My semester abroad with International Language Programs (ILP) before serving an LDS mission was the best decision I could have made! I not only learned more about myself, but I learned to be independent, how to overcome homesickness, to love people who may be different than me and how to work with others. Those lessons helped me tremendously while serving my mission.

You don’t speak a word of Spanish but that doesn’t mean you can’t bear your testimony in your local branch! 

So you don’t speak a word of Russian but thanks to the sweet missionaries, you were able to understand what was happening at the LDS church in Moscow! So, how to say thank you for something like that? We have some ideas (and tips) that will work in any country.

We're all seeking happiness. More joy. More adventure. More fulfillment. So how do we get there?

When you get to a new country most things will be unfamiliar. The people, food, language and  apartment are just a few! Anything you can find that is familiar is good and and can be really helpful especially as you adjust to your new surroundings. 

Let's be honest, sometimes it's hard to get to reading your scriptures without it feeling like just a check mark off of your long to-do list. Don't get stuck in a rut in your reading, instead try these ideas to help make your personal study more meaningful.

Any volunteers want to apply for their mission while living abroad? You can do that! We’ve got a few tips to make this as easy as possible.

While volunteering with International Language Programs (ILP) you will meet and serve alongside amazing people in your group. They are from all over the US and have different religious backgrounds, ideas and views. Each of them will teach you something that will help you grow as a person. 

Did you know you can find LDS churches in all 10 of ILP's (International Language Programs) countries? Sometimes you can find a church right in the city you are volunteering in and other times you might have to travel a little bit, but they are always accessible. 

While I was volunteering in Thailand, I had the really unique opportunity of getting to attend a small meeting with Elder Holland as the main speaker. Elder Holland!