By Fernanda Castillo
Staff Writer
Wingate University will offer Ukrainian and Russian classes this fall, a
move that has deeply resonated with Mariia Bobrovska, a sophomore from
Kyiv, Ukraine.
Bobrovska expressed her surprise and appreciation for the new language
offerings, noting that the introduction of Ukrainian classes at Wingate
reflects the university’s commitment to diversity and support for
international students.
“When I found out about it, I was surprised and at the same time
confused,” she said. “I think the university introduced these classes due to
the rising number of Ukrainian and Russian migrants and the ongoing
conflicts in our countries.”
More than one million people have been either killed or wounded during
the war in Ukraine, a country of 38 million that is in its third year of
defending its democracy from an invasion directed by authoritarian
Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The addition of these courses is part of Wingate’s aim to broaden cultural
understanding and promote inclusivity on campus. “It warms my heart that
somebody here wants to teach my language,” said Bobrovska, a key doubles
player on the 22-3 Wingate tennis team that reached the Elite Eight of the
NCAA Tournament last spring.
Bobrovska believes the class will help Ukrainian culture and reduce
stereotypes associated with her country. “I wish people would stop
associating me only with the war in my country,” she said. “Ukrainian
culture is unique, and I hope Wingate students could learn something new
from this class.”
Despite not planning to get involved initially, Bobrovska has decided to
help students learning her language by tutoring. “If someone generously
wants to understand something about my home, I want to help them,” she
said.
Adjusting to life at Wingate has been challenging for Bobrovska. “Life here
is distinct in almost all factors—mentally, food, education,” she said.
While she initially worried about her studies and speaking English, she
found making friends the hardest part due to cultural differences in
communication. “Many people told me that I seemed ‘mean’ because I
wasn’t talkative or expressive,” Bobrovska said, explaining that Ukrainian
culture is often less expressive about personal problems.
Staying in touch with family has been another challenge due to time-zone
differences and the ongoing war. “I call my parents almost every day and
try to make them feel like I’m not 1,000 kilometers away by doing video
calls,” she said.
Despite these challenges, Bobrovska was able to reconnect with friends in
Ukraine during a visit home this summer and hopes to visit again next year.
The introduction of the Ukrainian language classes at Wingate represents a
meaningful step in fostering cultural exchange and support for
international students.
“Ukrainian culture is unique, and I hope Wingate students could learn
something new from this class,” she said.
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