Free conversational English for Ukraine's defenders with ENGin for Defenders
FREE FOR EVERYONE WHO SERVES OR HAS SERVED
Weekly one-on-one conversations with a personal English-speaking volunteer — no textbooks, no tests, no homework. Practice that builds your confidence and your connection to the world, on a schedule that fits your service.
Vladyslav, ENGin for Defenders student — on staying connected to the world through English while recovering.
In the form, choose "ENGin for Defenders" as your program.
ENGin in numbers
Trusted by defenders across Ukraine
500+
defenders already taking part
99%
overcome the language barrier in 3 months
85%
consider their volunteer a friend
76%
feel less stressed after their sessions
First things first
Is this for me?
Open to everyone who serves or has served
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Service members of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and other units
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Veterans and combat veterans
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Military medics and volunteers
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Those who have demobilized, and others across Ukraine's security and defense sector
All you need
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English from basic level — you can hold a simple conversation. You don't need perfect English.
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Internet access
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About one hour a week
Participation is completely free — it always has been, and always will be, for those who serve. No documents required.
The format
What actually happens
1
Register & pick your program
Sign up as a student and select "ENGin for Defenders."
2
We match you
A personal English-speaking volunteer, chosen for your level, interests & schedule.
3
Meet weekly, online
About an hour, on topics you choose — or using materials we provide.
4
At your own pace
Friendly, low-pressure. Pause anytime your service requires it.
Why join
More than a language class
Speak, don't study
Real English in relaxed weekly conversation — not lessons or grammar drills. Speaking is the hardest skill to build alone, and it's exactly what this is.
A real connection
You're matched with someone who respects your experience and stands with Ukraine — not just a partner, often a friend.
A weekly reset
For many, the hour is a genuine break — a relaxed conversation that lifts your mood and eases stress. 76% of participants feel less stressed after their sessions.
Confidence for what's next
Stronger English opens doors after service — interviews, retraining, education, international work. Many say it became a steady anchor while figuring out their next step.
Built around your schedule
Arranged directly with your volunteer, with pauses when service requires. Made for unpredictable, changing schedules.
In their words
What defenders say
After returning home, the question of what to do next arose — and the program became an anchor of confidence. I practice consistently, and it helps me feel more confident in job interviews. I recommend it to everyone.
Dmytro Khrystiuk
Veteran, former reconnaissance officer
It's not just about English. It's the chance to talk with people from another part of the world and feel that Ukraine is not alone. My schedule is unpredictable, so it really matters that ENGin lets me learn flexibly.
Ivan Havrylko
Senior seaman, Marine Corps
With the full-scale invasion I joined the army and lost the chance to speak English like before. The program helps me keep and grow the skill — and it also helps me unload psychologically a little.
Nikita
Active-duty service member
More stories on video
Stanislav, a veteran, on how ENGin became a supportive space to grow his English and share his own recovery journey.
Oleksandr, a software developer and veteran of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, on using ENGin to level up his English and connect with veterans internationally.
How to join
Getting started is easy — here's the whole path
Today, all you do is one thing: create your profile — about 2 minutes. That's the only step to start. Everything below happens afterward, at your own pace.
Fill in your profile
2 min
1
Sign up as a student at app.enginprogram.org and choose "ENGin for Defenders."
No test · no grades
A friendly chat or send a video instead
2
15 min
This isn't an exam. It's a relaxed conversation so we can match you with the right volunteer and if you'd rather not do it live, you can simply record a short video instead.
Short intro training
3
1 hour · online on Zoom · in Ukrainian
A one-time session (in Ukrainian) so you know exactly what to expect before you start.
Complete your match form
4
5 min
Tell us your preferences so we can find the best volunteer for YOU.
We pair you with your volunteer and you arrange your first conversation. From here on, every session is free.
About 2 hours total across the week, plus a little matching time — and you can pause whenever service requires it.
Remember to select "ENGin for Defenders" as your program.
Questions