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 is EXACTLY who you want on this learning journey! In addition to all of the other vital qualities she brings to each lesson, her patience, her care, and her professionalism REALLY stood out in this last lesson. I was struggling with focus due to a number of stressful events in my life, but MARIA knew just how to keep the ship on course! Not only did I not feel completely discouraged at my mistakes and struggles along the way, I felt wholly ENCOURAGED! I couldn’t wait to get right back to studying and listening to the beautiful Ukrainian language! Дякую, Маріє, за підтримку!! 🌱🌿🪴🌳

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.

I truly enjoy the conversational Ukrainian practices that I have with Maria. Having only studied Ukrainian for a few months, I find our sessions to be a great chance to utilize some of the basic phrases and verb conjugations that I have learned. Maria has also helped me with the grammatical formation of some basic sentences. Maria is very easygoing, patient and kind. I appreciate the manner in which she speaks to me; slowly and clearly, focusing on pronunciation and correct grammar. She makes me feel very comfortable and I always leave the session feeling inspired to further develop my language skill. I appreciate Maria’s sense of humor and how we often share more than a few laughs during our meetings. In addition, Maria is beyond accommodating in regards to scheduling sessions. I highly recommend her as a language instructor!

What a FABULOUS lesson with Maria!! I felt like I was playing in a language piano duet and concerto! Maria has such a grasp on how to not only teach and share this beautiful melodious language in such an artful way, but also to highlight your strengths, such that it really becomes like playing a harmonious composition of music! Speaking the Ukrainian language is so infinitely enjoyable once you start to understand how the elements fit together annnd continue to practice, practice, practice! Дякую знову, Маріє!!! 🎼🎹🎻