LoginSpring Session in Ukraine: Ukrainian Language Immersion Program
STUDENT EXPERIENCES
Testimonials
Vincent Ignatiuk, SSU 2005, Arts and Science, University of Regina
"Studying in Ukraine had a large impact on my life. It allowed me to see a country and develop relationships with people who live differently than myself, but also to see the similarities between the countries and the people. To experience another country and live very similar to the locals is something that cannot be copied. You have to see it to experience it! I definitely want to go back again. If I can't go to study, it will be to visit with the new friends that I gained while I was there. One of the most memorable moments while studying in Ukraine is not just one experience it was a culmination of all the trips that we went on and the different sites that we got to see. Ukraine has a history like no other country and though you can't learn it all in a 2 month period you are definitely left thirsting for more! Specific to myself and a memorable moment, was climbing Mt. Hoverla and being the first Canadian in our group to reach the top! One thing about being on top of Hoverla is that if the climb doesn't, the beauty will take your breath away! You also get to spend time with people from your own country and build close relationships with them. Others that are interested in this program should realize that they will definitely have to deal with a different cultural style, as one should expect when going to any foreign country. But, I have no reservations about recommending this program to others. An experience of a lifetime!"
Orysia Ehrmantraut, SSU 2003 and 2005, History Graduate Student, University of Saskatchewan
"Ukraine is a country going through an incredible metamorphosis. This transformation is happening at many levels and is at varying stages of development. Since this summer's trip was not my first visit to Ukraine, many changes were readily visible and noticeable in almost all areas of their society. Others were a bit subtler in nature.
Ternopil was the host city for the summer session. It is a beautiful city with much to offer. It has an old world charm, with a twist: the outdoor cafes, the cobblestone roads, street vendors on corners selling beautiful flowers or produce from their gardens. One can stroll through the downtown area - get a portrait sketched for a few kopeckiv, continue on and purchase one of the many embroidered items created by the elderly lady sitting in the shade of a grand oak tree in the square. It can quickly become habit forming to stop for a drink at one of the many stands selling 'kvas' (a popular drink, which we were told was made from fermented rye bread). The dramatic, magnificent churches and the plethora of castles to see in Ternopil and in the breathtakingly beautiful surrounding countryside were astounding. It felt as though you had somehow stepped back in time - you could just feel all the history around you.
However, present day Ukraine, will not allow you to remain in the past. Cell phones ring in the churches; outside neon lights promote 'Respect' and 'Mango' local clothing stores; a trolleybus drives by advertising New Wind energy efficient appliances; down the street the Internet Café lets you check your email; everywhere you look, young people are walking by wearing the latest fashions, carrying a Hugo Boss bag (one never leaves home without a bag).
Ternopil Pedagogical University epitomizes the paradox of present day Ukraine. As you approach from a distance, the university looks to be an impressive modern complex, similar to any you might find in Canada. As you arrive at the front doors, however, you are detained by security guards (who take their jobs very seriously). They decide who can or cannot go into the building. Initial apprehension soon gives way to very friendly greetings and all is well. The interior is a striking blend of sleek modern marble fixtures combined with worn, decades-old, oak benches. There are five stories to the main building, which is fine, as long as all your classes are on the first floor, since there are no elevators! Needless to say, everyone had wonderful leg muscles by the end of the term. Ultra sophisticated computer labs that look like the bridge of the Star ship Enterprise are just down the hall from small individual circa 1940 library rooms, where the librarian is the only one who is allowed access to the bookshelves. You describe your topic and the librarian will get you what books she thinks you will need. As a special visitor, I was privileged to have the opportunity to look through the bookshelves myself. Everyone was extremely knowledgeable in his or her specific field, and exceedingly helpful in whatever was needed.
This has only been a fleeting glimpse of my impressions and recollections. In order to really appreciate everything this newly independent country has to offer, one must experience life in Ukraine. The U of S Summer program gives a person that unique opportunity, even if only for a limited number of weeks. Given the chance, would I go back again? In a heartbeat."
 it is a privilege to have done my first major mural in a university chapel for I consider it vital that the Christian message be at least available to young people at the turning point in their intellectual life which university represents.”— William Kurelek |
