English as a Second Language (ESL) Program for Ukrainian Refugees
Gii's intensive online ESL program provides adult Ukrainian refugees in the United States with free, high-quality language instruction. Funded by the Global Impact Initiative (Gii) through scholarships, partnerships, grants, and individual donations, the program is tailored specifically to meet the needs of Ukrainian refugees, equipping them with essential English language skills for both daily life and professional interactions.
The program launched in May 2022 in response to a request from a Ukrainian refugee newly settled in Austin, Texas. Gii referred her to the HOFT Institute, where she received a semester-long scholarship for ESL study. Soon after, five additional Ukrainian students joined with similar scholarships. As demand for ESL classes surged, it became clear that a more formalized program was needed. This led to the creation of the program originally called LAURA (Language Acquisition for Ukrainian Refugees in Austin).
As the program grew, Blair Bourassa, Vice President and Academic Director at the HOFT Institute, began managing and teaching the courses online pro bono. However, as interest outpaced available resources, a waitlist formed. To meet the growing demand, Gii partnered with Austin Jews and Partners for Refugees (AJPR), securing funds to cover salaries and administrative expenses for two additional ten-week semesters. After that, Gii was able to raise private funds for another three semesters.
Since its inception, the program has graduated over 150 students, but over 100 refugees remain on the waitlist. The Spring 2025 class plans to accommodate 80 students, but we urgently need additional funding to cover course materials, teacher salaries, and administrative costs.
All instructors are experienced and compassionate, and Gii mentors help graduates secure meaningful employment. Your support is crucial in empowering current and future students to unlock their potential. You can contribute by making a donation today, ensuring that we continue offering this valuable program to qualified refugee students in the Austin Metropolitan area and beyond.
Click here to donate and help transform lives.
Program Details
Courses are taught in thirteen-week semesters, with the opportunity to test into the next level and continue study at the end of each semester
Classes meet online three times a week for two hours each meeting, with the expectation that students will devote additional time to completing assignments before and after class
Instructors are native English speakers with more than six years of experience teaching ESL to adults
Each class is capped at 12 students to ensure that each student has sufficient time for practice and feedback
Six levels of English language training are offered
Courses utilize study material from Pearson Publishing, including online and physical textbooks, audio files, and workbooks
All participants receive resume assistance from Gii and are actively supported in obtaining skill-aligned employment.
Testimonials
“Many thanks to the organizers of the English language course. This course helped me a lot, now I understand tenses and build sentences correctly, I learned a lot of new words. The fear of communication has finally disappeared. The instructor was excellent and has excellent teaching methods. The training time flew by very quickly, but the main thing now I can say that I have knowledge of the English language. There is a lot of independent work ahead, but now there is no fear of learning, practicing, and brainstorming new things in English. Just THANK YOU!!!!!”
~Nina Kriukova
“I recently completed a 10-week online group English course, and I am satisfied with the experience. Even though it was virtual, the course was well-organized. The teacher knew their stuff and was good at teaching online. The course materials were comprehensive and tailored to our level, covering all the necessary grammar, vocabulary, and language skills needed to progress. Overall, I highly recommend this online group course. It is an excellent choice for anyone looking to improve their English.”
~Julia Triastsyna
“I am very glad that I wasn’t afraid and filled out the application for the English course. Thanks to our teacher for working with us with such dedication. Our lessons are held in a friendly atmosphere, it’s very inviting and even more motivating.I can confidently say that I feel like my English level has improved. Thank you all!”
~Alona Mousiness
“I really enjoy learning English with the LAURA Program. I am very happy to be a student of this course. Our teacher is wonderful! This English course is the best.”
~Nataliia Shkyrta
“I did not expect such professionalism and such an excellent language learning program. These courses gave me an incredible experience and an incredible breakthrough in knowledge. I improved my understanding of English, expanded my vocabulary, and learned colloquial sayings and words. Thank you to everyone who organized this course!”
~Tanya Movchan
“I want to thank the team of the LAURA Program and their English teachers for such an amazing course for Ukrainians. The program is full of interesting and useful information with a huge variety of topics for improving your speaking skills! I want to highlight the work of the teachers of this course. They are truly passionate and professionals in their field who love their job and are always ready to keep up any topics of conversation and share their opinion with their students. I’ve missed only one lesson, but I wish I didn’t because it’s always a useful opportunity to find out useful grammar rules and new information. Thank you a lot for your work and the energy during all lessons!”
~Svetlana Fastovets
“The time spent at the English language school together with our teacher Mr. Blair was the happiest and really effective in terms of improving the level of spoken English and grammar. The lessons are so rich that they pass quickly and efficiently. I would really like to continue my studies with our group of people from Ukraine.”
~Rymma Kandybka
“We’re so lucky to be part of the English group. Mr. Bourassa is an amazing teacher who has been so patient with us. We felt very welcomed and included. We’ve learnt so much! Now we understand small conversations and we feel more comfortable going to public places like grocery stores and parks by ourselves. More importantly, it sparked our interest to continue learning English.”
~Tetyana & Oley Pankov