Connecting Classrooms Project Diary. September, 2011

My name is Inna Olesiuk. I am a pupil of the eighth form. I was looking forward to meeting mypen-friend from Cyprus. I could not imagine that it would be so interesting! Meryem, my friend from Cyprus, is a sociable and easy-going person. We talked on lots of different topics! I am happy to know so much about traditions, culture and youth in Cyprus. We became close friends during their short staying in Ukraine. Thanks CC Project teachers for organizing this great exchange visit!!!.

Summer is over, but one day I will remember forever. This day is July, 24. For each Ukrainian guy
it’s a national holiday – the Day of Independence of Ukraine. It has become a tradition to spend
this day with my family, but this summer I spent this day with my friend from North Cyprus. His
name is Alphan. I thought that it would be interesting for Alphan to watch how the Ukrainians
celebrate it taking part in Concerts and watching them, walking along the streets wearing traditional
embroidered shirts, buying Ukrainian souvenirs, communicating and smiling. Besides, in the
evening we waited until the firework started. When we were going home Alphan told me that he
knows my city like his own one.
Oleksandr Pukas

Hosting Alphan from North Cyprus was a great and pleasant experience! We felt as we had one more son in our family then. We realized that though our cultures are different, we’ve got a lot in common. Most of all we liked that this boy is really very clever, intelligent, modest but at the same time - open to communication and just a nice person to know. When I first met him late at night on August, 23 he might have felt embarrassment, but as soon as we came home, he started showing us his birth place, school, picturesque places of Cyprus and talked, talked and talked with shining eyes. Even my husband who understands English well but has no speaking practice, tried his best to speak English and wanted to communicate! We felt natural and comfortable! We wish we spent more time with Alphan, friendly, enthusiastic and open to communication teachers and schoolchildren from Cyprus.

Iryna Pukas

It was really amazing! We have a lot in common. Some people even say that we are alike! We had lots of fun visiting Rivne Zoo or having a snack in a café, watching films or just wandering around the streets of the town and talking. I had a good opportunity to master my English as well. I miss her so much! Anastasia Rodomazova

The visit of students from Cyprus was out of this world. At first I was a bit worried because Gulce – our exchange student- was much elder than my daughter . But now they are friends and write to each other almost every day. By the way, besides she is a nice, smart , kind and modest girl, she does charity work in her country. I am looking forward to seeing her soon again.

Olha Rodomazova, Anastasia’s mother

Beyhan became a really close friend to me because she told a lot about her country and family. Also
she became like an elder sister to me.
My impression of Beyhan is very nice as she is a very positive person who is open-minded, easy-
going and simply a nice girl.
Natalia Grukhina

Ukraine was my first experience where I stayed with the host family. Therefore, I was a bit nervous that I had never had the experience before. However, I couldn’t imagine such warm-blooded people I would meet them when I went to Rivne. In my opinion, the most joyful parts of the journey were the cooking of traditional Ukrainian meals and learning the Ukrainian folk dance. Spending five days in Ukraine made me very glad that I would like to thank not only my host family but also the other members of School #15 that made plans for us for two days which is an unforgettable memory.

Seval Kaymak

Who would believe that I would go to Ukraine, stay with a host family and cook Borsch there? The Connecting Classrooms Project has made this come true! I have already missed my father, mother and two brothers in Ukraine and I am looking forward to seeing them here in North Cyprus! Meeting with people from different country was an amazing experience. I would like to thank to those who have arranged that project very much.

Alphan Çanga

Hello School #15...

We are very so lucky to meet you. We stayed in Ukraine for five days and had the opportunity to see Kiev and Rivne. Your traditions were the most amazing memory for most of us. Learning your traditional dance, tasting and also cooking your delicious extraordinary meals are all an unutterable experience. In addition to these, staying with a host family enabled us to get well informed about your family life and lifestyle. During my trip, I had so many opportunities to make comparisons among traditions and what I appreciated is that pronouncation in Ukranian is very similar to ones in Turkish. What had beeen really surprising for me was that my host family tried to prepare a traditional Cyprus meal. Also we had the opportunity to taste Varenyky and Borsche and I ought to say that I am planning to try to cook them soon! The most meaningful event was School #15`s welcoming party for us. The abilities performed on the scene were excellent. Diyakuyu (Thank you very much) School #15. Looking forward to seeing you again, hopefully in North Cyprus soon.
Baris Sari

From the first night, my host family tried really hard to make me feel at home and they succeded at it. Even though there was age difference between me and my host sister Olha, we managed to communicate really good. I got to learn a lot about Ukrainian culture, tradition and youth and I loved it. Also my host mother Leanna was very caring, considerate and thoughtful. We spent the Indepence day as a family which i loved. Besides my own host sister Olha, other Ukrainian friends were really nice to us. I got the oportunity to know Natalia and I loved her too. Now I have friends in Ukraine, to whom I write to almost every day. Thank you my Ukrainian friends, for taking care of us so nicely during our visit.

Çagla Izkan

-It was very nice to spend time with my Ukrainian friends. They were very nice to me and I really appreciate them for that. I had spent lots of time with my friend Anton, and his family and friends. Finally, I would like to thank you all for everything and I look forward to seeing you all in Cyprus soon.  

Ceyhun Ipekcioglu
-It was a very amazing trip to Ukraine. My host family was very keen on me. They took me everywhere and tought me their culture. It was a very different experiance for me. Not only my host friend Liza but also her aunt Nadia was very helpful. Thank you all for everything.

Beyhan Çagsin
-It was very enjoyable to be with my host family in Ukraine. At first, I was a bit excited and scared of being alone in a house and a family who i didn’ty know. Then, I became very happy because i found out how wonderful they were. It was a hard and wonderful experience for me. I am still talking with them. Having a chance to meet with all these wondewrful people made me happy and more tahn super. 

Meryem Meliz Mertekci
-I was also very excited to go to Ukraine and to meet new people. I am so glad I attended to this activity because it has been an unforgetable trip for me. I have made lots of friends because everyone I met was very kind to me. I am still in touch with my host family and I cant’t wait to see them in Cyprus.

Gülce Zorlu