Welcome! Ласкаво просимо!

Why Study Ukrainian?

Ukrainian is the state language of Ukraine, one of the largest countries in Europe. It is also spoken in the Ukrainian Diaspora in Canada, Kazakhstan, Russia, the U.S., and other countries. In 2014, Ukrainian language was included into the Pentagon language priority list. Ukrainian is also one of the critical languages for the National Security Education Program.

Ukrainian is an East Slavic language, which belongs to a large Slavic language family. Equipped with the knowledge of Ukrainian, you can advance rapidly when learning other Slavic languages such as Croatian, Czech, Polish, Russian, etc.

Through the Ukrainian language, you can discover a new world of rich culture, amazing people, and fascinating traditions in a way that is not available for non-Ukrainian speakers!

Why Study Ukrainian at IU?

Small classes, friendly classroom energy, and student-centered teaching make IU a perfect place to study Ukrainian not just during the academic year, but also at the summer Language Workshop. A $500 scholarship is available for undergraduates studying the language, among other opportunities for financial support.

Our faculty offer courses and mentorship in Ukrainian language and culture, and tirelessly work to foster an environment for successful learning and research. At IU, you can also take classes across multiple divisions that focus on Ukraine and Eastern Europe: anthropology, history, and linguistics, etc.

The IU Library offers an excellent Slavic and East European collection of materials – it is one of the leading area studies collections in North America with rich holdings in the Ukrainian language and on Ukraine-related topics. The Robert F. Byrnes Russian and East European Institute has a lending library of documentary and feature films, including the ones that were produced in and about Ukraine.

In addition to Ukrainian language and culture classes, you will find plenty of engaging and creative extracurricular activities. Students interested in Ukrainian and East European studies are welcome to join the student-run Ukrainian Studies Organization (UkrSO). UkrSO brings together students, emerging scholars, and seasoned scholars to discuss topical issues pertaining to Ukraine. These events include: UkrSO-organized talks and lectures featuring features leading scholars in the field of Ukrainian studies, the Ukrainian Book Club conducted in English, and annual Holodomor Commemoration Lectures delivered by leading scholars in the field of Holodomor studies. UkrSO reaches out to international communities via the annual Taras Shevchenko Ukrainian Studies Conference, which attracts scholars from across the globe and provides space for the discussion of current global developments. Additionally, UkrSO celebrates traditional Ukrainian holidays and helps organize events, such as the Ukrainian Independence Picnic, the Pysanka Workshop, and Ukrainian Christmas Caroling.

Please follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Subscribe to the IU UkrSO Channel.

Study abroad opportunities

International Summer School “Ukrainian Language and Country Studies”, Ivan Franko Lviv National University – Lviv

School of Languages and Area Studies NovaMova - Kyiv

School of Ukrainian Language and Culture, Ukrainian Catholic University – Lviv

Summer School of Ukrainian Studies, National University of Kyiv Mohyla Academy – Kyiv

Student testimonials

Introduction to Ukrainian Culture, Spring 2020

"Taking Introduction to Ukrainian Culture contributed to my understanding of not just Ukraine or Slavic Studies but also art, European history, national development, contemporary political concerns, folklore, and other academic disciplines as they intersect with the everyday lives of people throughout the world."

"This course taught me everything about Ukrainian culture and I would highly recommend it! The instructors were friendly, which created an enjoyable learning environment. I looked forward going to class every day and learning with my classmates and instructors felt like a family. 10/10!"

"Although I was always focused on a financial degree, this course has opened my mind into a major in International Business, just because of the interest I have gained overseas."

"I really enjoyed taking this course to help with my World Culture credit. It has given me a lot of knowledge about a country and society I had little idea about. I would recommend this class to anyone because of how great the instructors were. Whenever I take a tour, no matter where it is, if the tour guide is lousy, then it’s not as memorable or exciting. Classes are exactly the same, and our “guides” were incredible. They made this class memorable and always made me want to come to class ready to learn."