US and Canadian Students Learn Ukrainian at IFNUL Summer Language School

US and Canadian Students Learn Ukrainian at IFNUL Summer Language School

JUNE 17, 2017 – On June 6, 2017 at the Faculty of Philology of the Ivan Franko National University of Lviv started IFNUL Summer Language School for students from Kansas University (USA) and University of Alberta (Canada). Opportunity to learn Ukrainian language and culture is given to three US and nine Canadian students who were divided into three groups depending on the initial level of the Ukrainian language. In addition to language courses, participants have the opportunity to attend lectures on economic, historical and cultural features of life in Ukraine.

Students responded very positively about learning process at the Summer School and their stay in Lviv and noted that they chose to learn Ukrainian language and culture both for professional and personal reasons.

Faelan Jacobson from Kansas University says that Ukrainian is one of her favorite languages and it is important especially for those who learn processes in Eastern Europe. “The Ukrainian language is very important for Eastern Europe. The best way to learn a language – it is to go directly to the language environment and I am glad that I have this opportunity, “- adds Faelan, noting that five-hour daily classes give results.

Patrick Sevadge, another student from Kansas, who studies international relations, visited Eastern Europe for the first time. Patrick admits that knowledge of Ukrainian language and culture is extremely important for his professional development. “I always wanted to visit Ukraine to see how people live, how they communicate with each other. Even after the first week stay I start to feel intuitively what the Ukraine and Eastern Europe. This I like very much and will definitely use it professionally “, Patrick said.

Franklin Conard from Kansas also notes that he crossed the boundaries of his country for the first time, but have already read a lot about Ukraine and he has the impression that over the last three years in our country there are numerous transformations. “I like Ukraine and pleased that there is a dynamic change”, Franklin said.

Andrew Pryshliak from Edmonton, like most of his Canadian colleagues at this school already speaks Ukrainian, but notes that he came to Lviv in order to improve his language level and to learn more about Ukrainian culture. “Lviv is a very beautiful city. I am interested in the variety of cultures represented here and the history of this city. While studying here I will get to know a lot of interesting and new about Lviv and Ukraine “, – says Andrew, adding that Ukraine, which he visited almost seven years ago now looks much more innovative country.

Alexander Omelchenko, student at the University of Alberta said that the Ukrainian life, culture and language have always fascinated her. Hence, he plans to improve its level of Ukrainian future.

Anna Bodnar has studied Ukrainian at school and university, but in Ukraine she plans to consolidate the acquired knowledge into practice. “I really enjoy being in Lviv, communicate with local people, stay in a Ukrainian environment. The rhythm of life in Ukraine is much calmer than in Canada “- says Anna.

Natalia from Edmonton induced dream to teach Ukrainian language school in Canada. In Lviv University she is planning to improve communication skills and grammar. “Lviv is very close to my heart, because my dad was born here and I like the local culture and people,” – she said.

“In Edmonton, we are taught to keep our language and culture and I try to do it. At the University, we learn a lot about the language, learn new words, getting familiar with the history and culture of Ukraine. I really like this and I want to learn more, “- says Stephanie Kostiuk attending Lviv for the fifth time.

Markiyan Oliferchuk, another member of the school was born in Lviv, but then he moved to Canada. Now Markiyan returned to his hometown in order to better understand Ukraine and not to forget his family. “Lviv is a beautiful city, and unlike my colleagues, I believe that the pace of life here is much more active vice versa. Here in Canada, all is quiet, everyone goes somewhere by car, and there are many people on the streets. I like being in Lviv, and I’d like to live here “- said Markiyan adding that in the future he wants to return to live and work in Ukraine.

Oleh Pich left Lviv when he was 8 years old. From that time he visited Ukraine many times and always feel the delight of the city. Oleg also notes that can later return to Ukraine, because he likes very lively and interesting life here.

Coordinators, teachers of Ukrainian language and lecturers from IFNUL will help to create this unique atmosphere of intellectual and spiritual knowledge. As part of the Summer School, there are scheduled tours to castles in Lviv region, a trip to the Carpathians and trip to Kyiv. Diana Mushynska, born in Podolia region, who has been living in Canada for 7 years will have time to visit her native area and grandmother. Diana emphasizes the beauty and special atmosphere of Lviv and Ukraine.

Summer school will run until June 30 for students from Alberta and till July 22 for students from Kansas.

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