During the summer, the Foundation’s team received a wonderful addition: two interns through the ImpactUA program. Polina Lototska and Sofia Romanenko are studying abroad while staying in touch with home, considering a return, and, in the meantime, helping to amplify Ukraine’s voice in the world.
The ImpactUA program, organized by Brave Generation and Razom for Ukraine, brings together proactive American and Ukrainian students studying abroad to work with Ukrainian NGOs to support and rebuild Ukraine. So Polina and Sonia applied for the program and were accepted into the Foundation’s team. In this interview, the interns share what the last two months have been like for them, the valuable insights and experiences they’ve gained, and the importance of young people’s voices for Ukraine’s development.
You’re both studying abroad. How does participating in Ukrainian projects help you stay connected to Ukraine while you’re away from home?
“I’m studying in Vienna. My motivation for studying abroad is rooted in the idea of returning to Ukraine and working here to help shape Ukraine’s future. In my experience, the best ways to stay connected are regular trips and opportunities to work in Ukraine, as well as making new friends and building a network of contacts,” Sofiia shares.
“Although I’m studying in Spain, I spent the last year living in Belgium as part of the Erasmus program. There, I realized how important it is to remain an active Ukrainian, no matter where I live.
In Belgium, I participated in projects at the European Parliament and the European Commission, and worked alongside Ukrainian youth on initiatives to support Ukraine and provide humanitarian aid. I have also represented Ukraine twice as a delegate to the European Youth Parliament. This experience helped me understand how important it is to be Ukraine’s voice on the international stage.
Participating in Ukrainian projects is my way of staying connected to my country, even when I’m physically abroad. Ukraine has always been and remains the driving force behind my professional motivation,” Polina replies.
What were your first thoughts when you found out you would be doing an internship at the Bohdan Hawrylyshyn Family Foundation? What were your expectations?
“Before the internship began, I knew very little about the Foundation, and even less about Bohdan Hawrylyshyn himself. But after doing a little research, I realized that this would be a great combination of what I’m good at, like working on and coordinating projects, and what interests me right now, which is public diplomacy, particularly youth diplomacy and the contribution of young people to Ukraine’s place in the world.
As for my other expectations, it was important to me to really help the team, as well as to broaden my own perspective on Ukraine and the opportunities for work and life here,” says Sofiia.
“For me, this internship was an opportunity to take another step toward the career I’ve been dreaming of for many years, working in the field of international relations and diplomacy and representing Ukraine on the international stage. I was particularly inspired by the fact that the internship is organized in collaboration with the Youth Council under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine. This meant I had the opportunity to work alongside people who already represent Ukraine on the international stage, including Ukraine’s Youth Delegates to the UN. I knew many of them from my time at university, so I was very happy to become part of this professional community.
I was also hoping for an open atmosphere where I could contribute my own ideas, take on responsibility, and implement projects. And that’s exactly what I found here, a team that supports, motivates, and trusts young people,” says Polina.
To what extent did the internship experience live up to your expectations? What was your biggest revelation?
“I had the opportunity to work on various projects, participate in conferences and international meetings, and interact with people who work every day to advance Ukraine.
The biggest revelation was that interns are genuinely trusted. Here, we don’t just carry out technical tasks; we have the opportunity to come up with our own initiatives and see them come to life. It was especially valuable to implement our own international project. This experience showed us that even young people can create a space for important international dialogue,” Polina shares.
“My expectations were exceeded 100,000,000 times 🙂
First of all, I also had the opportunity to make my own contribution by organizing a networking event and conducting research on studying at American universities. Second, the balance of hours and tasks was perfect. I never felt overwhelmed with deadlines or like I was sitting around with nothing to do 🙂 It was incredibly comfortable working with my internship partner Polina, our coordinator from the Foundation, Yelyzaveta, and the rest of the team. Third, the internship at the Foundation gave me the opportunity to find myself in places I never would have imagined myself in under different circumstances. For example, at the presentation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ strategy for 2026–2030.
I would also add that this internship completely changed my perception of public service. Many of the people I met during the programme had worked in the public sector and shared mostly positive and inspiring experiences. Because of my parents’ experiences, I had previously been quite negatively biased towards public service, but this internship helped me see it from a completely different perspective,” Sofiia shares.
How did you perceive the Ukrainian civil society sector from the inside, and could you see yourself working in it in the future?
“I was genuinely impressed by the energy and commitment of Ukraine’s civil society sector. I met young people who do not wait for change to happen—they create it themselves. They organize projects, support the country, cooperate with international partners, and make a meaningful contribution to Ukraine’s development every single day.
This experience reinforced my desire to continue working with Ukrainian civil society organizations. I truly believe that after Ukraine’s victory, young people will become one of the driving forces behind the country’s recovery, and it would be a great honor for me to contribute to this process,” Sofiia shares.
“I have always had a positive opinion of the civil society sector, and my internship at the Foundation only strengthened that impression. What surprised me the most was how positively my perception of public service changed.
As for young people’s ability to influence society, I have always believed that youth are a driving force for change, and this internship once again confirmed that belief. ” Polina says.
Together, you organized a networking event for Ukrainian and international youth. What was the main insight about communication between Ukrainians and foreigners that you gained from this experience?
“The most important lesson I learned is that every Ukrainian living abroad is, in many ways, an ambassador of our country. It is essential not to lose our identity, to continue speaking Ukrainian, and to share our culture, history, and the challenges our country faces today. Very often, it is through personal stories that international audiences begin to truly understand Ukraine.
During the event, I was deeply touched by how genuinely interested young people from different countries were in supporting Ukraine. They asked very practical questions: how to speak about the war responsibly, how to counter disinformation, and how they could contribute to supporting Ukraine from their own countries. Another highlight was hearing from Ukraine’s Youth Delegates to the United Nations, who shared their experiences of representing Ukraine on the international stage. Their stories clearly demonstrated that young people can become a powerful voice for their country around the world.
I truly believe that events like this help build trust, mutual understanding, and long-term international partnerships. Great changes often begin with simple, honest conversations between people.” Polina.
“This kind of communication is incredibly important because it shapes how people around the world perceive and understand Ukraine. There is a real demand for these conversations, and what makes them especially valuable is that they are open, honest, and accessible to everyone involved.
I would also like to add that both the Foundation’s team and Bohdan Hawrylyshyn’s life story have been a tremendous source of inspiration for me. The team impressed me with their openness, the value they place on this experience, and their optimistic vision for Ukraine’s future.
As for Bohdan Hawrylyshyn himself, his story sincerely demonstrates that intelligence, courage, responsibility, kindness, and integrity, combined with hard work and strong values, can help a person achieve even the most ambitious dreams- even when life seems to have taken almost everything away.
Thank you so much!” Sofiia.