A professor, Doctor of Sciences, psychologist, and educator, Yuliia Rybinska represents a rare synthesis of academic depth and modern teaching vision. Leading the Department of Foreign Philology while mentoring students toward Oxbridge-level fluency, she approaches language not merely as a skill, but as a powerful instrument of personal evolution.
Yulia, you are a professor, Doctor of Sciences, and Head of the Department of Foreign Philology at the Kyiv Institute of Culture. At the same time, you run your own courses on Instagram, preparing students to reach Oxbridge / C1–C2 level for admission to top universities. You speak seven languages. Is this talent, a system, or discipline—and what is the most unexpected factor that actually influences language learning?
I am a Doctor of Pedagogical Sciences, a professor, a practising psychologist, and a businesswoman. Behind these titles lies far more than status — they reflect years of discipline, conscious choices, and unwavering principles.
Throughout my academic journey, I have always been a perfectionist: it was either excellence or nothing at all. I approached every subject and every teacher with deep respect, valuing not only my own time, but also the achievements of others.
With four degrees, a PhD, and a doctorate behind me, there has never been a moment of “enough.” I have always learned — and I continue to learn. Not for the sake of diplomas, but to integrate knowledge into the minds and lives of those who trust me with their development.
My journey began early: I graduated from school at fifteen and entered university the same year. I have never stopped since.
True expertise is not a destination — it is a continuous process.
In your opinion, why do so many people study a language for years and still never start truly living in it?
This is a significant issue, particularly in Ukraine. Some people associate language proficiency with social status or hold certain biases toward their native language.
I strongly disagree with this perspective. Your native language is your soul, while an international language is the beating heart that connects you to the world.
The main barrier is fear — fear of stepping outside one’s comfort zone and making mistakes. In reality, the core issue is a lack of practice.
You improve your driving by driving. You become a chef by cooking. And you master a language by speaking. Communication is what brings language to life.
Very often, these challenges stem either from a lack of motivation or from psychological barriers that need to be acknowledged and worked through.
You work with both Ukrainian and international audiences. What is the key difference in the mindset of students “here” and “there”?
This is quite a provocative question, so I will answer diplomatically.
There are many “flowers” in the world — each person is different, and that diversity is our strength. I feel that I embody a fusion of two strong cultures, and this has become one of my greatest advantages. I learn from both and always strive to find an individual approach.
Speaking more directly, American students tend to be more creative, entrepreneurial, and self-oriented. Ukrainian students, shaped by historical and social contexts, are often more pragmatic and may rely more on memorisation than on critical thinking — although this is changing rapidly.
You study psychology and learning in conditions of stress and war. How does trauma affect the ability to learn—and is it possible, through language learning, to “rebuild” yourself instead?
Ukrainians are an incredibly strong and extraordinary nation. As Socrates once said, “What does not kill us makes us stronger.”
Even in times of war, we continue to rebuild, create, live, and believe in a better future. We do not give up.
I observe that trauma, paradoxically, can become a turning point. It often acts as a catalyst for resilience and transformation. People continue to open businesses, create opportunities, and pursue education despite immense challenges.
Language learning, in this context, becomes much more than a skill. It becomes a bridge — between the inner and outer worlds. It stimulates both hemispheres of the brain and encourages growth, adaptation, and renewal.
In many ways, through learning a language, a person can begin to rebuild themselves.
What is the most honest advice you would give to someone who wants to master a language at a high level but is afraid that “it’s already too late”?
As Colin Powell once said : “There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work, and learning from failure.”
Model: Yuliia Rybinska @yuliiarybinska
Makeup & Hair Stylist: Katya Ivanova @ivanova_katya_makeup
Personal Photo Artist: Oksamytnyi Volodymyr @ok_samytnyi
Fashion Stylist: Yana Ostapchuk @yanusiaostapchuk
