WELCOME TO OLSA INTERNATIONAL

You served our country. Now let us serve you!

OLSA IS U.S-OWNED AND OPERATED

OLSA INTERNATIONAL'S VETERANS PROGRAMS

YOUR FUTURE IS WAITING FOR YOU

For veterans transitioning into a global chapter, OLSA International in Medellín is the premier gateway to language immersion and professional development in Latin America. As Colombia’s top-rated Spanish academy, OLSA focuses on real-world fluency, empowering you to navigate markets and build connections. Through our alliance with Westminster University, you can earn official U.S. university credits using GI Bill (Ch. 33) or VR&E (Ch. 31) benefits to support your immersion.

Your journey also fuels local impact; tuition supports the OLSA Foundation, providing vocational training to Colombians. Gain the linguistic and cultural foundation needed to launch your next venture in a mission-driven community.

2 STRATEGIC QUALIFYING PROGRAMS

1. CERTIFIED SPANISH PROGRAM: The Certified Spanish Program is a strategic initiative designed to empower U.S. Veterans with professional linguistic fluency, catalyzing future entrepreneurial ventures across North, Central, and South America. By leveraging VR&E and GI Bill® benefits, eligible veterans can earn university credits through Westminster University (Utah, USA) while simultaneously qualifying for a Colombian student visa.

Our mission is to transform earned military benefits into high-demand professional assets, ensuring our veterans possess the cross-cultural competencies required to lead and excel within the diverse economic landscapes of the Americas. See OLSA’s Certified Spanish Courses information page here.

2. LANGUAGE EDUCATION & AMBASSADOR FELLOWSHIP (LEAF): The LEAF Program at OLSA International supports U.S. Veterans in developing the human skills most in demand in international professional environments – coaching, leadership, and cross-cultural communication. Through more than 180 hours of lead-teaching experience, participants build a classroom-ready prfessional profile applicable to langauge education, corporate training, and educational leadership roles. For Veterans building a life and career in Education, these competencies directly support integration into the professional landscape. See OLSA’s LEAF information page here.

THE WESTMINSTER UNIVERSITY ALLIANCE

OLSA International, located in the heart of Medellín, Colombia, is proud to partner with Westminster University in Utah to offer a premier educational opportunity specifically designed for those who have served. This strategic collaboration allows veterans to bridge the gap between South American cultural immersion and North American academic excellence. As a fully accredited institution through the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, Westminster ensures that the rigorous training veterans receive abroad meets the highest standards of U.S. higher education.

For veterans looking to maximize their benefits, OLSA’s certified Spanish courses are meticulously structured to qualify for academic credit through Westminster University.

These programs are approved for VA Educational Benefits, which may cover a portion of program costs. Students are encouraged to contact IPSL Global Engagement at Westminster University first to confirm their specific benefit eligibility and understand what fees are and are not covered – ipsl@westminsteru.edu. This pathway not only provides a robust linguistic education but also facilitates the Colombian student visa process, supporting an extended residency of up to 14 months.

Navigating transition and education is made simpler through this partnership; many Westminster departments maintain specialized accreditations, ensuring your studies align with career goals. Veterans are encouraged to contact the Westminster Veterans Center to confirm their specific funding eligibility and begin the journey of transforming their military benefits into a life-changing international academic experience.

THE PATHFINDER VETERAN BENEFITS ALLIANCE

Pathfinder Veteran Benefits is an independent organization and a valued OLSA partner. Their program helps veterans navigate the complexities of the VA system to fully access the educational and vocational support they earned through their service. Many veterans find it challenging to maximize their entitlements, but Pathfinder provides clear guidance on how to effectively use programs like the Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E, Chapter 31). By focusing on individualized roadmaps, they help you transition into a new career, complete a degree, or gain specialized certifications with the full financial backing of the VA.

A unique feature of their service is the alliance with OLSA International, which allows veterans to use their Chapter 31 benefits for Spanish immersion at a licensed institution in Medellín, Colombia. This partnership enables you to earn professional language certifications while receiving your Monthly Housing Allowance (MAH) abroad. It is a practical option for those looking to add a global skill set to their resume while living in a vibrant international environment.

Ultimately, Pathfinder acts as a tactical partner, assisting with the administrative hurdles of securing a Certificate of Eligibility and coordinating with VA counselors. Rather than navigating the bureaucracy alone, you can work with a team that understands how to align your military experience with your long-term professional goals.

VETERANS