Ukrainian and Russian students who fled the war find ‘island of stability’ at Hunter College

A new study abroad program at Hunter College has brought together students from Ukraine and Russia with one thing in common: They’ve all fled the war.

The six undergraduate students – three from Russia and three from Ukraine – are studying everything from biology to political science. During a get-together last week attended by Gothamist, hints of tension surfaced: One Ukrainian student said she tries to stay away from Russian neighborhoods in the city.

Another student from Moscow said he still loved his home country of Russia, but feared it will fall deeper into autocracy.

All the students shared an overwhelming anxiety about their friends and families back home – and an appreciation of the opportunity at Hunter. The university is assisting each student with tuition and financial aid so they can continue studies disrupted by the conflict.

WNYC reporter Sophia Chang spoke with All Things Considered host Sean Carlson about the students taking part in the program. Read the full story on Gothamist.com.