Yes, ENGin is a nonprofit organization. We have thousands of volunteers who are fluent in English and ready to conduct speaking sessions with you.
ENGin welcomes participants from 9 years old and above.
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 below.
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.
You may stay in the program for up to 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’d like to extend your participation for another year, you can make another donation of UAH 1200. If you do so, we can find you a new volunteer (and offer any rematches if needed) for another year.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
We do not use the term “native speaker” at ENGin as it can be vague and unclear. Some volunteers immigrated to the US or UK as children, but speak flawless English. Others were born in an English-speaking country but have regional accents. Some grew up speaking multiple languages.
Instead, we focus on current spoken fluency. We interview every volunteer to make sure they are fluent in English, so you can be confident you will not be matched with another English learner :)
No, the majority of our volunteers do not have professional teaching or tutoring experience.
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.
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
To make sure sessions are effective and safe, we ask participants to have their video on.
Our ultimate goal is to create an entire generation of globally-minded, English-fluent Ukrainians to catalyze Ukraine’s social and economic development. As such, we are focusing on scaling our English program to hundreds of thousands of participants (and maybe one day, a million!)
We are happy to support other organizations in creating programs focusing on different languages or skills. If you are interested in consulting support, please email us at info@enginprogram.org.
PROGRAM DETAILS
To join the program, participants need to make a one-time donation of UAH 1200. After paying this fee, all meetings with ENGin volunteers are free of charge for 1 year of training. This donation helps cover our operating costs and ensures the sustainability of the program.
Participation in the program is free of charge for military personnel/veterans of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
Participants who are not financially able to make a donation can apply for the ENGin scholarship program and receive full or partial coverage of the fee. The number of places is limited.
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.
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
ENGin sessions with a volunteer are always free, and there are no extra per-session costs.
ENGin introduced the requirement for a one-time donation for adults on April 15th, 2024.
For participants aged 9-17, ENGin introduced a donation from December 24, 2024.
For military personnel/veterans of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, program participation was and remains free of charge for one year of participation.
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 five 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.
We strive to make ENGin education accessible to all Ukrainians, regardless of their financial situation.
After completing the training for new students, students who are not financially able to make a donation can apply for a full or partial ENGin scholarship. Scholarships are available in the amount of 100%, 75%, 50%, and 25% of the charitable contribution.
Please note that the number of places is limited and applying for a scholarship does not guarantee that you will receive it.
When filling out the scholarship application, please describe in detail the circumstances that make it impossible to pay the full amount of the contribution.
Our team reviews each application individually.
The one-time donation is made after students have completed their registration form, interview, program agreement, and training for new students. 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, you will receive instructions on how to make a one-time payment and how to apply for the scholarship 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 a payment may be found here.
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 this step in your profile on https://app.enginprogram.org.
If you have made a donation and have not received this email from us within 4 days, please write to info@enginprogram.org and attach proof of payment.
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 30,000 active participants). We do not have the capacity to investigate and process refund requests for any reason.
Yes, you can, by making a one-time donation of UAH 1200 for another year of participation in the program.
Unfortunately, free participation in the program is limited to one year. However, you can extend your participation for another year by making a one-time donation of UAH 1200. This contribution supports the development of the program and allows us to attract new participants.
PRICING
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
If the situation doesn’t improve after several weeks, please email our team at info@enginprogram.organd we will try to help you.
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. 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.
After a minimum of 6 months working in a mini-group, you may request to switch to individual practice.
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.
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.
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.
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 mini-group.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
MINI-GROUP FORMAT
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.
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.)
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.)
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.
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.
APPLICATION AND INTERVIEW
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, 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.
Log into your ENGin account at https://app.enginprogram.org/#/login.
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.
You and your buddy can decide on a different way to communicate. For example - Telegram, Instagram messages, Google chat, WhatsApp, or whatever you both prefer. ENGin communicates with volunteers by email, so you should check your email regularly for messages from us.
GETTING MATCHED TO A VOLUNTEER
It depends on why you are asking and how long you've been matched. 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. 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. 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.
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).
Text/email your volunteer again and wait for a few days. If your volunteer doesn’t respond, email us at info@enginprogram.org.
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.
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.
Some of our volunteer-student pairs become friends. But many of our volunteers have a more professional relationship with students, and that’s okay!
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.
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!
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.
Unfortunately, no. At this time we are only assigning one volunteer to each student to be fair to all students. If you would like more practice, please check out our monthly Meet-and-Talk events for students and volunteers.
TROUBLE WITH A VOLUNTEER
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.
Email us and we’ll get you started again. You may not be able to work with the same volunteer as you had before.
LEAVING THE PROGRAM
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.
The following skills are going to be evaluated:
communication skills
grammar/vocabulary/writing
confidence in the use of language
intercultural knowledge
No, we do not disclose this information to learners.
Overall, you and your volunteers are going to complete 3 evaluations throughout the 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.
Currently, all assessments are completed in your personal account on our platform https://app.enginprogram.org
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 on your homepage.
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.
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.
Yes, progress tracking is obligatory for ENGin participants.
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.