People
Over the last week, I've truly had some very entertaining experiences — honey, chocolate, fighting on the streets, a fire-show, looking over the city from the city hall tower, and more! Beekeeping workshop We got a workshop on beekeeping. In practical terms, all the hard work was already done
Travel & Places
We had two days of excursions in the first half of the course, mostly focused on ancient history and the environment. In the second half of the course, we visited various (old) sites with a bit more focus on local industry. Just like last time, I'm heavily relying
People
Besides learning the Ukrainian language and culture, we also had a few opportunities to volunteer. As we volunteer, we learn more about the Ukrainian character. Helping in the food kitchen There's a food kitchen in Lviv run by Ukrainian and international volunteers. I didn't get all
Lessons
Ukraine has a very long but complicated history — closely intertwined with Austria-Hungary, Cossacks, Poles, the Golden Horde, and more recently through occupation by nazi-germany, russia and the soviet union. Once upon a time — the Kyivan Rus' Ukraine's history as inhabited land is ancient — spanning thousands of years.
War
Ukraine has been suffering more intense air attacks by russia since the last few weeks — particularly 9 and 12 July. It's not just 'news' — it's noticeable for me personally, even in the 'relatively safe' city of Lviv. From russia with love In
Lessons
Myroslav Marynovych, a soviet-era dissident, gulag survivor and exile survivor, shared with us his story — along with reflections on how today's war has roots in unpunished injustices of the past. Today, Myroslav Marynovych is a Ukrainian intellectual, human rights defender, and advisor to the rector of the Ukrainian
Lessons
I've been studying Ukrainian for four weeks now. In this fifth week, I'm really hitting the limits of what my mind can absorb. I've also had the chance to get to know the new group of people who joined the course last week. Saying
Travel & Places
More culturing happened recently! We had a vyshyvanka workshop and subsequently Ivana Kupala celebrations. We also visited the National Opera House to see a ballet and an opera. Vyshyvanka, forest and fires First, we got a lecture about vyshyvankas. Traditionally, vyshyvankas are very regional items — almost like a uniform, certain
People
Once again I've been fortunate to experience Ukrainian culture via my Ukrainian friend: seeing a performance, buying a vyshyvanka, having a typical Ukrainian dinner, and visiting the open-air museum. A local performance Julia, who invited me to the Carpathians and the 'egg writing' master class earlier,
Thoughts, stories and ideas.
Over two different weekend days, we explored five historic sites around Lviv — ruins, a castle and multiple churches. We're travelling from the 7th to the 20th century. Here are the highlights... Stilsko settlement (15 June) We first went to Stilsko, hoping to catch a glimpse of ancient civilisation.
In the words of Yaroslav Hrytsak during his lecture: "Nations create war; war creates nations". The Ukrainian people did not choose this war, but they did choose to respond with dignity. For those of us at peace, especially in the West, we must ponder: how do we retain
A reflection by Lauren on the impact of the war, especially on young men, and the memorialization of young people. Most of the students in our group traveled to Lviv and enrolled in UCU's Ukrainian language school to show solidarity for the people of Ukraine in their courageous
After three weeks, I'm halfway through the course, so I can review my progress. I'm also saying goodbye to participants, (and teachers and tutors) who joined for only three weeks. And Monday I'll be saying hello to a new batch of participants! Course progress
The language course itself offers a great many friends and excursions, but I also do fun stuff with friends not from the SOUL language course. One friend living in Lviv I've known for years and she is introducing me to her country, culture and other friends. Playing squash
All the Ukrainians I've met are incredibly hospitable and easy to talk to. My fellow language students are just as friendly. All in all, the vibes are good — helped along by a bit of stroopwafel-diplomacy. Let me explain... Not just nerds This summer's language course starts
The war directly impacts Ukrainians in many ways I cannot fathom as a foreigner — I will elaborate on that in another post. The war does impact me still, though. In this post I'll elaborate what it means to study in a country at war. Shelters and air raids
Lviv radiates history and culture. The city center mostly radiates liveliness and culture, whereas the cemeteries nearby invite us to learn the price to get here. Going to Lviv on foot Some language course participants and I decided to walk to the city center through the park someday. Because why
In ancient Ukrainian history, a well-educated noble could entertain guests with poetry and musical accompaniment ad hoc. Poetry is particular important to the foundation of Ukraine as a nation. Poetry creates nations To the Ukrainian people, poetry is very important. Famous poets from history such as Shevchenko, Franko and Lesya
Lviv is an old city, but it's growing and developing. This juxtaposition between old and new is visible everywhere — also at the university. The language school/faculty that offers the language course was officially established in 2002. And yet, the university's predecessor goes back to 1928
Monday's placement tests would result in a division of students in groups on Tuesday. Groups had two or three students with similar skills and needs, one dedicated teacher and one dedicated practice tutor. The schedule The program for Tuesday and all future workdays is (in principle): * 08:00
Monday was really dedicated to introducing the course, each other, the university campus, and Lviv. In this post, I'll focus on the course. The second air raid The day (Monday 9 June) kicks off with a relevant reminder of the current Ukrainian experience. The night before (my first
