ENGin Program: Online Meetings that Foster International Friendship and Live Communication

ENGin, an innovative program that connects Ukrainian students with English-speaking volunteers, was initially designed to facilitate language practice and cultural exchange through online communication. However, the bonds formed within the program often grow so strong that students and volunteers seek to meet face-to-face, creating unforgettable experiences of interaction beyond the digital realm.

These personal meetings are not part of ENGin’s official structure, but the friendships formed during virtual sessions encourage participants to initiate in-person gatherings, defining ENGin’s role in strengthening connections in the real world. Additionally, volunteers from around the globe also come together offline (clubs, chapters, joint events) to enhance their online participation in the program.

In this article, we share several stories that highlight how ENGin transcends the digital space.

Monica Rizzo and an Unforgettable Trip to Ukraine

Monica Rizzo, an ENGin volunteer, began her journey with the program during the lockdown. ENGin connected her with Maksym and Tanya, two Ukrainian students. Initially, they had structured conversations about cultural differences between Ukraine and the USA, but over time, their English sessions became more informal, resembling conversations between close friends.

In 2023, Monica seized the opportunity to study abroad in Italy. She decided to meet her Ukrainian friends in person, starting with a trip to Lviv. Monica recalls being very nervous, wondering how Maksym and Tanya would react to their first meeting. But her fears quickly turned to joy as they connected in person, exploring the city together and heading to the picturesque surroundings of Lake Synevyr. Monica notes that meeting ENGin students offline was a natural next step in their friendship.

Yurii Kuzan and Chris: A Volunteer Visit to Ukraine

For ENGin student Yurii Kuzan, the live meeting with volunteer Chris was an unexpected surprise. Although their online meetings were based on various conversations about life, a strong bond developed between them. Chris, eager to see Ukraine and get involved in volunteer work, decided to visit Lviv, where Yurii lived. They spent time together after work, exploring the city and even visiting Yurii’s hometown in Zakarpattia.

Yurii invited Chris to explore the mountains, taste local cuisine, and try some traditional activities. The trip felt like an escape from the harsh realities of war, and both Yurii and Chris promised to repeat the experience. Yurii thanks ENGin for helping him improve his English and fostering a friendship with someone who has now become a close friend.

Victoria Dryha and Madison: Cooking Ukrainian Borscht in Italy

Victoria Dryha, an ENGin student, initially hesitated to participate in the program due to her low level of English proficiency. However, once she connected with volunteer Madison, their conversations quickly evolved into a genuine friendship filled with easy-going informal discussions. Despite the thousands of kilometers that separated them, Victoria and Madison stayed in touch for many years until they finally met in person in Italy.

During Victoria’s visit, they shared stories, explored museums, and most memorably, cooked Ukrainian borscht together. What began as online learning blossomed into a cross-cultural friendship that, according to Victoria, enriched her life more than she expected.

Anastasia Danilova: Thanksgiving Day in the Volunteer’s Family Circle

For Ukrainian student Anastasia Danilova, the ENGin program opened her heart to American traditions. Her volunteer, Ron Shuster, invited her to celebrate Thanksgiving with his family, where she became the guest of honor at the festive dinner. Ron’s family welcomed Anastasia as their “Ukrainian daughter,” and over time, their bond only strengthened.

Anastasia’s experience with Ron’s family is a testament to how a volunteer program can evolve into genuine familial relationships.

Leslie Johnson and Natalia: From Zoom to Prague

Leslie Johnson, a retired volunteer from Ohio, met weekly with her ENGin student Natalia. Their sessions transformed into exchanges of daily life news and personal experiences. So, when Leslie planned a trip to Europe, they took the opportunity to meet in person. Despite both catching colds, they met in Prague, where they spent the day wandering the city and talking as if they had known each other for many years.

Leslie recalls this meeting as a special memory, realizing it could be a rare opportunity to meet face-to-face. The connection they established through ENGin transcended the virtual space, transforming into yet another story of true friendship they will cherish for a long time.

Carrie and the ENGin Yoga Community

For Carrie Kempner Getz, volunteering with ENGin also went beyond language practice—she created a yoga community for students and volunteers. During online sessions, participants practice yoga, meditate, and share their experiences.

Carrie personally met several ENGin students during a yoga retreat in Warsaw over the weekend. Along with other participants, they practiced yoga, explored the city, and enjoyed music.

One of Carrie’s buddies, Mitya, is a shoe and fashion designer. Their relationship blossomed to the point where they met in person at Berlin Fashion Week for Mitya’s runway show. His work, crafted entirely from recycled materials, was showcased by models from Unbroken (Ukrainian National Rehabilitation Center), making the experience incredibly powerful.

ENGin is more than just a platform for practicing English; it is a powerful tool for building human connections. Participants forge lifelong friendships, visit each other’s countries, and create memories that extend beyond virtual communication.

ENGin enables volunteers and students to form offline relationships that unite different cultures, fostering a stronger, more cohesive global community. If you are interested in the program, you can join as a student or volunteer through the ENGin website.