- Wednesday, September 30, 2026
The Yuriy Fedkovych Chernivtsi National University “Ukrainian Language and Culture” Autumn School has concluded for students from the University of Bucharest (Romania) and the Alecu Russo State University of Bălți (Moldova).
Over the course of the week, the participants intensively studied Ukrainian at the A2 level, learned the history and culture of Ukraine, explored the architecture of Chernivtsi, and discovered Bukovina.
Academic studies were combined with a rich cultural and excursion programme. The students visited the Romanian Language Lectorate, took a guided tour of Chernivtsi, and travelled to Khotyn and Kamianets-Podilskyi.
A key part of the course was getting to experience the daily lives of Ukrainian students. The participants were offered accommodation at the university’s hall of residence, where they connected with the youth of Yuriy Fedkovych Chernivtsi National University and faced the reality of having to head down to the shelter together during air raid alerts.
The Autumn School concluded with the presentation of certificates. Ruslan Biloskurskyi, the rector of Yuriy Fedkovych Chernivtsi National University, presented the certificates to the participants. The students also shared their impressions of the programme, Chernivtsi, and their stay in Ukraine.
The students of the University of Bucharest, Brîndușa Diana Balașov, Georgiana Viorica Bertea, Doina Botez, Codruţ Cristian Ciobanu, Oana Dracinschi, Diana Mihaela Păunache, and Matei Catalun Ionuţ, reflected on their experience at the Autumn School:
“Our week at the Chernivtsi University Autumn School was a wonderful experience. This project helped us fully immerse ourselves in the diversity of the town’s history and cultures. We lived in the university’s dormitory and studied at the former Residence of Bukovinian and Dalmatian Metropolitans, which is an incredible building listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Every morning, we had practical Ukrainian language classes, worked on translations, and discussed literature and culture. The lecturers went the extra mile to help us improve our pronunciation and speaking skills, which will benefit us as future philologists.
We spent every free afternoon walking around the town. We explored historical sites that connect our cultures, visited museums, the local theatre, and pedestrian streets in the centre. It was a pleasure to connect with Ukrainian and Moldovan students. We instantly hit it off, went for coffee breaks together, and chatted in both languages.
At the end of the course, we received our certificates. But what truly matters is that we’re returning home with far better Ukrainian language skills, a deep understanding of the local culture, and unbreakable bonds. It was a very valuable experience for our future careers.”
The Autumn School served as more than just an opportunity to deepen the knowledge of Ukrainian language. It allowed the participants to gain a better understanding of Ukrainian culture and modern life in the country.
Upon the completion of the Autumn School, the participants expressed a strong wish to return to Yuriy Fedkovych Chernivtsi National University under academic mobility programmes.
