In an increasingly globally connected world, English language skills open the door to a multitude of opportunities on different levels. For Ukrainians, this access is undoubtedly important to keep in touch with the world, to pursue education abroad, or to be part of the international labor market. The nonprofit ENGin fills this need by pairing English-speaking volunteers with Ukrainian students, providing just one hour of weekly conversation practice, but that hour has changed the lives of tens of thousands of people.
Not just grammar. Building confidence
ENGin's mission goes beyond the usual theoretical “cramming” of a language. Instead of focusing solely on grammar and vocabulary, ENGin emphasizes fluency, confidence, and cultural exchange - three dominants that allow students to move forward into the future armed with practical language skills.
Ratmir, an ENGin student, recalls his progress in almost a year of studying in the program:
“When I started my journey with ENGin, I felt like a curious but inept 'child'. Now I am a confident 'adult' who can speak freely on any topic. The most amazing thing is that this transformation happened smoothly, almost unnoticed by me, thanks to ENGin and, of course, my friend George.”
Like Ratmir, many Ukrainian students start the program with only a theoretical knowledge of English, often feeling unsure or nervous about interacting with volunteers. After consistent weekly lessons, almost all ENGin students report an improvement in their English!
Ivan, another ENGin student, also shared his successful experience:
“ENGin helped me build a foundation of knowledge that led me to become a finalist in the FLEX program! Now I am in the United States as an exchange student.”
Such testimonials emphasize how the program inspires confidence in students, helping them to get closer to their personal and professional goals, and that sometimes more is not always better.
Small steps, big results
The impact of ENGin in one hour of practice per week is clearly demonstrated by the successful results of the student survey:
99% of students see improvements in their English language skills.
Students report an average increase in confidence in communicating in English of 36%.
Understanding of idiomatic phrases and slang has improved by 39%, which is critical for fluency.
Students' ability to speak in longer, more complex passages (e.g., to tell stories or make arguments) improves by an average of 29%.
The flexibility of the ENGin program - one hour per week - fits easily into students' schedules and offers an affordable, manageable way to make significant language gains over time.
Oksana, another student, achieved personal success by passing the IELTS test, which she never felt ready for until she tried to enroll in ENGin:
“The ENGin program has become a part of my life, not just a language class. I got up the courage to take the IELTS test just for fun and scored 6.5. ENGin helped me gain more confidence as a person who lives in English, not just learns it.”
Why only one hour?
ENGin's approach emphasizes the benefits of consistent, structured practice over long, intensive study sessions. With just one hour a week, students engage in authentic conversation that goes far beyond memorizing words or rules. Interacting with English-speaking volunteers offers insight into nuances, expressions, and cultural knowledge that is often missing from textbooks.
Of course, students are often motivated by such meetings to continue their independent study and work on various aspects of the language.
Anastasia, another ENGin student, shares how the program has enriched her life over the past year:
“Each session was an opportunity to immerse myself in the language in a favorable environment. I can confidently say that my level of English has improved significantly.”
For many students, this hour becomes an “anchor”, a dedicated time to step out of their comfort zone and learn the language in a way that turns it from a foreign language into a natural form of self-expression.
Where would we be without volunteers?
ENGin's success story would not have been possible without the dedication of our volunteers. More than 95% of ENGin volunteers express satisfaction with their experience, emphasizing not only the progress of their students, but also the rich personal experience of communicating with another culture.
Most of the volunteers are not English teachers, but that doesn't stop them from improving their students' skills, because no textbook rules can replace the “real” language that can only be heard by communicating with those who speak it. The ENGin program provides volunteers with all the support and materials they need to help them take their students to the next level in their English practice in just one hour a week.
ENGin has reached nearly 50,000 participants through its approach. With its 1-hour-a-week format, the program proves that sometimes less is more.
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