Honors Student Supports Communities in Ukraine Through International Internship

For Elijah "EJ" Novak, a junior in Seton Hall University's Honors Program, studying Eastern Europe has never been confined to the classroom.

This summer, Novak, a double major in Diplomacy and International Relations and History with a concentration in Eastern European Studies, is interning in Kyiv through ImpactUA, a program co-sponsored by Brave Generations and Razom for Ukraine that places college students with nonprofit organizations across Ukraine. Working with the Zaporuka Charitable Foundation, Novak supports fundraising efforts while volunteering with the organization's Dacha Family Home, which provides free housing for families whose children are receiving life-saving medical treatment.

The experience reflects Seton Hall's commitment to preparing students for lives of leadership, service and global engagement by connecting academic study with meaningful work in communities around the world.

"I participated in the program because I wanted to support the Ukrainian people in any way possible," Novak said. "As the war enters its fifth year, many of my peers and fellow Americans have become increasingly distant from the conflict, and its reality has faded from public attention. I feel personally called to help share the reality of Ukraine — not only its hardships and struggles, but also the everyday life that often gets lost behind images of war. I hope to show that Ukraine is more than a battlefield; it is home to resilient people who continue to live, work and build community despite the challenges they face."

Based in Kyiv, Novak conducts donor research to help identify new philanthropic partners for Zaporuka while also volunteering at the Dacha Family Home. Since opening in 2009, the foundation's flagship initiative has welcomed more than 1,000 families and expanded beyond Kyiv to include a location in Lviv, with another opening planned in Dnipro. In addition to supporting families whose children are undergoing cancer treatment and other critical medical care, the Dacha also serves internally displaced people affected by the war.

Although the internship has included frequent air raid alarms and time spent sheltering during missile attacks, Novak said the defining aspect of his experience has been the people he has met.

"There is no doubt that this summer has been more strenuous than previous ones," he said. "Yet it is not the bombs or the missiles that have had the greatest impact on my time here. It has been the community I have had the privilege to become part of."

He added,

Playing cards at 3 a.m. in the metro while sheltering during a mass attack, running a Saturday morning 5K through the park before taking a dip in the Dnipro after a long night in the shelter, and sharing meals, drinks and countless toasts while celebrating Ukrainian holidays — these moments have shown me what resilience truly looks like.

Novak credits Seton Hall faculty and coursework with preparing him to better understand the region's history, politics and culture before traveling abroad. "As a double major in international relations and diplomacy and history, Seton Hall has given me numerous opportunities to better understand the Russo-Ukrainian War from both historical and contemporary perspectives," Novak said.

He specifically highlighted the mentorship of Margarita Balmaceda, professor of Diplomacy and International Relations, whose courses on Eastern Europe provided historical and contemporary context for his work. Novak also credited Nathaniel Knight and Maxim Matusevich, professors of History, for helping deepen his understanding of the region.

When he returns to campus this fall, Novak hopes to share those experiences with fellow students while continuing to raise awareness of Ukraine through the University's Slavic Club.

"When I return to Seton Hall, I hope to share not only what I have learned professionally, but also the stories of the people I have met and the resilience I have witnessed," Novak said. "If you are interested in supporting Ukraine, I encourage you to join Seton Hall University's Slavic Club. Each semester, we organize a fundraiser for a Ukrainian nonprofit organization. The club offers a welcoming community, engaging events and meaningful opportunities to support Ukraine."

Categories: Faith and Service, Nation and World