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.
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.
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 Google Meets
Materials and creative tasks shared
Duration: 8 weeks
Start Date: 7th of February (final start day will be confirmed via email after registration)
16 meetings + 1 discussion with Ukrainian writer and translator
Group size: 4–6 students
Community space: WhatsApp group
Time: schedule will 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
02
Receive a welcome email with all the details, syllabus, and payment information
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’re not ready to actively invest — with your time, energy, and financially
You’re not ready to speak imperfect Ukrainian yet or create something with it
You’re looking for quick, app-style results (like Duolingo or passive materials)
You prefer consuming resources over participating in a structured, collaborative process
This Lab is for you if:
You already know some Ukrainian and want to create, play, and think with the language
You enjoy learning in a guided, structured group, not fully on your own
You’re ready to speak Ukrainian even when it’s imperfect
You value depth, community, and a shared creative space
You want to connect your artistic practices or writing with the Ukrainian language
You’re curious about your learning rhythms, rituals, and ways of staying in relationship with the language
You want to explore grammar in context, not as something separated from you
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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!
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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.