Seton Hall and Ukrainian Catholic University Students Connect Through Online Language Exchange

Seton Hall University students recently participated in an online language exchange with students from Ukrainian Catholic University (UCU). This international engagement took place on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, offering students from both universities the opportunity to discuss their cultures, educational experiences and perspectives.

UCU students gave a presentation about Ukraine to introduce their peers to their country's history, geography, culture and current realities. Following the presentation, participants were divided into smaller breakout rooms for more informal conversations.

Seton Hall students described the experience as both educational and rewarding.

"I find it incredible how these Ukrainian students can speak English so fluently and are learning even more languages as we speak. Ukraine has prioritized learning foreign languages to help its students grow in the world," said Benny Duran, a secondary education and teaching major.

"It was great to have an experience and engage in cross-cultural discussions about Ukraine and the United States. You come to understand that, although we may be far apart in distance, there are similarities as students still display unity and understanding between the two groups," said Elijah Novak, who is majoring in international relations and diplomacy.

Jessica Wilson, director of the Global Learning Center, stated that the event successfully met its goal of fostering connections between the two universities and providing students with new perspectives. "It's a pleasure to be able to help broaden students' horizons and bring people closer despite distance. The SHU participants have all asked me when the next event will be. It's exciting to see people from different languages and cultures come together and leave feeling like they've changed a little bit for the better."

Categories: Arts and Culture, Nation and World