The Ukrainian Free University as a Center for Ukrainian Emigration National Identity Preserving (1921–2023)

Abstract

For over a century, the Ukrainian Free University (UFU) has been the only university with Ukrainian as the language of instruction abroad. The unique higher education institution was initiated by Ukrainian intellectuals in 1921 as the Ukrainian elite was forced to emigrate to Western Europe after the defeat of the national liberation struggle (1917–1921) and asserting Soviet power over the most parts of Ukraine. Attempting to preserve the spirit of national awareness, Ukrainian education and culture, the Ukrainian elite founded a university which became a center of Ukrainian national identity for emigrants.