PROGRAM DETAILS

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Is ENGin a nonprofit organization?

Yes, ENGin is a nonprofit organization. We have thousands of volunteers who are fluent in English and ready to conduct speaking sessions with you. 

 

Are there any age restrictions to participate in the program?

ENGin welcomes participants from 9 years old and above.

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What participation formats are available at ENGin?

1-on-1 Format (1 Student + 1 Volunteer): in this format, you'll be paired with a dedicated volunteer, and the session will be conducted individually. This option is suitable for those who feel comfortable speaking for one hour, have specific goals, and seek personalized attention to fit their unique needs.

Mini-Group Format (2  Students + 1 Volunteer): this format involves a small group consisting of a minimum of 2 students (of a similar English level) and one volunteer, with the possibility of accommodating more participants upon request of the whole group. It's an ideal option if you enjoy learning in a collaborative environment and benefit from peer interaction. You can also request to be grouped with a friend or family member if your English proficiency levels and schedules align. Learn more about the Mini-Group format here.

 

How much does it cost to participate in the ENGin program?

• ENGin is free for children (aged 9-17) and members/veterans of the Ukrainian Armed Forces (and their immediate families, i.e. parents, children, and spouses). Proof of age or military affiliation will be required during your ENGin interview.

• Adults (aged 18+) are required to make a one-time donation of 750 UAH to help cover program costs. After making this payment, all ENGin sessions are offered for free for the program duration of 1 year. This contribution assists in covering our operational expenses and ensures the program's longevity.

 

What does a one-time donation mean?

It means that this donation is made once only - after you pay once, you receive a year of access to the program. You do not have to pay for each weekly session with your volunteer. 

 

What does my one-time donation cover?

This donation covers: 

• The comprehensive program onboarding process

• Being matched with a volunteer

• Email and Telegram customer support for 1 year

• The possibility of being rematched with a new volunteer during your program year (if needed)

• Access to additional ENGin resources and opportunities

 

Are there any additional costs during the program?

ENGin sessions with a volunteer are always free, and there are no extra per-session costs.

 

When did ENGin start asking for a one-time donation from participants aged 18 and above?

ENGin introduced the requirement for a one-time donation on April 15th, 2024. Since then, all new participants aged 18 and above (except members/veterans of the Ukrainian Armed Forces (and their immediate families, i.e. parents, children, and spouses) are requested to make a one-time donation to join the program.

 

Why are you charging money for your program if you are a nonprofit organization? What is the money used for? 

Running ENGin takes a team of about 30 people. Most of them need to work 30-40 hours/week, which cannot be done on a volunteer basis. So, we primarily use funds to cover our team's salaries. While we actively seek out grants and donations, unfortunately, these do not cover the cost of running the program.

Over the past four years, we have seen that ENGin has made an incredible impact on thousands of lives, and we'd like to keep this program open. In order to do so, we have instituted a nominal, one-time donation.

 

Do you have any scholarship opportunities or discounts?

We are currently offering the program for free for students aged 9-17, members/veterans of the Ukrainian Armed Forces/veterans, their parents, children, or spouses. 

Unfortunately, we are not able to offer any other discounts or scholarship opportunities at this time. We plan to offer a scholarship program in the future if our financial situation allows it. 

 

When do adult students make the one-time donation?

The one-time donation is made after students have completed their registration form, interview, program agreement, and training for new students (Step 6 of the registration process). This approach ensures that students are accepted into the program and have had the opportunity to familiarize themselves with all program details and ask any questions before making their contribution.

After completing ENGin training for new students (step 6), you will receive instructions on how to make a one-time donation.

 

How do I make a one-time donation to join the program?

A one-time donation is made to our official Privatbank account in UAH. You can use any card from any bank to make the payment; you are not required to have a specific Privatbank card. The detailed instructions for making payment may be found here.

 

What happens after making a one-time donation?

After making a donation, within 1-3 days you will receive an email with information about your final onboarding step (initial self-assessment form), and you will be able to see step 7 in your profile on https://app.enginprogram.org.

If you have made a donation and have not received this email from us within 3-4 days, please write to info@enginprogram.org and attach proof of payment.

 

Can I get a refund if I don't like my volunteer(s)?/ Can I get a refund if I can no longer participate in the program due to an emergency situation?

Unfortunately, we are not able to offer refunds for any reason. To keep program costs low, we have a very small staff team (4-5 customer service agents for 27,000 active participants). We do not have the capacity to investigate and process refund requests for any reason.

 

I am a current student who joined the program before April 15th, 2024. Do I have to pay? 

• If you are a current student aged 18+ and registered for ENGin in 2024, you may continue meeting with your volunteer as long as they are available without paying the fee. All rematch requests made before June 1, 2024 that meet our usual rematch guidelines will also be processed on a complimentary basis. Rematch requests after June 1, 2024 will be subject to the one-time donation of 750 UAH.

• If you are aged 18+ and registered for ENGin earlier than Jan 1, 2024, you will be asked to make a one-time donation of 750 UAH for any future rematch requests. Note that all rematch requests must always meet our usual guidelines. 

• If you are a child/teenager aged 9-17, your first full year of participation will remain completely free (including all necessary rematches and support). After 1 year, you can choose to make a donation of 750 UAH to stay in the program for another year.

• Adult students who have studied with us previously but are NOT currently matched with a volunteer must make a donation of 750 UAH to receive a new match. They will be eligible for a full year in the program (regardless of how long they met with their prior match). 

 

I am an ENGin alumna. Can I rejoin the program?

You may make a 750 UAH donation for another year in the program.

 

How long does the program last?

We ask you to spend 1 hour a week on ENGin sessions for a minimum of 3 months. This is how long it usually takes to see progress in your English.

The longest official time you can stay in the program is 1 year. After 1 year, you will become an ENGin alumnus. This means you will still get program emails and can join our Telegram chats, groups, and special activities. You can keep meeting with your volunteer if they want to continue, but we cannot find a new volunteer for you if they stop meeting with you.

If you want to have a new volunteer after the first year, you can pay 750 UAH to join the program again for another year.

 

I am under 18 or a member/veteran of the Ukrainian Armed Forces (and their immediate family). Can I participate in the program for free for a second year?

Unfortunately, free participation in the program is limited to one year. However, you can extend your participation for another year by making a 750 UAH donation. This donation supports the program's development and allows us to welcome new participants.

 

How is a year in the program counted? Do you guarantee a certain number of sessions or a certain amount of material covered?

Your year at ENGin begins on the day you receive your first match email. You should expect that it may take a week or two to get in touch with the volunteer and schedule your first session. If we need to rematch you to a different volunteer, this may also take a few weeks. This is counted as program time. 

 

What if I need to take a break from the program? 

We can pause your participation and restart it at a later date. It is your responsibility to inform us if you need to take a break. In this case, we may reassign your volunteer to a new student, so you are not guaranteed to work with the same volunteer after returning to the program.

 

What are the expectations of participants in the ENGin program?

If you are offered a place in the ENGin program, we expect you to treat us and your volunteer with respect. This means:

• Attending regular weekly sessions for at least 3 months

• Actively participating in sessions

• Answering your volunteer's emails in a timely manner

• Respecting your volunteer's schedule and being flexible about when to meet

• Writing to us right away if you have an ongoing problem with your buddy so that we can resolve it or match you to a new volunteer.

If students display a pattern of failing to respond to a volunteer's emails or canceling/missing sessions, they will receive one warning before being asked to leave the program. 

If students disappear without warning the ENGin team, they will receive a lifetime ban from the program. (In case of an emergency, we ask you to notify us as soon as possible after the emergency situation).

 

When do sessions usually happen?

Our sessions usually happen in the evening Ukrainian time to accommodate for time zone differences. Many sessions happen on weekends because volunteers are busy during the week. We match you with volunteers who are available at the same times you indicate on your application form. Exact session times are determined directly with your volunteer.

 

What happens during the speaking sessions?

During your speaking sessions, our dedicated volunteers aim to enhance your fluency skills and boost your confidence in real-life English conversations. Each volunteer chooses what to focus on based on your needs and goals. Depending on your English level, you might have casual conversations about music, politics, work, school, or any other topic of interest. Additionally, our volunteers may introduce various activities like role plays, watching and discussing videos, and learning grammar. While the volunteer plans the sessions, you can always suggest and request topics to focus on.

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Are all of your volunteers from the United States? Can I request a volunteer from the US?

While many of our volunteers live in the US, we have volunteers from 140+ different countries. A few of our volunteers are fluent English speakers living in Ukraine. You cannot request a volunteer from a specific country.

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Will my volunteer be a native speaker?

We have a diverse group of volunteers and we don't know who is a native speaker and who isn't. Some volunteers immigrated to the US as children, but speak flawless English. Others were born in the US but have regional accents. We even have volunteers who live outside the US but are native English speakers.

We interview every volunteer to make sure they are fluent in English, so you can be confident you will not be practicing with another English learner :)
 

Are all volunteers in the program professional English teachers?

No, the majority of our all volunteers do not have professional teaching or tutoring experience.

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I am Ukrainian, but do not live in Ukraine. Can I sign up for your program?

If you left Ukraine after February 24, 2022 to escape the war, you are eligible for our program. If you emigrated before the war, you are not eligible for the program.  ​  ​

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I have some disabilities. Can I participate in ENGin?

ENGin strives to be inclusive and help people with disabilities practice English. Therefore, if you need support and other conditions for practicing language (for instance, communication by text), email us: info@enginprogram.org

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Do I need to use videochat? Can we just speak by phone?

To make sure sessions are effective and safe, we ask participants to have their video on. 

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Can you add Spanish to the ENGin program? (Or French or German or Japanese or…?)

Unfortunately, we do not have the resources to add multiple languages to the program now, so we're focusing on English. English fluency unlocks the largest knowledge base and the most opportunities - online courses, top universities, useful books, good jobs. Though other languages are also valuable, English is the most universal language - the language that will connect you to a global conversation in any field.

​If you are interested in creating your own program focusing on a different language, we are happy to share what we’ve learned about building a successful speaking practice program. Email us info@enginprogram.org for a guide.

 

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MINI-GROUP FORMAT

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Is the one-time registration donation for adults the same for the mini-group format (750 UAH)?

Yes, the one-time registration donation sum remains the same. You will receive the same program benefits and valuable learning experiences regardless of the format.

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How many participants are typically in a mini-group?

Mini-groups typically consist of 1 volunteer and a minimum of 2 students, with the possibility of accommodating more participants upon request of the whole group. 

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What are the criteria for placing participants in a mini-group?

When placing participants in a mini-group, we consider a few key factors to ensure a good match. First, we look at schedules to make sure everyone’s availability aligns. We also respect gender preferences and try to match students with similar hobbies and interests. Additionally, we pair students with similar English proficiency levels to facilitate effective communication. However, if, after being matched, you find that your level is significantly higher or lower than that of another group participant, please email us at info@enginprogram.org.

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Can I request to be in a mini-group with a family member or friend?

You can request to be in a mini-group with a family member or friend, as long as your schedules and English levels are compatible. To make this happen, ensure that your friend or family member has joined ENGin, completed the onboarding process, and is in the "waiting for match" status. Then, simply send an email to info@enginprogram.org with their name and email address. We will review the request, and if it aligns with our guidelines, we’ll do our best to place you in the same group.

• Please note that adults aged 18 and over can be grouped together regardless of age difference. 

• Participants between the ages of 9 and 17 can only be placed in a mini-group within their age category.

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What if I do not like the mini-group format after I have joined the group?

If you find that you do not enjoy the mini-group format after joining, remember that group dynamics can take some time to settle. We recommend attending a few sessions to see if things improve. Open communication is key! If there are specific aspects you're not enjoying, discuss them openly with your volunteer. Honest communication can often address minor issues and significantly enhance your overall experience.

In case after several weeks the situation doesn’t improve, please email our team at info@enginprogram.org and will try to help you.

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What are the valid reasons for a rematch while being in a mini-group?

Please note that we can't offer rematches based solely on personal preferences or if you simply don't like group members. In real life, you’ll encounter diverse personalities and group settings, and this experience can help you build the skills needed to navigate those situations. However, if there are serious conflicts, please reach out to our team at info@enginprogram.org, and we will investigate and provide support.

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Overall, a rematch may be considered if:

• Your or your volunteer’s schedule changes, making it impossible to find a common time to meet.

• The other students in your group have significantly different English levels, making it difficult for you to progress effectively.

• You face ongoing issues with your volunteer, such as frequent cancellations, ignoring messages, or inappropriate behavior. We take program rules very seriously and will investigate any reported issues. If these are serious violations, we will offer you a rematch.

• Additionally, after 6 months, you can request a rematch to either an individual format or a new mini-group without needing a specific reason.

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Can I switch from the mini-group format to an individual format?

After a minimum of 6 months working in a mini-group, you may request to switch to individual practice.

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What if one of the students in a mini-group cannot join the session?

If one of the students cannot join a session, the meeting will proceed with the volunteer and the other student(s), unless the entire mini-group agrees to reschedule. We encourage you to respect each other's time and commitments and only ask for rescheduling in case of emergencies.

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What happens if the other student is unable to continue participating in the ENGin?

If the other student in your mini-group is unable to continue participating in ENGin, we will search for a new student to join your mini-group. Your volunteer will be notified by email as soon as a new participant is available.

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What is the schedule for mini-group sessions?

You decide with your mini-group. Participants are matched based on the availability indicated during the application process to ensure there are common meeting slots. We recommend setting fixed days and times for your mini-group meetings. Having a consistent schedule helps ensure regular attendance and a structured learning experience.

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Will I join an existing group, or will it be a new mini-group?

It depends on the current availability of participants. Sometimes you may join a newly created mini-group, and other times you may join an existing pair of a student and a volunteer/ mini-group.

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Is the mini-group format really effective?

Yes, the mini-group format is highly effective. It allows you to practice communicating in group settings, exposes you to different accents, and fosters a supportive, interactive environment. ENGin also provides session materials to ensure productive meetings. Working in groups enhances your speaking opportunities and helps develop teamwork and negotiation skills, which are crucial for real-life interactions. Overall, working in groups offers numerous benefits, including:

• Developing collaborative communication skills

• Gaining exposure to different perspectives and communication styles

• Building confidence and fluency through active participation

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How will communication between the mini-group members and the volunteer take place (e.g., email, messengers)?

The primary source of communication at ENGin is email. If your volunteer is comfortable using a messenger like WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, Telegram etc, they may also create a group chat for your mini-group.

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How will individual progress be monitored in a mini-group setting?

In the mini-group setting, we suggest a comprehensive approach to monitoring progress, combining individual assessments and regular check-ins with the whole group.

This includes utilizing the ENGin Progress Tracking System for self-assessments which allows us to track your personal development over time. 

Additionally, your volunteer will be asked to conduct regular check-ins within the group setting. This dual approach ensures that your progress is monitored and that you receive the necessary guidance to achieve your English language goals effectively.

 

I am shy, and I'm afraid I won't have a chance to speak in a mini-group.

We understand your concern. Our volunteers are provided with tips and recommendations to make sure everyone gets a chance to speak and feel comfortable. Even if you're shy, you'll have plenty of opportunities to share during your sessions.

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Can I suggest topics for discussion during mini-group sessions?

Absolutely! We encourage participants to contribute ideas for discussion topics based on their interests, goals, and experiences. This helps tailor the sessions to the group's preferences and ensures engaging conversations.

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How are mini-group sessions structured?

Mini-group sessions typically involve various activities and discussions led by the volunteer. These activities are designed to enhance language skills, foster collaboration, and promote cultural exchange within the group.

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APPLICATION AND INTERVIEW

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Why do I see a message "We have reached the maximum number of applications in your age range for this week" while applying at app.enginprogram.org? Can't I join ENGin?

We can accept a limited number of applications every week due to limited resources. So, if you see this message, don't worry, we would love to have you in the program! You just need to wait a bit. We reopen applications every Monday morning - at that time, you can return to app.enginprogram.org to continue your application. 

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I’m trying to schedule an interview but don’t see any timeslots that work for me. What can I do?
We are really sorry about the inconvenience! We try to have many options in our calendar each week, but sometimes many people sign up and we run out. Just email us at info@enginprogram.org and we will add more timeslots to accommodate you. There is also an asynchronous interview option: you can record a video answering the questions we ask and send it to us. It will serve as an alternative to a live interview. You will find detailed instructions here.

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I can’t make it to my scheduled interview. Can I reschedule or cancel?
Yes, you can reschedule or cancel your interview. Please log into your ENGin account and click on the “Reschedule” or “Cancel” button. Please be sure to cancel ahead of time so we can use the interview timeslot for someone else! Also, remember that you can cancel your interview only once according to our rules. If you cancel a second time, you will need to complete our video interview option (detailed instructions here.)

 

I accidentally missed my interview. What can I do?
You can schedule a new interview by logging into your ENGin account at app.enginprogram.org. Please note: you have 2 chances to sign up for an interview. If you miss a second interview, you will need to complete our video interview option (detailed instructions here.)

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My interviewer canceled or didn’t show up to our interview. What should I do?
Our interviewers try their best to attend every interview, but sometimes they need to cancel due to a last-minute emergency. You can schedule a new interview at app.enginprogram.org.

 

I completed an interview with an ENGin team member, but I did not get a decision. What should I do?
Decision letters should arrive within 2 days of your interview. If you do not receive one, check your spam folder. If you still don’t see it, please email us and let us know. 

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GETTING MATCHED TO A VOLUNTEER​

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When will I be matched to my volunteer?

To be matched to a volunteer, you need to complete an interview with us, receive an acceptance email, sign our program agreement, complete ENGin training for new students, make a one-time donation (for students aged 18+), and complete an initial self-assessment. Once you finish these steps, we try to match you with a volunteer within 2-5  weeks. We are doing our best to match all students as soon as possible. If there is an unexpected delay in matching, we will inform you via email.

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I am not sure of the status of my application. What should I do?
Log into your ENGin account at app.enginprogram.org. 

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I just received my match email. What do I do next?
Your speaking buddy should contact you by email to find a date for your first session. Please check your email and spam folder regularly and respond right away.  If your buddy doesn’t email you, you can also email them. 
 

I don’t check my email a lot. Can you message me on Telegram or Facebook?

ENGin communicates with students by email, so you should check your email regularly for messages from us.

You and your buddy can decide on a different way to communicate. For example - Instagram messages, Skype, Google chat, WhatsApp, or whatever you both prefer. Some volunteers only use email - please respect your volunteer's communication preferences.

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TROUBLE WITH A VOLUNTEER

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Can I ask to be rematched to another volunteer?

It depends on why you are asking and how long you've been matched.
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You cannot request a rematch because you don't like your buddy's nationality or accent. This is discrimination, and it is illegal. We guarantee that your volunteer will be fluent in English, but we cannot guarantee what they will look or sound like.
 
Most of our volunteers live in the US, but we also have volunteers from 140+ other countries. Some volunteers were born in America and now live in another country. Some were born in another country but now live in America. Many of our volunteers are Asian-American, Hispanic, Black, or multiracial. Many grow up speaking 2 or 3 languages themselves. Also, there is not one "correct" accent. Even in America, a volunteer from Texas or Louisiana will sound different than a volunteer from New Jersey or California. Meeting and learning from different people is an important part of this program.
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If your volunteer breaks program rules more than once, you may ask for a rematch. For example: repeated cancellations (without offering to reschedule), repeated no-shows, ignoring messages for weeks, not preparing for sessions, or inappropriate behavior.
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When you report a problem with a volunteer, we will investigate with the volunteer and try to fix it.
* If the volunteer has disappeared or cannot fix the problem, we will rematch immediately.
* If the volunteer promises to improve their behavior, we will keep the match. If the problem continues, you can write to us again and we will rematch.

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After 6 months together, either buddy may ask for a rematch without any problems, just to try talking to someone new. 

If you are paired with a Ukrainian volunteer, you may ask for a rematch to a volunteer outside Ukraine after 3 months. 
 
Please note:
All rematch requests MUST go through info@enginprogram.org. Do NOT simply tell a volunteer that you no longer want to work with them (unless you are quitting the program).  

 

My volunteer isn’t responding to my messages. What can I do?

Text/email your volunteer again and wait for a few days. If your volunteer doesn’t respond, email us at info@enginprogram.org.

 

My volunteer and I can’t find a time that works for our sessions. What should we do?

Please try to be flexible with your schedule. Remember, your volunteer is donating their time to help you learn! Most of our volunteers are available only in the evenings Ukrainian time, and many are only available on weekends. If you can’t resolve your scheduling difficulties, please email us at info@enginprogram.org.

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My volunteer doesn’t seem to enjoy speaking with me. Can you help?

It usually takes some time for students and volunteers to become comfortable with each other. Also, cultural differences are real - you might be misinterpreting your volunteer’s comments or body language. Please, wait a few sessions. Try different activities and speaking topics, and get to know each other. If things haven’t improved after 4-5 sessions, email us at info@enginprogram.org and we can help.

 

My buddy and I haven’t become good friends. What can I do? 

Some of our volunteer-student pairs become friends. But many of our volunteers have a more professional relationship with students, and that’s okay!
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When we match students and volunteers, we start with key logistical factors - gender preferences, age (minor vs. adult), and, most importantly, schedules. Then, once we’ve met these criteria, we consider interests and personalities. 
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Remember, the purpose of our program is to help you improve your English-speaking skills and learn to speak with someone from a different culture. As long as you are learning and making progress, the match can be considered a success!

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What can I do if my volunteer is too busy to have sessions every week?

Message your volunteer and remind them that you would like to have an hour of practice each week. If they need to cancel a session, you can ask them to reschedule (for example, miss a session one week and have two sessions the next week). If your volunteer is still not able to provide you the required 1 hour of practice each week, email us at info@enginprogram.org and we can help.

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I want more practice. Can I have a second volunteer?

Unfortunately, no. At this time we are only assigning one volunteer to each student to be fair to all students.

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LEAVING THE PROGRAM

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How can I leave the program?
On your profile at app.enginprogram.org, there is an option to leave the program. Please remember that we require 2 weeks notice before leaving.

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How can I join the program again after leaving?
Email us and we’ll get you started again. You may not be able to work with the same volunteer as you had before.

 

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PROGRESS TRACKING AT ENGin

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How can I track my progress at ENGin?

Our progress tracking system is based on self and peer assessment.
Self-assessment means you will evaluate yourself, and peer assessment means your volunteers will evaluate your skills.
 

What skills will be evaluated?

The following skills are going to be evaluated:

• communication skills

• grammar/vocabulary/writing

• confidence in the use of language

• intercultural knowledge

 

Will I know how my volunteer evaluated me?

No, we do not disclose this information to learners.

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How often are the evaluations done?

Overall, you and your volunteers are going to complete 3 evaluations in a program:

• you will complete your first self-assessment while registering for the program; your volunteer will complete the first assessment of your skills after 2 meetings with you;

• the next assessments will be after 3 months and 9 months in the program.

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Where should I complete the assessments?

Currently, all assessments are completed in your personal account on our platform https://app.enginprogram.org

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How do I know when I need to complete a self-assessment?

We will send you a reminder email when it's time to complete the evaluation.Additionally, whenever you log into your personal account at https://app.enginprogram.org, you will see the dates of the upcoming evaluation under the calendar on the right.

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How much time do I have to complete the assessment from the moment I receive the notification?

We kindly ask you to complete the assessment within a 2-week term. Otherwise, the data will not be accurate. However, the survey will be active for 1 month.

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Will ENGin kick me out of the program if I do not show much progress?

No! Please, be objective, honest, and realistic in your assessment and answers. Keep in mind that your answers won’t put your participation in the program at stake.

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Are the self-assessments compulsory?

Yes, progress tracking is obligatory for ENGin participants.

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Can I receive a confirmation of ENGin program completion?

Yes, participants are eligible to get a certificate of ENGin program completion after 6 months and 1 year in a program. To receive your ENGin participant certificate, complete this request form with the required details. Please note that this service comes at a cost of 300 UAH.