Protection of the Ukrainian language even now, in the 30th year of Ukrainian independence, is not only an important and responsible process, but also has pivotal consequences for the whole Ukraine. This was mentioned by the State Language Protection Commissioner Taras Kremin at the opening of the jubilee XV International Summer School "Ukrainian Language and Country Studies".

“The Ukrainian language and its strengthening is not only a significant support for the state-building processes we are observing in the next year of the war. It is also our protection and immunity from our opponents from various neighboring countries, and the basis for our life-affirming awareness and understanding of what step and what way we need to move to act and fight for our existence and identity”, – Taras Kremin is convinced.

The Commissioner emphasized that learning and acquisition of the Ukrainian language is an important chance to become integrated into our society, to learn history, to discover modern times. “But its protection is currently important as well, so Ukrainians’ consolidation in the world, support from our nation’s sympathisers is a strategic priority. The International Summer School "Ukrainian Language and Country Studies" strengthens the tradition of summer Ukrainian language courses for foreigners", – Taras Kremin said.

This year students from Germany, the Netherlands, China, South Korea, Japan, Canada and the United States have showed interest in studying the Ukrainian language and culture. The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) supported the school with scholarships for students from Germany.

Due to the quarantine restrictions, the Summer School has been held online for the second consecutive year already. Despite this format, in addition to the main language course, the International Summer School program envisages an eventful cultural program which involves virtual tours, conversation clubs, film watching, workshops and lectures on historic heritage, culinary traditions, history of the Ukrainian language.

The XV International Summer School “Ukrainian Language and Country Studies” is organized by the Centre for Ukrainian Studies of Ivan Franko National University of Lviv.