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's lessons are always an amazing experience. She is adept at acknowledging my strengths and weaknesses, rather than using a one size fits all approach. She encourages two way communication; leaving room for open discussions where I can seek clarification, share my views, and be an active participant in my linguistic growth. Her commitment to her student's success is evident in the individualized attention and support she provides during each lesson. She has established an extremely positive classroom atmosphere that fosters a passionate growth mindset for her students. I highly recommend her as your instructor.

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.

Maria is an expert communicator! Ironically, I cannot find words to express the joy and feeling of accomplishment I feel when I dive into a stream of conversation in Ukrainian during our lessons! It’s indescribable! Maria makes each lesson such a flow and so much fun!! ✨☀️⛵️✨

Wonderful teacher. Stimulating conversations. I look forward to every lesson.