Professor from Ukraine teaches language and culture at Iowa State (09/05/04)

Professor from Ukraine teaches language and culture at Iowa State

by Barbara McManus

AMES, Iowa - Mariya Shymchyshyn, a visiting professor from Ternopil, spent the spring semester teaching students at Iowa State University Ukraine culture and language.

Ms. Shymchyshyn is an English professor at Ternopil Academy of National Economy and Ternopil State Pedogical University. She received a one-year grant to teach in the United States from the Junior Faculty Development Program, which is sponsored by the Bureau of Education and Cultural Affairs of the U.S. Department of State. She said she enjoyed the experience and encourages scholars and students from both countries to participate in professional and student exchange programs.

"It is an opportunity for scholars to improve, not only their professional level, but also considerably increase their knowledge about the United States," Ms. Shymchyshyn said. "Also, the best way to study language is to go to the country where it is spoken. You may know how the language functions, but you gain the practical skills and comprehension with practice and speaking with people," she explained

Ms. Shymchyshyn taught courses on Ukraine language and culture to prepare U.S. students who plan to visit Ukraine. The program is sponsored in part by the Ukraine-Iowa State University Student Exchange fund, which was initiated by Stefan and Kateryna Dwojak. The Dwojaks donated $350,000 to the fund last November.

Ms. Shymchyshyn said the exchange programs helps students prepare for globalization.

"I really appreciate the work led by the Dwojaks and the support of the American Ukrainian community. Such activities really broaden the educational borders in both countries. I believe, with the strong support of the American Ukrainian community, the exchange program will reach its goal of bringing 1,000 Ukrainian students to the United States. I also hope that more universities will be included in the exchange program with Iowa State University," Ms. Shymchyshyn said.

Ms. Shymchyshyn said the program also helps students better understand the educational system in the United States. She said that is important for students who plan to take classes using the Internet.

"For Ukraine students who have never been to the United States it would be difficult to understand what professors want because the educational systems are very different," Ms. Shymchyshyn observed.

Ms. Shymchyshyn returned to Ukraine on July 14 with her husband, Mykola, and daughter, Solomiya.

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