Maria Makarchenko

I am a new student to Ukrainian and to italki. From the very first «Привіт!», with her beaming smile, Maria had me hooked! Марія teaches and listens with enthusiasm, patience, and a lot of understanding. Her lessons and conversations are diverse, interesting, engaging, and we always smile and laugh along the way! 😄 With my extremely demanding schedule, our learning sessions have become a veritable oasis! We just completed another session and I already can’t wait for our next lesson (I feel that way after each lesson)! Щиро дякую, Маріє! Я так багато вивчаю кожен урок! Ти чудова вчителька! Дуже дуже дякую! 🙏

I have had Maria as a teacher for at least six lessons and she is excellent. She quickly assessed my level of skill in Russian, where I was strongest and what needed work on. Then she set up me up with the opportunity to do assignments (if I wished). Maria is also a great conversationalist and to my surprise had an incredibly detailed knowledge of my humble little state of South Dakota. The hour I spend with her each week just flies by. She motivates me to be better and I feel myself improving as a student -- at least my confidence is! : ) I was not a great language student back in school, but this is fun. It doesn’t feel like work at all. Notice how busy her schedule is. There is a reason: she’s good.

Maria was prepared and ready for the lesson. She explained everything thoroughly and had examples ready. At the end she had homework for me and explained what the next lesson would look like. She is a great teacher!

One of the best decisions I made this year was taking Ukrainian lessons with Maria. While I have little talent for learning languages, she has tons and gladly passes her experience and enthusiasm on to her students. In a relaxed and friendly environment, you will learn and practice your language skills, learn about Ukrainian culture, and be inspired to keep going. The hour will go by far too quickly, and you will be noticeably better by its end.

«Молодець!» Music to my ears to hear my Ukrainian teacher, Maria, say this more than once during our most recent lesson. «Молодець!» reaffirms my internal sense of the progress I am making in my studies while also delivering an external acknowledgment and celebration! 🎉 My love for this language grows every day. Maria will keep your lessons engaging and when you hear «Молодець!» from her, you always know it is sincere and has been well earned. 🎓

She was really good in making me feel comfortable with pronouncing new words, even if they were incorrect and created tailored lessons for me with little times notice. Very good teacher!