“The Black Square” by Kazimir Malevich recently became the most popular profile picture of many Ukrainians on social networks. There are few great art connoisseurs among them - the reason for this blackout was several deaths caused by the uprising and with it the feared collapse of democracy in Ukraine. Social networks have become the home of the protest movement: what has just happened, is happening and is about to happen is widely posted and tweeted.
While government buildings are occupied, barricades are erected and people are injured, the current government remains popular in much of the country. UNIGLOBALE asked Ukrainian students what their lives are all about, how they feel about the events on “Yevromaidan” (“Euro Square”) and how they see the future of Ukraine.
Valentyna Bilokrynytska, 19
UNIGLOBALE: What are you studying? Why did you choose this subject?
I am studying translation studies with a focus on German and English. I first started studying political science, but then dropped it out. I like foreign languages and want to see a clear practical connection to my studies.
UNIGLOBALE: Why do you need German?
I hope that I will need it professionally after I graduate. I chose German because it is a language in demand in the working world. 5 years ago I received a scholarship from the Goethe Institute for a language course in Germany. That’s when I simply fell in love with the language. I wouldn't say no to studying in Germany either. I haven't practiced much oral communication so far, so speaking is a little difficult for me.
UNIGLOBALE: What do you dream of for the next 5, 15, 30 years? Do you have any plans for 2014?
The first step would be to finish your studies and find a job as far away from the academic field as possible. At the moment I'm frustrated by the tons of useless paper on my desk and the overabundance of useless subjects in my study plan.
UNIGLOBALE: Name 3 words that make Ukrainian life clear for foreign students
“Hungry sleepless nights” immediately comes to mind
For those who aren't worried about studying anyway, "chilling and hanging out" is more suitable. Yes, and student life here is relatively cheap.
UNIGLOBALE: What do you think about the events at “Euromaidan”? How do you see the future of Ukraine in the context of international cooperation?
I am for cooperation with the European Union, the days of the USSR are long gone. Nevertheless, I am following the Euromaidan events less and less. The politicians only do this in the hope of getting a better place in the political field. And ordinary people who go there out of conviction serve as cheap “cannon fodder” for them.
Oksana Pavliuk, 24
UNIGLOBALE: What are you studying? Why did you choose this subject?
I'm currently in my third semester studying Business Administration BA and Cultural Economics BA at the University of Passau. Before studying in Germany, I studied translation and interpreting at the Kiev National Taras Shevchenko University in Ukraine. Even during my first degree, I knew that I wanted to study economics. I definitely don't want to underestimate translating and interpreting, I know exactly how hard this job is, but economics has always interested me, perhaps for pragmatic reasons.
UNIGLOBALE: Are your studies and student life in Germany much different from that in Ukraine?
My studies in Passau are enormously different from those in Kiev. Firstly, business administration and linguistics are fundamentally different. Secondly, studying in Germany is structured completely differently. In Ukraine the timetable is set and you go to university every day like you go to school and attendance is always mandatory. I also think this system is appropriate for Ukraine, because you start your studies at around 16-17 and are not yet as mature and independent as an average German high school graduate. Therefore, the decision about choosing a course of study is more often made by the parents than by the student themselves. This was exactly the case for me, because at 16 I couldn't even imagine what I wanted to do with my life. But I still don't know exactly.
UNIGLOBALE: What do you dream of for the next 5, 15, 30 years? Do you have any plans for 2014?
I try not to think too far because life has always corrected my plans so much that I now only set more or less short-term goals and try to do my best to achieve them.
UNIGLOBALE: Name 3 words that make Ukrainian life clear for foreign students
I would describe student life in Ukraine for a German exchange student like this: “chilled” at university, “stressful” with the authorities and “a lot of fun” when you get to know cool people (which is actually everywhere)
UNIGLOBALE: What do you think about the events at “Euromaidan”? How do you see the future of Ukraine in the context of international cooperation?
I am very proud of my people. But I find the behavior of Ukrainian politicians, both in government and in the opposition, outrageous. I want to hope that Maidan will put Ukraine on the right path. Of course, Ukraine is very tied to Russia for historical reasons, but Europe has a lot to offer Ukraine. From an economic and political point of view, the question of Eurointegration is of course very complex, but I see many important values throughout Europe that connect European countries and cultures and I wish these values for my country too. It may be painful at first, but there are examples like Poland where it has worked well. Traveling to Europe without a visa wouldn't be bad either
Ekaterina Tatarenko, 21
UNIGLOBALE: What are you studying? Why did you choose this subject?
I am studying translation studies with a focus on English and German at the Military Institute of the Kyiv National Taras Shevchenko University. I like foreign languages, traveling, cultures of different countries and meeting new people.
UNIGLOBALE: Why do you need German? Would you like to go to Germany?
I've never been to Germany before, but I'm very interested in this country. What I find particularly fascinating is how different all the cities in Germany are. That's why I chose German as my subject and would love to go to Germany at some point.
UNIGLOBALE: What do you dream of for the next 5, 15, 30 years? Do you have any plans for 2014?
At the top of the to-do list for 2014 is studying diligently. As far as future plans are concerned, I definitely want to learn a few foreign languages, visit Germany (especially the big, well-known cities) and other countries, and find a job in my profession.
UNIGLOBALE: Name 3 words that make Ukrainian life clear for foreign students
In a nutshell: “It’s never boring!”
UNIGLOBALE: What do you think about the events at “Euromaidan”? How do you see the future of Ukraine in the context of international cooperation?
I'm not interested in politics at all.
Alina Onoprienko, 21
UNIGLOBALE: What are you studying? Why did you choose this subject?
I am studying translation studies with a focus on German. I decided to do this because I've always been interested in literature and wanted to learn some kind of creative profession.
UNIGLOBALE: Why do you need German? Would you like to go to Germany?
It was a happy coincidence that I chose German. I had it as a subject at school, and by the last year of school I had already decided that I wanted to make it my career. German is a very beautiful and melodic language, although many people have a different opinion. I have never been to a German-speaking country, but I dream of studying in Germany or Austria.
UNIGLOBALE: What do you dream of for the next 5, 15, 30 years? Do you have any plans for 2014?
I don't plan anything 30 years in advance, but I have a clear idea of what I'm going to do in the next 5 years. I plan to do a master's degree and then apply for a scholarship to study abroad and then find a job as a fiction translator. I would also like to travel as much as possible, preferably to exotic corners of our planet.
UNIGLOBALE: Name 3 words that make Ukrainian life clear for foreign students
“Never give up!” That would probably be a suitable motto for both foreign students in Ukraine and Ukrainian students themselves.
UNIGLOBALE: What do you think about the events at “Euromaidan”? How do you see the future of Ukraine in the context of international cooperation?
What happened at Euromaidan shows that we Ukrainians are one nation, one state. This is the expression of the dissatisfaction of the people, who are fed up with the politicians' own power. The fact that students were beaten up at Euromaidan was like a punch to me. I spent a few sleepless nights wondering why I had to feel unsafe in my own country. I go to Maidan almost every day and can assure you that the protesters are true patriots of their state. The customs union with Russia means a return to the totalitarian regime. Ukraine's accession to the EU does not immediately mean a ticket to paradise. Our economy needs time to stabilize and adapt to Western European conditions.
Natalia Pusovit, 26
UNIGLOBALE: What are you studying? Why did you choose this subject?
I'm studying cultural management for a master's degree in Germany. I am interested in project management and the activities of international cultural organizations.
UNIGLOBALE: Why do you need German? Would you like to go to Germany?
I had no particular interest in Germany, but I am interested in many countries. Before my master's degree here, I spent 2 years in Germany: 1 year - as part of the au pair program and 1 year for an internship in Potsdam. Besides Ukraine, I studied in Sweden and Poland, so I can compare student life in more than 2 countries.
UNIGLOBALE: What do you dream of for the next 5, 15, 30 years? Do you have any plans for 2014?
I don't have any specific plans for 2014. As for plans for the distant future, I want to popularize Ukrainian culture worldwide.
UNIGLOBALE: Name 3 words that make Ukrainian life clear for foreign students
Exams, checking notes by the professors (some professors like to see whether the students are taking notes - totally pointless), dorm parties
UNIGLOBALE: What do you think about the events at “Euromaidan”? How do you see the future of Ukraine in the context of international cooperation?
UNIGLOBALE: I support Euromaidan and take part in organizing and carrying out actions in support of Euromaidan here in Germany. My whole family is in Ukraine. Even cooperation agreements with the EU (I'm not even talking about Ukraine's accession to the EU) would greatly contribute to the democratization of Ukrainian society. Russia needs help itself, so Ukraine does not have to allow itself to be influenced by Russia.
Mikhail Sharavara, 20
UNIGLOBALE: What are you studying? Why did you choose this subject?
I am studying translation studies with a focus on English and German. I like German culture and traditions.
UNIGLOBALE: Why do you need German? Would you like to go to Germany?
I am sure that I will need German in the future. And I just really like it. I was in Germany twice (in Dresden and Hamburg). After my studies here, I would like to work in Germany for some time or study further to improve my German skills. And then I would like a job in a German company in Ukraine.
UNIGLOBALE: What do you dream of for the next 5, 15, 30 years? Do you have any plans for 2014?
For the future, I would like to have a good job in my profession and a secure salary. Maybe start a family. I don't have any special plans for 2014. I plan to simply continue studying, maybe learn a third foreign language.
UNIGLOBALE: Name 3 words that make Ukrainian life clear for foreign students
Funny, exciting, awesome
UNIGLOBALE: What do you think about the events at “Euromaidan”? How do you see the future of Ukraine in the context of international cooperation?
I am not at all interested in politics and stay away from various strike issues, but I believe that Ukraine is an independent state and that we must do our best to maintain good relations, both with Russia and with the European Union . Ukraine does not have to choose a particular side, otherwise it will become dependent. And as a patriot of my country, I am very much against it.
Andriy Ostapyuk, 22
UNIGLOBALE: What are you studying? Why did you choose this subject?
I'm studying military translation. I find the opportunity to serve in danger zones appealing
UNIGLOBALE: Why do you need German? Would you like to go to Germany?
I didn't choose it, I was assigned it. But I really like it. German is a common language, so there's a higher chance that I'll need the language for work. I have been to Germany once so far as part of my studies. If the opportunity arises, I would like to continue studying or working here in Germany after completing my studies.
UNIGLOBALE: What do you dream of for the next 5, 15, 30 years?
I wish my country to prosper
UNIGLOBALE: Name 3 words that make Ukrainian life clear for foreign students
Carelessness – trials – carelessness
UNIGLOBALE: What do you think about the events at “Euromaidan”? How do you see the future of Ukraine in the context of international cooperation?
Eurointegration is inevitable for Ukraine 
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“The Black Square” by Kazimir Malevich recently became the most popular profile picture of many Ukrainians on social networks. There are few great art connoisseurs among them - the reason for this blackout was several deaths caused by the uprising and with it the feared collapse of democracy in Ukraine. Social networks have become the home of the protest movement: there is extensive posting
