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ukrainian language lab

2-months language program for foreign artists, who want to connect with Ukrainian language and express themselves with more confidence in Ukrainian — through shared creativity, artistic practices, kind feedback, and thoughtful conversations.

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YOU don’t need to study more or buy another grammar book

You need permission to speak before you’re ready, to treat language like material for creation, and to learn Ukrainian the same way you approach art — through curiosity, repetition, and play.

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Who usually finds themselves here

  • You want more speaking practice, but something holds you back… fear of mistakes, freezing, overthinking

  • Grammar and endings make sense in theory, but fall apart when taken out of real context

  • You want language learning to be connected to Ukrainian art, culture, and lived experience – not reduced to exercises.

  • You feel emotionally or politically connected to Ukraine, but don’t always know how to translate that into daily, embodied action.

  • You miss learning with others — staying consistent, inspired, and supported through a shared process.

How we work inside the Lab:

We move gently, but with intention:

  • From fear of mistakes → to working with mistakes as material

  • From passive consumption → to passion-driven learning

  • From limited speaking time → to moderated, spacious conversation in every session

  • From textbook struggle → to learning through shared creative practice

  • From learning alone → to forming real artistic and human connections

  • From wanting to support Ukraine → to feeling genuinely connected to its communities and language

How the Lab works:

  • Live sessions over Zoom

  • Materials and creative tasks shared

  • Duration: 8 weeks

  • Start Date: around 13 of January (final start day will be confirmed via email after registration)

  • 14 meetings + 2 discussions with Ukrainian writer and translator

  • Group size: 4–6 students

  • Community space: WhatsApp group

  • Time: Tuesday and Saturday 12 AM Ukrainian time (schedule can be adjusted collectively during the first meeting)

What If it’s not about perfection, but about making the language yours.

Here’s how you can join the Ukrainian Language Lab:

01
Fill out the application form below

APPLY HERE

02
Receive a welcome email with all the details, syllabus, and payment information

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03
Join the group chat and receive everything you need for our first meeting

This Lab might not for you if:

  • You are on the very beginning of your Ukrainian journey

  • You’re looking for a grammar-heavy, exam-focused course

  • You prefer fully self-paced learning

  • You’re not ready to speak imperfect Ukrainian yet or create something with it

This Lab is for you if:

  • You enjoy learning through artistic practices, literature and creativity

  • You can already hold basic conversations in Ukrainian

  • You value community, reflection, and shared creative process

  • You want to connect your art practice with the Ukrainian language

  • You’re curious about your learning rhythms, rituals, and ways of staying in relationship with the language

Comparison chart of Ukrainian language lab courses with prices, features, and payment options. The Standard course costs 390 EUR and includes 14 live group meetings, shared materials, and feedback. The Extended course costs 450 EUR, includes everything in Standard plus two lectures/discussions, and application opportunity. Both courses offer a two-installment payment plan.

contribution to the lab

10%+ of the fee supports our volunteering organisation ESPERO to collect funds for pick-up trucks needed for Ukrainian artists and soldiers, who are currently fighting for Ukraine.

APPLY HERE

Frequently Asked Questions

  • This Lab is designed for learners with at least a B1 level of Ukrainian. You don’t need to be fluent or confident — in fact, many participants join because speaking still feels uncomfortable. If you can understand everyday Ukrainian and express yourself in simple ways, you’re likely at the right level.

  • Yes. The Ukrainian Language Lab is built around the idea that mistakes are part of the creative process. Speaking comes before correctness, and no one is expected to be perfect. This is a supportive space where experimentation is encouraged.

  • This is not a textbook-based or exam-focused course. Ukrainian is learned through conversation, creative tasks, cultural context, and collaboration. Grammar is included, but always in context and without heavy terminology.

  • The Lab is open to people from different disciplines — including visual arts, writing, performance, film, music, interdisciplinary practices and those, who are interested in language as a creative and cultural tool.

  • You’ll need about 120 minutes per week for the live session, plus at least 20 minutes twice a week for short creative or language tasks. The structure is designed to be supportive and sustainable, not overwhelming.

  • We don’t record sessions because our focus is on being present and engaged together. Missing one means you’ll miss the live experience, but you are always welcomed at the next sessions!

  • Both options include the full Ukrainian Language Lab experience: 14 live meetings, shared materials, creative tasks, and feedback on your final project.
    The extended option also includes two live discussions with Ukrainian writers and artists, as well as the opportunity to apply for a funded artistic residency in Ukraine.

  • The residency is an opportunity to apply, not a guaranteed placement. One participant will be selected based on their submitted project and alignment with the residency space.