Support Students’ Communication and English Skills Development

Lyceums in Ukraine are secondary education institutions that provide specialized academic training to prepare students for higher education at a university. Lyceum course studies take three years to complete, and students are typically aged 14–17.

As English is an international language that opens opportunities for communication, education, travel, and work, English proficiency among Ukrainians is incredibly important. Advanced English skills will accelerate European and global integration and strengthen cooperation with the international communities during and after the war. All five sites requesting a Virtual Service Pilot Participant (VSPP) have an advanced English Language curriculum.

The participating lyceums hope that by collaborating with a VSPP, the students will develop an enhanced command of English, increase their communication skills and confidence with the language, and strengthen intercultural competencies. Engaging with VSPPs will allow students to immerse themselves in an English-speaking environment by communicating with native speakers. The VSPPs will be assigned to schools during their post-led orientation at the start of the engagement.

Three partners have previously collaborated with the Peace Corps by working with in-person Volunteers or with VSPPs. Two partners have not previously collaborated with the Peace Corps, and working with the VSPPs will be their first interaction with the Peace Corps. All school partners understand that the role of a VSPP is very different than a two-year Volunteer.

Education: Bachelor’s degree in any field

Experience: 1 year of TEFL/TESOL teaching in the U.S. or abroad

Intercultural skills and motivation: Flexible, strong cross-cultural agility, high tolerance for ambiguity, able to work independently, resourceful, creative, and genuinely motivated and capable to serve virtually

1. Dolyna Lyceum 6 “European”: Yuliia Dimitrova, English Language Teacher, yulijadimitrova@gmail.com; Tetiana Pulyk, vice principal, the Head of Foreign Languages Department, English Language Teacher, tetianapulyk@gmail.com

To integrate European educational principles, promote intercultural understanding, and cultivate socially responsible, resilient young people prepared to contribute to positive change within their communities and beyond.
Website in Ukrainian: https://6school-dol.jimdofree.com/;
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1BGZ3ZPLBa/

2. Kniahynynok Lyceum of the Volyn Oblast Council: Oksana Kozak, English Language Teacher,
kovtoniuk61@gmail.com; Kateryna Halian, English Language Teacher, ekateryna1211@gmail.com

To deliver quality education promoting academic excellence, critical thinking, and strong ethical values, creating supportive and flexible learning environment where each student can develop their individual talents and interests.
Website in Ukrainian: https://www.knyagininovskiylyceum.org.ua/uk;
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100082750966226

3. Krasyliv Lyceum of the Krasyliv City Council of Khmelnytskyi Region: Olena Kucher, English Language Teacher, olenakucher7@gmail.com; Olena Kovalchuk, principal, English Language Teacher, ivanivna0108@gmail.com; Blazhevich Tania, English Language Teacher, blazhevichtanya2017@gmail.com.

To deliver quality education encouraging intellectual development, independent thinking, and strong moral foundations. Special attention is given to civic education and promoting healthy lifestyles, nurturing responsible and motivated individuals prepared to succeed and contribute to national development.
Website in Ukrainian: https://kvintograd.e-schools.info/;
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1Jq7m3k9Ym/

4. Drohobych Lyceum #2: Nataliia Zablotska, English teacher, n@lyc2.org; Maria Kotsiuba, English teacher, kotsiubamaria002@gmail.com

The school has an established history of international engagement, including participation in student exchanges, joint projects, educational travel programs, and long-term collaborations with German-speaking institutions. Current activities include expanding foreign-language curricula, strengthening intercultural competencies among students aged 14-17, and enhancing digital learning opportunities.
Website in Ukrainian: https://share.google/NvUTSxQABNBl26sFV;
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1JtqakE4iB/?mibextid=wwXIfr

5. Sokal Lyceum 1 named after Oleh Romaniv: Alla Matviychuk, English teacher, allamatv1@gmail.com; Yuliia Ozhha, vice principal, the Head of Foreign Languages Department, English Language Teacher o_yuliya@ukr.net

To provide a flexible learning environment where students can choose subjects aligned with their abilities and interests, inspire students to pursue growth, embrace patriotism, and prioritize their health.
Lyceum website in Ukrainian: http://www.gimnazija.sokal.lviv.ua/main.html
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/526769971083222
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sokal_lyceum1?igsh=c3dnMmdnNWY1aXNn

Each VSPP will engage in the following tasks, in collaboration with their host country partners:

• Co-develop and co-design a structured curriculum for a virtual speaking club which emphasizes improving English-speaking and listening skills for pre-intermediate and intermediate English language learners
• Co-plan and co-facilitate 15, 60-minute speaking club session online for a group of 15–20 high school students
• Integrate student reflections and feedback to enhance engagement and learning outcomes
• Incorporate cultural aspects of their home country into lessons to foster cross-cultural exchange and global awareness among students
• Compile and organize learning materials from the virtual speaking club to share with teachers for sustainable English club development

All five engagements are expected to be approximately 17 weeks.

VSPPs are expected to engage on the tasks listed above for an estimated 5–15 hours per week. This engagement is estimated to be 5–8 hours per week including materials selection, planning sessions, and club session facilitation.

Online collaboration will generally occur between 3:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m. Ukraine time. Specific times will be determined during orientation.

Per the Child Protection Code of Conduct, when engaging online with minors (0–18), two adults must be present.

Education: Master’s degree in any field

Experience:
• Virtual engagement and communication
• 1 year facilitating English club activities with secondary school students