A Beacon of Hope

The Penn Global Learners Program offers language and life skills for individuals facing displacement

Published: August 14, 2023
Writer: Carter Johns
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Even with a well-planned relocation, it can be difficult to adjust to a new learning environment.

These obstacles are exponentially compounded for learners who are displaced from their homes due to persecution, human-influenced or natural disasters, violence, or war—such as the invasion of Ukraine.

“I had to escape to the western side of the country in the first 40 minutes of the invasion, fleeing the capital city of Kyiv,” says Kateryna Nakvastska, one of over 200 Ukrainians who participated in the Penn Global Learners Program this summer. “The education system across the country was ruined; some of our professors were sent to the front line, some went missing. Our morale and mental health were heavily impacted. You cannot imagine how privileged we felt to be part of this program.”

A quote box that reads: “Some nights, we are awakened by air sirens and have to run to a safe place. Due to overworked staff, the electricity cutoffs, working from basements, it’s hard to provide a good educational experience in Ukraine right now. You can imagine how this emotional impact affects the ability to absorb knowledge. In this situation, completing coursework can take my mind off it. It’s like psychology—when you concentrate on the tasks, you think of something outside of yourself. It’s a distraction. That’s part of what makes this opportunity special.” - Anna Blagaia

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A quote box that reads: “Living in Ukraine during this invasion has been hard. I left home the first day after this started, and I haven’t returned. Thankfully, my house is still there, but I don’t want to go back because I have bad memories of that day. I already graduated from university, but I have friends who are still students. It has been hard for them to concentrate on their studies with the constant attacks at night. It’s been hard for me to concentrate on my job. This course gave me a chance to focus on something positive.” – Anna Melnikova

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The Penn Global Learners Program was developed to serve and support individuals enduring these kinds of displacements. The Global Learners Program bridges Penn Global—which oversees the program—and Penn’s Online Learning Initiative. The program also incorporates course provider partners including Penn Engineering, Wharton Online, the Wharton Global Youth Program, and Penn’s English Language Programs. “We have created an infrastructure that allows for learners across the globe to access Penn’s education,” says Rebecca Stein, Executive Director of the Online Learning Initiative. “We are delighted that Penn Global approached us with this opportunity to support learners in Ukraine displaced by the war.”

So far, the Global Learners Program has been offered two times in its pilot phase. The first iteration was a partnership with the 30 Birds Foundation to serve displaced Afghan refugees. The program was expanded to Ukraine in partnership with the Goncharenko Centre, a connection forged by Zeke Emanuel, Vice Provost for Global Initiatives and the Diane v.S. Levy and Robert M. Levy University Professor. “Our partnership with the Goncharenko Centre exemplifies the goal of the Penn Global Learners program: to ensure that the best students from around the world have access to Penn educational opportunities regardless of their circumstances,” says Emanuel.

“This collaboration means a lot for us, as the Goncharenko Centre’s main aim is to provide Ukrainians with high-quality and free education,” says Yuliia Skripnik, a teacher and coordinator at the Goncharenko Centre. “Since the full-scale invasion, we have been working with refugees and trying to make their lives better,” she says.

A graphic indicating that 45 participants from Afghanistan and 239 participants from Ukraine have taken part in the Penn Global Learners Program

Through the partnership in Ukraine, Penn’s English Language Programs offered their five-week English for Career Development (ECD) course to learners at the Goncharenko Centre during the summer of 2023. The ECD course is designed for non-native English speakers who are interested in advancing their careers in the global marketplace. In addition to English-language skills, the program includes tips on résumé crafting and cover letters to help prepare immigrants and displaced persons for the international job market. All learners who complete the course will receive an official Penn ELP Certificate of Completion.

“It was really useful to hear about working in other countries, including the European Union,” says Volodymyr Zavalniuk. “I learned a lot by practicing in the breakout rooms. The program was well organized and provided high-level instruction not just in English but in life skills.”

“Students contact me after every session and send positive feedback,” says Skripnik. “Every session brings structured information that is immediately put into practice. Penn’s scholars created friendly and supportive relationships that give participants the motivation to continue learning.“

A quote box that reads: “What appeals to me most is that this course offered a different style of learning. Our education system is more formal, and you feel pressure to not look ridiculous when you cannot answer your professor’s question. In this course, we were taught the theoretical side, then given a chance to practice in breakout rooms. It's more relaxing and helps give me more confidence in my learning.” -- Kateryna Nakvastska

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A quote box that reads: “I really liked that the course wasn’t just sitting through a boring lecture, then doing some tasks, like Ukrainian classes. We had conversations not only with teachers, but with other students. The coursework was practical, not just theoretical. And our teachers were always willing to help us with our problems.” - Vladyslav Kutiepov

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A quote box that reads: “This program has been a really valuable experience for us all. The online courses have been good for the continuance of our education. I wish we had more opportunities to practice these skills in real life, and I look forward to that opportunity someday. But despite the hardships the Ukrainian people have faced, we are strong, and we will be strong forever.” – Yuri Bukhanets

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A quote box that reads: “The invasion has been a huge tragedy for the Ukrainian people, and we have all different experiences. The war highlighted the need for our professionals to connect to the international labor market. This program gave us knowledge we didn’t have about the hiring process in other countries, while also improving our English language skills. At the end of the day, we are all rooting for truth and justice to prevail.” - Mykyta Yurchenko

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A gift to support the Global Learners Program can be a beacon of hope. This past year due to limited funding for the program, only 400 learners could be served out of 1,000 who expressed interest. Philanthropic support will help expand the program to meet the demand from learners in Ukraine and elsewhere around the globe.

“Taking part in this course was like the Statue of Liberty’s torch, shining for us in our darkest hours,” says Anna Blagaia.

Support the Global Learners Program