Ukrainian Student Studying at the U of A Through Global Democracy Scholarship; Presentation Slated for July 26

Photo by Cassandra Thomas

Anna Kovalchuk

Anna Kovalchuk still remembers “every second” of the morning of Feb. 24, 2022. 

She woke up at 5 a.m. to the sound of explosions in her neighborhood in Odesa, Ukraine, as Russian fighters bombed the city. It marked the beginning of a Russian invasion that thrust every aspect of Kovalchuk’s life into uncertainty. 

“I was uncertain about whether I would survive or go to sleep and never wake up because of the drone and missile attacks,” she said. “I was uncertain if we would have food and water, as Russia was shelling roads where the food supply trucks were going. I was uncertain if I would be able to receive a higher education as even now, two weeks ago, one of the universities near my house was partially destroyed because of the Russian missile attack.” 

This summer, Kovalchuk — a student of international economic relations at Odesa National Mechnikov University — is raising awareness of her story during her time studying at the U of A through the Institute of International Education’s Global Democracy Ambassador Scholarship, which was started after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine to help Ukrainian students continue their studies and raise awareness on the fragility and importance of democracy.

She will give a presentation at 5:30 p.m. July 26 in Holcombe Hall titled “Global Series: The Universal Struggle for Freedom and Unity – Ukraine’s Fight,” where she will discuss the significance of democracy and freedom, the threats democracy faces and how to strengthen it. State Senator Greg Leding will be in attendance to facilitate a dialogue with Kovalchuk. The event is free and open to the public.

“We are very proud to be a partner institution for the Global Democracy Ambassador Scholarship and to host Anna during the summer 2023,” said Namiko Bagirimvano, director of sponsored students and programs in the Graduate School and International Education. “In today’s interconnected world, education plays an important role in fostering global understanding and promoting peace. Through international education opportunities and partnerships like this, we believe that the University of Arkansas not only enriches its own academic community, but also contributes to the larger mission of empowering students affected by global conflicts and working towards a more peaceful world.”

Kovalchuk applied for the scholarship out of a “genuine desire to promote democracy and human rights on a global scale and spread awareness about Ukraine’s fight.” 

“The program offers an opportunity to make a positive impact, advocate for democratic principles and engage with diverse perspectives and cultures,” she said. 

During her time at the U of A, Kovalchuk has taken courses in accounting, data analytics and public speaking, in addition to participating in international student programming, where she has presented on Ukraine and its culture and history. She also has found a sense of community and belonging on the U of A campus in part through the iFriend program, which pairs her with local residents in the Northwest Arkansas community to exchange cultures and perspectives. 

“I can for sure say that I now have one more family here in Arkansas,” she said. “We spend a lot of time together exploring each other's cultures, sharing important moments together and creating unforgettable memories.” 

“Opportunities like the Global Democracy Ambassador Scholarship are only possible through international education,” said Mary Karam McKey, head of Corporate and Foundation Programs and Student Emergency Initiatives. “IIE’s relationships with universities like the University of Arkansas — which was among the first of U.S. institutions to offer to host a Global Democracy Ambassador Scholar — uniquely position us to ensure that not even war can prevent promising students, like Anna, from achieving their dreams and advancing democracy globally. We are proud to partner with U.S. universities and co-chairs José Andrés, Garry Kasparov, Daniel Lubetzky and Alexander Vindman on this important program.” 

Kovalchuk hopes the experience will help develop her leadership skills so she can continue to promote democracy around the world. 

“I hope to contribute back to my community and society by advocating for democratic principles and human rights in Ukraine,” she said. “I aspire to promote cultural understanding and tolerance, fostering cross-cultural communication. By sharing my study abroad experiences, I want to inspire others to embrace diversity and become global citizens.”