Natalia’s international journey in learning, journalism and advocacy
By: Communications
Natalia Makohon, a Chevening Scholar from Ukraine, is one of many international students bringing a wealth of knowledge, experience and enthusiasm for collaboration here to the University of East Anglia (UEA).
She is currently studying Broadcast and Digital Journalism, drawn to the course for its hands-on learning and real-world applications, and considers it a “huge honour” to be part of the Chevening scholarship programme.
Natalia’s education has taken her across the globe, exposing her to diverse learning approaches. In Ukraine, she navigated an intense curriculum, managing up to 11 subjects in a single semester. She then spent two years in Japan, working on group projects with a focus on teamwork and communication. Now, as a postgraduate student, she is adapting to the independence of Master’s level learning.
Beyond her studies, she is dedicated to advocacy and awareness. Most recently, she hosted the ‘Unissued Diplomas’ exhibition at UEA, an impactful initiative dedicated to commemorating the lives of 40 Ukrainian students who lost their lives because of war. This exhibition is one of several she has championed across multiple countries.
What's been the most rewarding part of being a Chevening Scholar so far?
“Definitely being able to network. I'm meeting talented people from all across the world, as well as professionals in their fields and we all have the same goal – to make a positive impact and change this world for the better together.
“When I see someone who is talented and professional, it inspires me to create more, think bigger and explore more ideas. It's all about people from different backgrounds and countries, working together in one place for only one year, and the opportunities we have to connect and network with each other.”
Read Natalia's article about Chevening Scholars at UEA
What’s been your favourite project to work on at UEA?
“Probably my dissertation as I'm currently working on a documentary movie. This is our chance to combine all the skills we’ve gained during the course and from our own background.
“It's not only about storytelling, but also creativity, negotiation and having the skills to approach people for interviews. We also have more freedom to choose a story – we're not limited by region or theme, so we have the choice to choose a topic that personally matters to us.”
Have you explored much of the UK since coming to Norwich?
“I love to travel. So far, I’ve visited places like Cambridge, London, Oxford and Bristol. I’ve also visited Scotland with a friend from Japan who came to visit the UK, and more recently I’ve traveled to Cromer with other friends.
“Moving to Norwich has been a challenge for me because I’m used to living in big cities – in Ukraine, I studied in Kyiv and then in Japan, I studied in Tokyo. But I also see it as a chance to focus on my studies and experience a different approach of living life here, and I’m grateful for that opportunity.
“I understand why people like it here. It's all about nature. If you feel tired being in a bustling city, Norwich is somewhere you want to come back to again and again.”
What advice would you give to other international students?
“For those on a one-year degree like mine: enjoy your first semester! If you want to travel, see new places and explore new cultures, the time to do it is then. After that, it’s time for dissertations; you’ll have more projects to complete and will be a lot busier. Treat your first semester as a space for adaptation and exploration.
“Try to also be open to new experiences. It can be overwhelming to move to another country and a different education system, to meet new people and make new friends, but try to be open to new opportunities.”
Study Broadcast and Digital Journalism at UEA
Why did you decide to arrange the ‘Unissued Diplomas’ exhibition here at UEA?
“This project is made by students for students, and I see it as a great opportunity to bring awareness about what's happening in Ukraine, to remind people that the war is still going on. As it was recently the third anniversary of the Russian invasion, I decided that now is the time to do it.
“I wanted UEA students to see themselves in these Ukrainian students. That we are the same age, the same majors; we have the same dreams and hobbies. Yet their futures were stolen by war and their diplomas will never be issued.
“I hope everyone who reads these stories can relate and see this parallel. We are the same on a human level – we're just in different countries.”
Image L-R: Natalia’s ‘Unissued Diplomas’ exhibitions hosted in Tokyo, Panama and the UK (credit: Yelyzaveta Poberezhniuk)
How did you first learn about the stories of these 40 Ukrainian students?
“When I was studying in Tokyo, I saw through social media that one of my friends from the US had prepared a similar exhibition. 24 countries had joined the initiative by then, with more than 100 different exhibitions set up by then, and I saw politicians and presidents from these countries coming to visit them.
“It felt powerful and really inspired me to bring an exhibition to my own university in Japan, for the second anniversary of the invasion. From there, I did it again in Panama, and now this is my third time, in the UK.”
What message do you hope visitors took away?
“It’s about connecting deeply with short but powerful stories in a short time. For the people who came to view the exhibition, they dedicated their time to see those 20 pictures and read those 20 stories, and that’s powerful enough. Even if one person understands their stories, I am more than happy.
“My key message would be to highlight that it’s not just a number. These are real lives that were lost, and I want everyone to understand that. They had a family and a life – these students had the same ambitions as the students looking at the exhibition, with wishes to have a family, a nice career, to travel to new places. Until those opportunities were stolen from them.
“I want people to understand that the exhibition is about highlighting peace, education and human life. It's about humanity and humanising the circumstances.”
Do you have any plans to bring the exhibition elsewhere?
“This summer, in collaboration with Prof Matthias Neumann, I’m hoping to bring ‘Unissued Diplomas’ to the International Council for Central and East European Studies' (ICCEES) upcoming XI World Congress in London.
“The theme for this year is centered around disruption, and it’s a big deal for me, because there will be more than 1,500 participants from around the world attending. I hope to share the stories of these 40 Ukrainian students more widely there.”
Image: The ‘Unissued Diplomas’ exhibition hosted at UEA