Ukrainian KTU professor dreams of returning home

“Nowhere else I would find the psychological comfort and support that people close to me can provide,” says professor Svitlana Matvieieva, a researcher from Ukraine about Lithuania. She came here with her children at the beginning of the war.

Although her home country is still torn by the war, she remains strong both for her children and her husband, who stayed at home. Prof Matvieieva continues her career in Lithuania, actively pursuing research at the Academic Centre for Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities at Kaunas University of Technology (KTU).

She praises the University and its staff and speaks highly of her colleagues who have welcomed her into their team. Svitlana communicates with her colleagues in English but hopes soon to reach a level of Lithuanian sufficient for everyday communication.

In the interview below, the Ukrainian researcher working at KTU talks about her life in Lithuania and University.

What region or city of Ukraine are you from?

Sometimes it seems that we know Lithuania much better than Ukraine because we have visited many cities and places over the years.

Before the war, we used every possibility to travel. Our last trips were to Poland, Romania and Bulgaria. We were dreaming of visiting many more countries in the future. We hope that very soon such opportunities will arise again.

When you had to move, how did you choose Lithuania instead of some other Western European country?

When we decided to move with our children and parents, we didn’t even consider another country. Our priority was to be where our friends were waiting for us. We desperately needed their support and, above all, we had to ensure the safety of our children. If I had to make the same decision today, I would still choose to be here with my friends. Nowhere else I would find the psychological comfort and support that people close to me can provide.

Moving to a foreign country puts a lot of weight on your shoulders. What challenges did you face and how did you overcome them? Perhaps hobbies helped you to focus your mind?

In my new environment, I had many important tasks to accomplish: sorting out my work, establishing a daily routine, managing my household, taking care of my children’s schooling, and adapting to new habits and circumstances. I must confess that there is certainly not enough spare time to take care of that. But I think the most important thing is to be able to balance everything. So, if work is compatible with personal interests, it’s almost like a hobby.

How long has your friendship with KTU lasted and what are your activities here? Do you remember your first visit to KTU, what was it like?

I got to know KTU for the first time, when I submitted my article for review to the scientific journal “Kalbų studijos” (Studies about Languages): then I met the editor-in-chief of the journal, Prof Ramunė Kasperė. Later, at the beginning of the active phase of the war in Ukraine, I moved with my children to Lithuania in early March 2022, where I had the opportunity to meet Prof Kasperė and other professors and the staff of the university in person. Today, I have been accepted into the Language and Technology Research Group.

I think that formal distance communication is one thing, but moving to a more personal level is quite another, so I was very anxious before the first meeting. However, when I arrived at the University, I happened to meet Prof Kasperė at the door, and my anxiety disappeared.

What are the main differences between Lithuanian and Ukrainian universities?

Lithuanian and Ukrainian universities are indeed different, as is the organisation of student life. In Ukraine, lecturers are much more involved in students’ lives, while in Lithuania students seem to be more independent in their choice of learning path, more courageous in their communication with teachers and university staff. Research styles also differ. Ukraine has only just begun to integrate into the European community, including a research path that aims to adopt new methods and achieve more in a short time. I note that in this case, Lithuania has already moved to a different level of research.

Research is very important to me, as I am still the Vice-Dean for Academic Affairs at one of the Ukrainian universities and I supervise the research activities of the Faculty of Foreign Philology. So, I really appreciate the valuable knowledge I have gained here.

Does KTU have adequate laboratories for research, classrooms for lectures and qualified colleagues?

There is no doubt about it! KTU classrooms and lecture theatres are very modern and the laboratories are well equipped. Moreover, the level of teaching here is extremely high. I can see how great this university is and the wide range of opportunities it offers. I learn about the various innovations of the University at the various scientific and educational events.

How do you like Kaunas and Lithuania? Have you had the opportunity to visit other Lithuanian cities?

I just adore Kaunas. I feel at peace here, almost at home. I’ve already been to some of the other cities – to Vilnius, Klaipėda, Palanga, Šiauliai, Druskininkai, just to name a few places I remember visiting.

How do you like Lithuanian holidays and traditions?

Lithuanian traditions are very different from Ukrainian, so we are happy to learn about the cultural practices prevailing in your country. Lithuanian festivals are indeed very beautiful and very cosy. We tend to celebrate holidays with our family or at least with the people who are currently with us. This helps us to maintain a sense of personal connection and to cherish what is really important to us.

Lithuanians have supported the Ukrainians quite strongly since the beginning of the war, providing them with various financial and humanitarian aid, hosting war refugees in their homes, and even hanging Ukrainian flags on their balconies in solidarity. What does this mean to you?

Lithuanians are truly incredible! Despite the fact that you are certainly not the richest nation in the world, your sincerity just radiates. It is amazing how tirelessly you support our country’s sovereignty and victory. I believe that the whole Ukrainian nation is grateful to the Lithuanians.

When we arrived in Lithuania in March last year and saw Ukrainian flags on buildings, bridges and trees everywhere, and heard Ukrainian songs all over the city, the sincerest tears of gratitude rolled down our cheeks.

Last spring’s Ukrainian borscht fair in Kaunas was no less memorable – an indescribably lovely experience! For this fair, we cooked our own borscht according to our country’s traditions. I understand that such events organised by Lithuanians are meant to distract and support us. It has a special meaning in our everyday life, it helps us to keep going in such difficult times.

During the time you have been in Lithuania, you have met many Lithuanians. What do you think about us?

I hardly feel any difference between Lithuanians and Ukrainians, because we are very similar, with a similar approach to life. Both our nations are hardworking, strong in values, friendly, and lend a helping hand to those who need it most.

How do you keep in touch with your relatives in Ukraine?

I am in Lithuania with only my two daughters, and their father, my husband, is in Ukraine. Despite the dangers, I try to visit him from time to time. Unfortunately, for security reasons, my children cannot do so, so they miss their dad very much.

How do you overcome homesickness?

I feel a kind of déjà vu, because I have experienced this situation once before. For eight years, I have dreamt of returning to Luhansk, from which we left one night in 2014 because of this war. Finally, that difficult phase passed and my heart calmed down when our whole family started a new life in Kiev. But now the situation is repeating itself and it seems that we are going through everything all over again. Only this time we are not all together, so the homesickness is very strong.

If you had the opportunity to stay in Lithuania, would you work and live here?

Despite my love for Lithuania and my deep gratitude to all Lithuanians, my heart longs to return home. That is why I am not going to stay here after this war. I have no doubt that Ukraine will win and that one day we will return home. But if there is a mutual interest in the future, I would be happy to continue to cooperate with KTU.