Martin: Guida di viaggio, prezzi e alloggi gratuiti · 2026

AMAliyah Mukashevamukashevaa · 17 nov 2015Leggi

About 15 years ago, I couldn't even imagine that I would be studying English in the future. I remember watching foreign films and imagining myself speaking English fluently. Now, I am studying at VGSPU to become a foreign language teacher, and I realize that I have chosen the right path in life. With my knowledge of English, I can travel abroad freely, especially to America. I have always dreamed of going to America, but I never had the opportunity. Now, I am participating in this contest to make my American dream come true. America has always attracted me with its freedom. How is this freedom expressed? Watch American movies and you will understand everything. Life in America is very fun, in my opinion. You can do whatever you want, you can dress however you like, and you won't be afraid of people pointing fingers at you. I want to dive into this freedom headfirst, communicate with Americans, and give them a "High five!" I have never spoken to Americans in person, so my conversational English needs practice. I have an American pen pal, and he is inviting me to America! I imagine meeting his family, going shopping together, eating cornbread, and celebrating Halloween! I won't beat around the bush; I admit that I want to experience the atmosphere of another country. Just think: I am walking in shoes bought at the Tractor Market in Volgograd, walking the streets of America, hearing English speech all around me, seeing African Americans arguing on the street, and realizing: I AM IN AMERICA! American movies don't lie! I walk up to a store door and see the sign "CLOSED," but I don't get upset and just go to another store! The thought flashes through my head: "I am an ordinary student from the region who has never left Volgograd, and now I am in the USA!" But these are just dreams. If I went to America, I would hold real dollars in my hands (I have never held them in person!), I would meet Americans and realize that they are the same people, no different from us. Most importantly, I would improve my conversational English, and when applying for a job, I would write "Fluent" next to my English proficiency level without fearing that it's not entirely true. I would realize that I wasn't born in vain, that I have some mission to fulfill, and that there are people in America I am destined to meet. Do you believe in this? Maybe I am destined to go to America in 2016? Maybe my destiny awaits me in the form of a fun African American guy like Martin Lawrence, with whom I would publicly argue? These are all jokes, but who knows what awaits us...

OOOralbek Otegulovjohnfkennedy · 8 nov 2015Leggi

Memories never die! (My story.) “Take the first step in faith. You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step”. Martin Luther King Jr. (1929-1968) Unit 1: No turning back! America is ahead! (A memoir based on true events.) Chapter 1: “How did I pass my visa interview?” There are two things in this world that are the fastest and most fleeting: imagination and time... In the space of time, which is in constant motion, many things become obsolete and are swallowed up. And another thing I realized is that certain events and phenomena take on a different meaning when you look back at them after some time. No matter how much one admires the great works of artists, when you look too closely, you realize they are just rough traces of paint spilled randomly on paper. But as you move further away, the rough traces of paint fade and you notice they are turning into a wonderful phenomenon. Similarly, any phenomenon reveals new facets as it moves away from us. Looking back, I realize it has been over a year since I returned from America. It felt like I had just returned home with a storm of emotions yesterday, and now, 14 months have flown by in the blink of an eye. During this year, I had the opportunity to review some things. In this time, I finished my studies and got a job. The students I prepared, directly or indirectly, also went to America... Keeping in mind the Kazakh proverb "A teacher without a student is nothing," I prepared students who intended to go to America and asked for my help. Considering that "every Kazakh is my only one," I did not take a single penny from any of them. Of course, I am not saying this to brag or to pursue any goal. I am writing this with the thought that if you can, you should also prepare your own students for current and future graduates of Work and Travel... Considering that this life, full of hustle and bustle, is given to a person only once, one must achieve a lot in this life. Just as there is no bird without wings, there is no person without a dream. Each of us has a dream. Not one, but dozens, hundreds, even thousands. But unfortunately, most of us do not have a goal to reach them. A person feels happy only when a dream comes true. Many obstacles arise on the way to achieving a dream. It is not easy for a person to be happy. Dreams do not come true easily. But this does not mean it is impossible. Being happy is possible for everyone, and everyone has the right to it. Every person must fight for their own happiness. And you must start right now. A well-known public figure, Altynbek Sarsenbayuly, said in an interview: "The truth not told in time has no value." "There is no benefit from an action not taken in time"! My path was not easy either. Things that come easily have no value. You will regret tomorrow what you did not do today! So, let me tell my own truth as best as I can: As soon as I heard on April 29 that I would have an interview at the American Consulate in Astana, my heart raced, I bought a train ticket, and without telling anyone, I urgently set off for Astana. The train from Aktobe, bypassing Kostanay and Kokshetau, arrived in Astana on April 28. That morning, when I woke up on the train, I noticed that my head was aching and I was feeling unwell. What was the reason for this? Was it the worry about the visa? No, no! It was the cold of the north, grabbing me by the throat before I even arrived... Yes, Astana did not welcome me with a warm face either. It met me with its piercing wind. When I was flying from Aktobe, full of joy, I forgot to take my thick jacket. Who knew that even in the last week of April, the weather in Astana would be so stubborn. At that time, the sun was shining brightly in Aktobe... Just getting off the train and looking around in wonder, the "Welcome" I got from Astana were women offering their apartments, saying "Apartment, apartment." It turns out there are such talkative women here too, who from dawn till dusk, whether people listen or

ККириллstriklend · 27 ott 2009Leggi

Six months ago, as a first-timer myself (not like now=)))))), I ran into a bunch of things that suddenly became urgent to solve, know, etc. They all stemmed from two eternal student troubles - lack of money and lack of time (lack of food wasn't in my plans back then)) and they were all conditionally divided into two categories. "How to do it cheaper and better?" and "Where to go?". So, I'll scratch my head about these sacred topics for a Work and Travel participant in my blog. Quest I. Preparation for departure. Choosing a program If we don't want to waste extra money and (very possibly) nerves, we choose the self-arranged program. Many had problems this year with tickets and offers from their agencies. Moreover, this program gives you almost unlimited (except for the borders of countries where you have visas) freedom of action. In fact, America, with the skill of finding ways to solve emerging problems being developed in it, starts now. We look for an offer by all possible means, at worst, we can contact the CMO office later, and we cross out the prices for such tickets from our arsenal of acceptable prices at least until the first biggest paycheck in the world. So, the program costs (let me check) - $650 for beginners. Ok. Let's add here everyone's favorite +$16+$17 - mandatory fees for the card and something else. In general, $700. Now we swear by Jet Li and Martin Luther that we won't give anything else to the enemy.

ДКДинмухамед Калдыбаевkaldibay.dimash · 5 gen 2023Leggi

Competition for the most interesting and original story about youth travel and student exchange programs "Now and in the Future" Good day to everyone. My name is Dinmukhamed. I am from Almaty and I am 19 years old. Currently, I am a 2nd-year student at the International Information Technology University (IITU), majoring in Information Systems. My English level is Intermediate. In my free time, I love reading books, writing poems, and playing football. It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that I am a budding writer. 1. What do I know about youth travel and external academic mobility? Academic mobility is the opportunity for students to continue their studies at another university for a certain period. Its main goal is to ensure the quality of Kazakhstani higher education in accordance with international standards and to increase its competitiveness. Since entering university, I have heard a lot about this program, but I haven't thought about participating because I didn't see any need for it, and there were many questions about this program at my university. Moreover, after enrolling in the military department, applying for this program became impractical. Instead, I have always dreamed of going to the United States through the Work and Travel program to travel and work. In my opinion, this program is much more effective than academic mobility. You can work, travel, and see the world in a short time without any pressure, without worrying about grades, university sessions, or scholarships. I first heard about the Work and Travel program from my friends and immediately became interested in participating. However, until now, it hasn't worked out due to family circumstances and personal difficulties. Right now, I feel it is the perfect moment. Next, I want to talk about why I want to participate in the Work and Travel program. I still remember how I started feeling the American atmosphere and vibe while watching Netflix teen series at 15-16 years old. Series like "13 Reasons Why," "Sex Education," and "Riverdale" showed me the life of American students, and I wanted to feel that same freedom and courage. That's how my interest in America was awakened, and it grew even more through the Work and Travel program. Later, after reading Jack London's books "Martin Eden," "Burning Daylight," and "The Sea-Wolf," my interest in seeing the real ocean and the mountains of Alaska, where Jack London himself searched for gold, grew even stronger. I developed a desire to see the power of America that inspired my favorite writer. Reading Nicholas Sparks' books like "The Notebook" and "The Best of Me," and watching the movies based on them, made a strong impression on me. The desire to know what exactly inspired the author of my favorite romance novels turned into a dream of seeing America with my own eyes. I decided that I would start writing my own love story when I go to America and continue it upon my return. For budding writers like me, traveling is an indispensable helper. After all, as the American writer Mark Twain said: "Travel is fatal to prejudice" (or "Travel is necessary for those who learn"). However, when I first told my parents that there was an opportunity to go to the USA through such a program, earn good money, and travel, they did not take it well. They didn't understand me and showed distrust, citing financial difficulties in the family. This was very hard for me. My dream seemed to collapse before my eyes. I felt like my favorite book character, Martin Eden: no one believes, no one understands, no support. But just like Ruth, who became a hope for Martin, this competition organized by CMO has become my last ray of hope. I want to use this opportunity to prove to my parents who I really am, to show my strength, and to earn their recognition. I want them to be proud of me. Yes, they can be understood — they worry, and sending a child abroad is a big risk. But this distrust from my loved ones has become my biggest motivation. By

ДКДинмухамед Калдыбаевkaldibay.dimash · 5 gen 2023Leggi

Competition for the most interesting and original story about youth travel and student exchange programs “Now and in the Future” Good day to everyone. My name is Dinmukhamed. I am from Almaty. I am 19 years old. Currently, I am a 2nd-year student at the International Information Technology University (IITU). I am majoring in Information Systems. My English level is Intermediate. In my free time, I love reading books, writing poems, and playing football. It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that I am a budding writer. 1. What do I know about youth travel and external academic mobility? Academic mobility is the opportunity for students to continue their studies at another university for a certain period. Its main goal is to ensure the quality of Kazakhstani higher education in accordance with international standards and to increase its competitiveness. Since I entered the university, I have heard a lot about this program, but I haven't thought about participating. Because I didn't see any need for it, and there were many questions about this program at my university. In addition, after enrolling in the military department, it became impractical to apply for this program. Instead, I have always dreamed of going to the United States through the Work and Travel program to travel and work. In my opinion, this program is much more effective than academic mobility. Because you can work, travel, see the world, and visit new places in a short time without any extra pressure, without worrying about grades, classes, or scholarships. I first heard about the Work and Travel program from my friends and immediately became interested in becoming a participant. But until now, it hasn't worked out due to family circumstances and personal difficulties. Now, I think it is the most suitable moment. Next, I want to tell you why I want to participate in the Work and Travel program. I remember how, after watching Netflix series for teenagers at 15-16 years old, I began to feel the American atmosphere and vibe. Seeing the lives of American students in series like "13 Reasons Why," "Sex Education," and "Riverdale," I wanted to feel the same freedom and courage. That's how my interest in America was awakened, and it grew even more through the Work and Travel program. Later, after reading Jack London's books "Martin Eden," "Burning Daylight," and "The Sea-Wolf," my interest in seeing the real ocean and the mountains of Alaska, where Jack London himself searched for gold, grew even stronger. I developed a desire to see the power of America that inspired my favorite writer. Reading Nicholas Sparks' books like "The Notebook" and "The Best of Me," and watching the movies based on them, made a strong impression on me. The desire to know what inspired the author of my favorite romance novels, what kind of American power led him to write such beautiful books, turned into a dream of seeing America with my own eyes. I decided that I would start writing my own love story when I go to America and continue it upon returning home. For people like me who are just starting to learn the ins and outs of writing, traveling is an indispensable helper. Because, as the American writer Mark Twain said, travel is necessary for those who learn. However, when I first told my parents that there was an opportunity to go to the USA through such a program to work, earn good money, and travel, they did not take it well. They didn't understand me and showed distrust. They said there were financial difficulties in the family. This was very hard for me. My whole dream seemed to collapse and break before my eyes. I felt like my favorite character from the books, Martin Eden. No one believes, no one understands, no one acknowledges, no support. But like Ruth, who became a hope for Martin to rise from the very bottom, this competition organized by the CMO is the last ray of hope and the last chance for me. I want to use this opportunity to prove myself to my parents, to show who I really a

OEOlga Emelianovaolenenok · 2 ago 2013Leggi

My first day alone at the hotel. I arrived at 10:00 AM, as expected. I was sleepy, but I started working very energetically and quickly. Ammi, the second head housekeeper, gave me a paper with the schedule of another girl (who is off today). I had to take her cart (everyone has their own here, we carry towels, linens, cleaning supplies, a vacuum cleaner – everything that might be needed) and clean her rooms. I had 4 checkouts and 5 service rooms. That's a lot for the first time, but what can you do. At first, I spent a long time trying to organize the cart and gather everything I needed, wasting a lot of time. Everything would have been fine, but Lis managed to notice, "Olgaaaa, you should hurry up." She just had to put her two cents in. I started with the checkouts, as required. I tried to do it both well and quickly. After two rooms, Ammi came to check on me, and she liked everything very much! That was nice! On average, I spend an hour per room, sometimes more. By 3:00 PM, I had only finished those rooms, and there was still service to do. Martini and Maria came to help me; apparently, Ammi sent them because, in theory, you need to finish by 3:00. After that, people start returning from the beach. Together, in half an hour, we did the make-up (daily cleaning) in all the remaining rooms without any effort at all. By the way, in one of the rooms, people left a $40 tip! Just like that, no envelope, nothing. In theory, I can't take someone else's tips; it's unfair and wrong. I wasn't planning to, but what should I do with them? Actually, I even had a thought that maybe Lis and the other workers decided to test my reliability. When Sally was checking my rooms, I asked her what to do with the money. She said very simply, you can split it: 20 for you, and 20 for whoever serviced those rooms during the week. So everything is great! I got 20 bucks – and that's not bad for a hotel! When I was leaving, I met Vitya, the one who was at the party yesterday. He works here from 4:00 PM. We stood and talked. I found out that we have cameras everywhere in the hotel (I mean in our storage rooms and laundry). So that no one steals anything and to monitor if anyone is hiding from management. There wasn't much time left before work at the restaurant, and I needed to eat and change. Vitya told me about a cheap Chinese restaurant where you can get a main course starting from $3.50, and the portions are huge. "Panda" is located at the intersection of Maple & Pacific. That's where I went. Honestly, it's quite a dive. But the attempts to make everything look nice and up to standard are noticeable. Something like our Caucasian bistro. A huge menu, a bunch of different dishes, and it's unclear what is what. I didn't have much time, so I just pointed at random (there are banners with food above) and ended up with shrimp in lobster sauce. There are only 3 tables in the restaurant; mostly everyone takes food to go. But the walls are decorated very interestingly with photos of visitors from previous years! The Chinese man brought me a huge plate of rice and the lobster sauce in a container. It had 6 huge shrimp floating in it, peas, and that was basically it. The sauce itself is transparent. I mixed it with the rice and started eating – because I was incredibly hungry! I ate the whole plate. I can't say it was very delicious, but it was pretty good! I paid about 7 dollars for this pleasure. At 6:00 PM, it was still slow at the restaurant. Not comparable to last Saturday, of course. There are three of us bussers today, and there's nothing for even one person to do. After an almost sleepless night and a heavy lunch, I was terribly sleepy. And there was nothing to do at work. I warned the guys that if Andrew decides to send someone home, let it be me today. By the way, yesterday, out of 4 bussers, he left me alone. Only by 7:00 PM did people start coming in, and in the end, we served quite a lot of tables. There were 4 waiters, so we (Pat, Matt, and I) hoped

OEOlga Emelianovaolenenok · 1 ago 2013Leggi

Yes, yes, yes! Everything turned out to be much simpler than I expected! I arrived around 9:25; on the first day (and in general, always), it's better to arrive early. Sally met me and took me to the laundry. There were a lot of guys there, all in branded polo shirts, chatting, everyone doing their own thing. Sally introduced me to Martina, the girl who would be training me. She and her friend grabbed everything necessary, and we headed to the elevator. The girls immediately asked where I was from. They are from Macedonia. In English, it sounds like 'Macedonia'. At first, I didn't even understand where that was. The girls said that only Americans call it that. Everyone in the hotel has their own section – 8 rooms. On each floor, there are about 4 sections. Martina and I worked on the 4th floor, right in front of the ocean – I had never seen it look so beautiful! Our rooms are simple, but probably very expensive because of the view from the window! Working turned out to be easy! Especially if you compare it with my previous experience. Martina explained everything to me in an 'adapted' version, i.e., how to do a good job without doing anything. We wasted a lot of time just walking from floor to floor in search of clean towels – they are always in short supply here. There are so many elevators and sections in the hotel that it's very difficult to navigate! You can only figure it out by the signs on the walls (where which numbers are). The elevators are transparent; while we ride, we watch the jacuzzi and the pool – the guests are enjoying themselves. Actually, there is no feeling that I am working, and I don't want to jump into the pool (as it was before with Kristina). The elevators always smell like something fresh and sweet! In general, everything is as I expected, at a high level! There is a lot of different staff, one collects trash, another does something else, a third fixes the blinds, etc. I'm surprised how they remember each other. Today I met Martina, her friend Maria, Sally – our boss, and some boy from the laundry told me his name. I don't remember his name at all. While we were cleaning the rooms, Sally came to check on us a couple of times. As Martina told me, Sally was asking about me. Martina is a simple girl, cheerful, says directly everything she thinks, well, or almost everything (I'll probably never know). So she put in a good word for me. Martina and I chatted about everything, very easily and casually. Her English is perfect. From their conversations with Maria, I realized that our languages (Macedonian and Russian) are similar, as, apparently, are all the languages of our group (probably Slavic). It was nice to hear how the girls counted: one, two, three... We finished by 3 o'clock. I was almost not tired at all and was very satisfied! Tomorrow I have to be there again by 9:30. Martina said that for the first few days I will work with her until I learn how to do everything.