Ukrainian student quits UK college after being urged to study Russian

Teachers at a British college insisted that 19-year-old Ukrainian student Kateryna Endeberiia study Russian. As a result, the student who left Ukraine because of the war withdrew from the college.

Source: The Guardian

Details: Kateryna moved to the UK after the start of Russia's full-scale invasion. There, she passed school exams and completed a foundation year at a college.

Kateryna said she "struggled on her A-level courses and felt she was being bullied because of her accent". Instead of supporting her, teachers at the college suggested that she study Russian.

She described the recommendation as "hurtful and insensitive", comparing it to "discrimination and racism". Studying Russian also contradicts her personal principles, as she was born in Donetsk, where the war began in 2014, and her father serves in the military.

Ultimately, Kateryna left the college and is now studying independently at home. In 2026, sitting A-level exams as a private candidate will cost her £1,400. Had she remained at the college, these costs would have been covered by the state.

A spokesperson for the college declined to comment on her withdrawal "for reasons of confidentiality" but said that "the college cares deeply about our students and every effort is made to resolve issues and complaints in accordance with our complaints and resolution process".

Kateryna stressed that not everyone realises how difficult it is for Ukrainian students abroad but said she is grateful for the opportunity to study in the United Kingdom.

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