more complicated than it needs to be. Knowing what to expect makes things a lot easier though. In this post we’ll go over what you can expect, and how to prepare, so hopefully you have one less thing to worry about while you’re traveling. It’s important to note that not everyone who travels experiences changes in their period. If you’re

Studying abroad is an incredible opportunity, especially when it comes to language learning. Not only does it provide exposure to an immersive environment, but it also enhances employability and personal growth. However, studying abroad can come with a hefty price tag. Don’t let this scare you though. With some advanced planning, budgeting for study abroad may be more manageable that you think. Research the Costs Before choosing a study abroad program, it’s important to research the costs involved. Start by looking into the program fees to see what’s included. For example, Omnia’s programs include the essentials like university tuition, housing,

Does the idea of trying to talk with strangers at a party or crowded bar fill you with dread? Me too. For the longest time, I thought being an introvert put me at a disadvantage when it came to improving my language skills. I had a roommate who learned how to speak phenomenal Russian because she was so outgoing and chatty. She could (and often did) start a conversation with anyone she ran into, and her weekends were always full of dinner plans and party invitations. I would often feel frustrated with myself because it was hard for me to

Long-haul flights are a necessary evil for many travelers. Spending hours and hours strapped to a tiny seat in a big metal tube along with a hundred other people isn’t exactly fun. If you’re new to flying internationally, these flights can seem a little intimidating. However, there are some easy steps you can take to make the best of your long-haul flight. With a little planning, your time in the air can be surprisingly enjoyable! Come prepared to relax Some people like to use flight time to take care of work or emails. Unless you’ve been doing that regularly though

“Oh, so you’ve studied Spanish for a while. Are you fluent?” I hate when people ask me this. I never know how to answer it because it doesn’t feel like a yes or no answer is enough. Can get around when I travel to a Spanish-speaking country? Absolutely. Can I communicate with our Omnia partners in South America? Mostly. Can I describe what my favorite movie is about? Not so much (The Prestige is a little complicated to explain in English though). The bigger issue with this question is “fluent” doesn’t have an exact definition. Many people think being fluent

Like many others, I’m very happy to be able to travel internationally again. Many pandemic-related restrictions are starting to ease up, and I feel much better about leaving the country now that I’ve been vaccinated and boosted. Traveling post pandemic definitely feels different though. I’ve made some changes to my international travel routine that involve a little more work, but they certainly make things easier.  Masking up Most of the United States has done away with mask mandates, but that is not the case everywhere. Many countries still require masking in certain places, and sometimes a fabric mask isn’t enough.