Yes — Oravio's core experience is free. Free users can browse speakers and send up to 3 messages per week. Oravio+ ($10/mo) unlocks unlimited messaging, the meetup scheduler, and removes venue ads. The Community tier ($5/mo) adds cultural events and group sessions.
How is Oravio different from Tandem or HelloTalk?
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Tandem and HelloTalk are online-only — text and video chat. Neither has attempted in-person. Oravio is built from the ground up for real, face-to-face language immersion at local venues near you. Plus, the Immersion Agreement creates accountability that no other platform has.
Is it safe to meet strangers for language practice?
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Safety is built into every layer. All sessions happen at public venues — cafés, libraries, and parks. Both users sign the Immersion Agreement before meeting, confirming mutual respect and session expectations. After each session, both sides rate the experience. A report system handles any issues.
Any tips for my first immersion session?
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Before you go: Learn 5–10 basic phrases in your target language — greetings, "thank you," "can you repeat that?" and "what does ___ mean?" go a long way. Don't worry about being perfect; your partner expects you to be a beginner.
Pick the right spot: Choose somewhere relaxed with low background noise — a quiet café or library is ideal. Arrive a few minutes early so you're settled when your partner shows up.
During the session: Let your partner lead the conversation at first. Point at things and ask "how do you say this?" Use gestures freely. If you're stuck, it's okay to use a translation app as a bridge — the goal is communication, not perfection.
Keep it fun: Bring a topic you're genuinely curious about — food, travel, music, their hometown. Real curiosity makes the conversation flow naturally and helps you remember new words.
After the session: Write down 5 new words or phrases you learned while they're fresh. Rate your partner and the venue in the app — it helps the whole community. And most importantly, book your next session while you're still energized!
What languages are supported?
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We're launching with 13 languages: Arabic, Spanish, Japanese, French, Portuguese, Mandarin, Korean, Hindi, Swahili, Russian, Somali, Polish, and English — with more added based on community demand. Join the waitlist and tell us what language you want.
When and where is Oravio launching?
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Our pilot launches in Greater Lansing, MI (East Lansing, Lansing, and surrounding areas) in 2026, with statewide Michigan expansion to Detroit and Grand Rapids later in the year. Waitlist members get first access and a founding member badge.
I'm a native speaker — is this for me too?
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Absolutely. Oravio is just as much for native speakers who want to share their language and culture. If you're a native Arabic, Spanish, Japanese, or any other language speaker, you can join as a conversation partner — meet interesting people, share your culture, and practice English if you'd like. No learning required.