Eastern Europe occupies a critical position, geopolitically serving as a bridge between East and West. The region has been subject to power struggles, alliances and rivalries, shaping its current situation. It is a home to diverse cultures, languages and traditions, each contributing to the region’s unique identity.
Poland, Croatia and Ukraine are the three Eastern European countries the seminar focuses on. While different, these countries have notable commonalities: all of them once were a part of the Austro-Hungarian empire and each of them experienced intense political violence under Soviet control. Now, all three are young post-Soviet democracies with newly acquired independence; yet with a long cultural self-awareness. The local cultures are all strongly influenced by Jewish cultural presence; and each of the countries experienced the Holocaust and genocides that targeted European Jews and shattered other local peoples.
The current rise of antisemitism, the ongoing war in Ukraine, and the global response to both emphasize the importance of Holocaust and genocide studies. Additionally, a focus on the role of other Slavic countries besides Russia is vital for understanding the post-Soviet era’s challenges. There is a strong connection between history, memory, land and literatures of the region.
By focusing on Poland, Croatia and Ukraine, the program offers a glimpse at historical and contemporary challenges, alongside their rich cultural heritage that reflects a blend of influences and a strong sense of national identity. Students gain an understanding of the complexities, commonalities and conflicting memories within these three countries, fostering a nuanced perspective on the region’s past, present and future.
Additionally, the program addresses the role of propaganda in current global developments of the region and introduces students to methods used to uncover, prevent and/or contest influences of intentional disinformation.
Note: While travel for this Global Seminar takes place in Poland and Croatia, students will also engage with course materials, discussions, and guest perspectives related to Ukraine. This academic component provides broader regional context and supports comparative learning across Eastern Europe.
Find more details on the UBC Go Global website.
Program overview
Attend an Info Session
The first information session is on Tuesday, November 18, 2025 – 12:00 to 1:00 pm on Zoom. Please RSVP here.
How to Apply
The application deadline is December 10, 2025 at 11:59pm PT. Find application support and procedures here.
Questions?
Please email Dr. Dariya McEwen (Central, Eastern, and Northern European Studies, Faculty of Arts) at dariya.prykhodko@ubc.ca
