Those Who Learn
Discover inspiring conversations with professionals who have chosen to learn Ukrainian as part of their work and connection with Ukraine.
Besida with Tom Watling | British freelance journalist based in Ukraine
What does it mean to report on Ukraine while also making it your home?
In this episode of Besida, Tom Watling, a British journalist based in Ukraine, shares why he left his staff job in the UK to move to Kyiv and report from the country firsthand. He reflects on his experiences reporting from Kyiv, Kramatorsk and frontline areas, the risks of war journalism, and what surprised him most about Ukrainian people. Having studied Ukrainian with the Ukrainian Institute London, Tom also discusses why he chose to learn Ukrainian and how speaking the language has helped him connect with people, and tell their stories.
Besida with Federica De Caria | The Times & The Sunday Times
What happens when a foreign journalist decides to learn Ukrainian?
In this episode of Besida, Federica De Caria, a video journalist at The Times and The Sunday Times, shares her Ukrainian language journey and reflects on how it has shaped her reporting. Having studied Ukrainian with the Ukrainian Institute London, she discusses her first impressions of Ukraine, cultural differences between Britons, Ukrainians, and Italians, common misconceptions about the country, and how speaking Ukrainian has helped her build trust with the people whose stories she tells.