Sustainable Eating

Today we had a lovely speaking practice for youth with Alana, our native speaker! She opened the session by introducing a special theme: this Friday, October 16, is World Food Day, so we dove into the topic of growing food.

We also talked about some of our favorite foods, how we can save leftovers, reduce waste, and balance our meals. After that, we had a creative storytelling activity: Alana gave the girls a set of words and places, and they crafted beautiful stories about their ideal cozy autumn evening.

They described fireplaces, pumpkins, tea, and even evenings from their childhood or dreams for the future. It was such a warm and inspiring session-these creative stories gave us all a glimpse into each other’s worlds. We can’t wait for next week’s topic-stay tuned!

Healthy Mind in a Busy World

How do we stay mentally healthy when life seems to be getting busier and busier?

This was the focus of our latest English Speaking Practice for Adults. 

Participants expanded their vocabulary with useful B2–C1 expressions such as “to be mentally drained,” “to run on empty,” “to set boundaries,” “to switch off,” “emotional bandwidth,” and “emotional resilience.”

But, as always, the main goal was to use English in real conversations. We discussed whether being busy always means being productive, how much screen time is too much, why it can be difficult to rest without feeling guilty, and what helps us truly recharge.

One of the key questions we reflected on was: What does a healthy mind actually mean in today’s busy world?

It was a thoughtful, engaging and very relevant conversation — with plenty of opportunities to share personal experiences, challenge ideas and learn from one another.

Because sometimes, taking care of your mind also means slowing down, switching off and making space for what really matters. 

The Person Behind the Profile

A new season of our English Speaking Practice with a native speaker for Youth has begun!

We began with a fun game of “Never Have I Ever” — a perfect way to find out how our students spent their vacation. From new experiences and adventures to funny and unexpected moments, we discovered that there were plenty of stories to share!

Then we moved to our main topic: “The Person Behind the Profile.”

How much can a social media profile really tell us about a person? Is the version of ourselves we show online the same as who we are in real life? And what parts of our personality never make it onto the screen?

Through interactive activities, discussions, imaginary profiles, and real-life situations, our students explored the difference between online identity and real identity, talked about first impressions, authenticity, privacy, and the way we choose to present ourselves online.

The students had plenty of opportunities not only to practice vocabulary and speaking skills, but also to ask questions, express opinions, disagree, explain their ideas, and simply have a real conversation in English.

Sometimes, there is much more behind a profile than what we choose to post.

We’re happy to be starting another season of meaningful conversations, new ideas, and real English communication — together with our wonderful young participants and native speakers!

Lost in Translation

I bet lots of people have awkward moments when they use English for the first time.

During our last Speaking Practice for Adults we covered the topic “Lost in Translation”. It took us into the fascinating world of language, culture and fun moments.

We started by exploring funny literal translations and discovering that sometimes translating word for word can lead to very unexpected results.

Then we went deeper and looked at Ukrainian words and concepts that are difficult to express with just one English word — затишок, душевність, щирість, порядність, авось, туга, метушня.

How would you explain those words to someone who has never experienced it?

What’s the difference between awkward, embarrassed, and ashamed?

And does being direct always mean being rude?

Through role plays, language challenges, discussions, and personal stories, we discovered that speaking a language well is about much more than knowing vocabulary.

It’s about understanding context, culture, tone, emotions, and what people really mean between the lines.

And, of course, there was plenty of laughter, interesting stories, and those wonderful moments when someone suddenly says:

“Ohhh… now I get it!”

Because sometimes the hardest thing to translate… is a feeling.

The Power of Words

Words may seem simple and ordinary, but sometimes just a few of them can stay with us for years.

At our latest English Speaking Practice for adults, we explored exactly that — the power our words have to encourage, hurt, motivate, repair relationships and influence the people around us.

We started by talking about words and phrases that can change everything: “Thank you,” “I’m sorry,” “I believe in you,” “You can do it.” We shared personal stories about words we have heard or said that we still remember.

Our discussions took us further into real-life situations:

What should you say when a friend is having a difficult time?

How can you disagree without offending someone?

Does our intention matter more than the impact of our words?

Why can communication online be so easily misunderstood?

And, of course, we had plenty of speaking practice, new vocabulary and lively discussions along the way.

We may not always intend to hurt someone, but our words can still have an effect. That is why learning to communicate thoughtfully is such an important skill — not only in English, but in life.

We finished by choosing one phrase or message we would like to use more often in our everyday conversations.

Because words are powerful.

So, what words will you choose to use today?