Language Institute in L'viv, Ukraine
- Intensive 6-week program based in L'viv, Ukraine.
- Includes local cultural activities and multi-day excursions to the Carpathian Mountains and Kyiv.
- Earn 6 hours of KU credit in Ukrainian language and area studies.
- KU students may apply for the Jarosewycz scholarship to receive up to $3,000 for this program. See 'Further Reading' section below for more information.
- Not currently accepting applications. See the Student Initiated Programs page or contact Jenna Hunter-Skidmore (jmhunter@ku.edu) in KU Study Abroad for alternative program options.
The KU L’viv Language Institute is open to any student interested in learning Ukrainian and expanding their expertise in East and Central European studies. No previous language experience is required. During the six-week summer program, students are enrolled in intensive Ukrainian language and area studies courses at Ivan Franko National University of L’viv, where they also learn about the history, politics, economics, and culture of Ukraine and East Central Europe. Whether you are a student with a specific Ukrainian-track focus or a European generalist, this faculty-led program is designed to develop your knowledge and expertise in the region.
The proud and beautiful medieval city of L’viv has been the “Western Ukrainian capital of culture” for three centuries. Founded in 1256 by Danylo Halytskiy, this city of 850,000 is only 50 kilometers from the Polish border. Under the long reign of Danylo’s son, Lev (1264-1301), L’viv came to be the capital city of the Galician-Volhynian Kingdom. It has endured and overcome the great tragedies of the 20th century: World War I, World War II, and forced integration into the Soviet Union. It is now the vibrant center for Ukraine's democratic movement for independence, statehood, and European integration.
L'viv is also famous for Ivan Franko National University named after the great national Ukrainian writer, poet, and statesman, Ivan Franko (1856 - 1916). Originally founded in 1661, it is the oldest university on the territory of the entire former Soviet Union. Today, Ivan Franko National University is one of the most prestigious institutions in Ukraine and a primary center of learning in Central Europe.
All students enroll in UKRA 675 (3 credits) and REES 895 (3 credits) for a total of six credit hours granted by the University of Kansas upon successful completion of the program. The courses cover practical intensive Ukrainian language and culture and topics related to Ukrainian Area Studies. Courses are taught by highly qualified faculty members at Ivan Franko University.
- UKRA 675: Readings in Ukrainian Language (3 credit hours): 150 class contact hours of intensive language study at the beginner, intermediate, or advanced level.
- REES 895: Special Problems in Area Studies: Ukraine (3 credit hours): A course tailored to the interests of individual students and covering a variety of relevant topics such as literature, history, post-Soviet legacies, politics, democracy development, European integration, and more.
Participants will stay in double-occupancy hotel rooms at a university-affiliated hotel in the heart of L'viv. Located within walking distance of the Ivan Franko National University campus, this newly built hotel offers a comfortable home base for students during the program. Inexpensive meals featuring traditional Ukrainian specialties are available at numerous restaurants surrounding the university and hotel; an estimate for meals is included in the budget.
During overnight excursions, students will stay in double-occupancy hotel rooms or hostels and meals are included.
Excursions
The program includes numerous guided excursions in and around L'viv, including the historic city center, various churches, and museums of history, ethnography, and architecture. The program also includes excursions outside L'viv: a multi-day trip to the Carpathian mountains with visits to Mukacheve and Uzhorod, a day trip to the medieval castle of Olesko, and a weekend in Kyiv.
SAGE is dedicated to creating international engagement opportunities that meet the needs of all our students and providing resources to support you through the process of studying abroad. Study abroad is achievable for students of all identities including our BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ students, students with disabilities, and students with religious/non-religious viewpoints. Before selecting a program, consider how your identities may impact your experience abroad in unique ways and talk with your Program Coordinator about any program-specific concerns. Students with documented disabilities should discuss any accommodation needs with their Program Coordinator early in the planning process.
Check our Identity Abroad page and resources listed below for information specific to you and other students who may be on your program.
Open to graduate and undergraduate students from any accredited U.S. college or university who have a stated interested in learning Ukrainian – no previous language study required. Minimum 2.5 GPA required (exceptions considered after submission of a petition).
An alumna of Ivan Franko National University, where she studied English and English-Ukrainian translation, Dr. Oleksandra Wallo received her Ph.D. in Slavic Languages and Literatures from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 2013. She has ten years of experience teaching Ukrainian language and culture at U.S. universities. Dr. Wallo joined KU’s Department of Slavic Languages and Literatures in 2015 as an Assistant Professor of Ukrainian and Second Language Studies. As a native of L’viv, Ukraine, she is excited about the opportunity to introduce students to the history and beauty of her hometown.
Ukrainian Language Study Scholarship for KU Students:
KU students are eligible to apply for the Jarosewycz Family Scholarship for Ukrainian language study. This scholarship awards up to $3,000 for Ukrainian language study this summer in L'viv, Ukraine. The scholarship is administered by the Center for Russian, East European, and Eurasian Studies (CREES). For more information on this scholarship, see CREES Student Awards.
Websites
Ivan Franko National University
KU Center for Russian, East European, and Eurasian Studies
For More Information Contact:
Dr. Oleksandra Wallo
Department of Slavic Languages and Literatures
Wescoe Hall, Room 2139
owallo@ku.edu
785-864-2390