Report on Career Guidance Activities at the ELfME Department

A meeting with senior pupils and teachers of Vysokopillia Lyceum of the Kherson Regional Council

On March 11, 2026, representatives of the Department of English Language for Marine Engineering of the Kherson State Maritime Academy—Professor I. Ryabukha (DSc, Executive Secretary of the Admissions Committee), Associate Professor G. Solovey (PhD in Philology), and Associate Professor O. Litikova (PhD in Pedagogy)—held a meeting with senior pupils and teachers of Vysokopillia Lyceum.

During the meeting, it was noted that the Kherson State Maritime Academy, founded in 1834 as the Kherson School of Merchant Shipping, continues to uphold and develop the traditions of the national maritime fleet. Despite its forced relocation to Odesa due to the full-scale Russian invasion in February 2022, the Academy has maintained uninterrupted operations. It currently provides education in a blended format (primarily online) and annually enrols students in Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD programs.

The participants were informed about the Academy’s structure, maritime specialisations, and the key role of English in training deck officers, marine engineers, and electro-technical officers. Special attention was given to cadets’ preparation for interviews with international shipping companies and their onboard training, which begins as early as the second year of study.


Pupils also learned about the achievements of KSMA cadets, many of whom have accelerated their career development through strong academic performance, successful English-language interviews, and early sea practice. By their fourth year, some have already held positions such as fourth- or third-engineer, completed several global voyages, and significantly enhanced their professional competitiveness.


Professor I. Ryabukha provided information on the admission process and application procedures, as well as opportunities to obtain double degrees: KSMA (Ukraine) – LMA (Lithuania) at the Bachelor’s level, and KSMA (Ukraine) – UoP (United Kingdom).

The meeting participants expressed strong interest in the Academy’s educational and career opportunities.

Prospective applicants are encouraged to contact the Academy for further information. We look forward to future meetings.