Experience Edinburgh College, Experience English Language - Olex's story
Oleksandr (Olex) tells us about his experience of coming to study at the College.
Forty-nine-year-old Oleksandr Shtepan, originally from Ukraine, came to Edinburgh College in August 2023 to study ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages).
Following the outbreak of war in his home country in February 2022, Oleksandr moved to Scotland. Before moving to Edinburgh, Oleksandr worked as a Creative Director at an Advertising agency and taught a Creativity in Mass Communications course as a guest lecturer at the National University of Kyiv in Ukraine.
Needing to learn the English language, Oleksandr took several online courses to develop his skills. He then applied to study the Intermediate English Level 2 (ESOL) course at the College to further his proficiency and to meet new friends from different countries.
Speaking of his experience of studying at Edinburgh College, Oleksandr said:
"The tutors are the biggest impression about my experience at Edinburgh College. They are fantastic, well-educated, and provide a human touch that makes everyone feel included. From applying to study at the college to progressing onto higher level courses, I have always felt very supported and welcome at every stage.
Before moving to Scotland, I used English occasionally and to a limited extent during my business presentations to my international clients, but I've never lived in an English-speaking country, and it's a completely different experience to communicate. Coming to Edinburgh from Ukraine suddenly was a challenge for me, and it was important for me to learn the language to be able to better integrate into the Scottish reality. Learning English with a native speaker was very helpful, as was the opportunity to study with fellow students from all over the world. Our classes are not only about the language but also about how to understand each other and not be afraid to make mistakes when communicating. I understand that I will never be able to speak like a native speaker, but having a decent level of English is a necessary condition that will give me a competitive advantage in the local job market.
Edinburgh is a fabulous city, and I have been inspired by the people I have met and spoken to here. I am thankful to Edinburgh College for supporting me in my studies.
If I could describe my college experience, I would say three things: inclusion, lifelong learning, and curiosity."
Oleksandr and his friend and fellow student Volodymyr (Volo) Iushchenko recently launched a visual podcast called United Us. The podcast aims to show life at the College through the eyes of a range of people, including students and staff, capturing their passions and how they make people unique and ‘unite us’.
The first episode focuses on Gardening and sees Olex and Volo talking to students and staff from across the College about their passion for gardening, understanding of sustainability, and the positive benefits of being out in nature and how it brings people together. The podcast hosts have been active volunteers in the College’s Community Garden since joining the College two years ago. You can listen to United Us Podcast – Episode One – Gardening here on the Podcast’s YouTube channel.
The second episode of the podcast, due to launch later this month, focuses on migrants studying at the college, celebrates national diversity, and highlights the importance of cultural exchange amongst the student body. The episode features interviews with students about their home countries and cultures and what helps them integrate into Scottish society. Oleksandr and Volodymyr dedicated this podcast to ‘the Scots’ as a way of expressing their gratitude for their continued solidarity with Ukrainians.
