The first international language school in independent Ukraine, founded by the Renaissance Foundation and officially affiliated with the global International House World Organisation network. We teach adults and children, train teachers to Cambridge standards and open up the world without language barriers.
1953
year IHWO was founded in Córdoba
1993
IH Kyiv’s affiliation with the global network
130+
IH schools in 45+ countries worldwide
200,000+
IH students worldwide each year
an international language school for adults, children and teenagers, teachers and companies
We teach English to IHWO international standards, train teachers on CELTA and DELTA courses, and help learners prepare for international exams. Classes are held online or in person in Kyiv — in groups, mini-groups or one to one.
Development timeline
For more than seven decades worldwide and over 30 years in Ukraine, we have been setting standards for quality education, with every lesson focused on practical results and real dialogue.
Britons John and Brita Haycraft opened the first International House school in the Spanish city of Córdoba. Their aim was to create an innovative communicative approach to teaching foreign languages and professional teacher training. This methodology became a global benchmark for modern language education.
In 1992, the Renaissance Foundation established the first international language school in Ukraine. In 1993, International House Kyiv was officially affiliated with the global International House World Organisation network. For over 30 years, the school has been IHWO’s only official representative in Kyiv, helping Ukrainians integrate into the global community.
International House Kyiv became Ukraine’s first authorised Cambridge centre for English language teacher training. This marked the beginning of the systematic implementation of international CELTA and DELTA standards in our country’s education system. Most of the centre’s graduates now teach successfully around the world or have opened their own language schools.
2023 was a landmark year for our community: the global IHWO network celebrated its 70th anniversary, while International House Kyiv marked 30 years of continuous work in the capital. We are proud of our history and continue to develop modern education in Ukraine, giving students knowledge that opens up the world.
Global network
The network’s second school in Ukraine. English courses delivered to the same international IHWO standards — if you are in Lviv, we can show you how to contact our colleagues.
International status
IHWO is the world’s largest network of schools teaching English as a foreign language (EFL). Membership guarantees students a strong academic culture, strict qualification checks and international recognition.
All schools in the network follow the same academic requirements and undergo regular inspections by representatives of the IHWO headquarters in London.
Why choose us
With our teaching method, it is impossible not to start speaking English — this is supported by IHWO’s 70 years of global experience and more than 30 years of consistent work in Kyiv.
IH Kyiv students can continue their studies at any of the more than 130 partner schools in the International House network across 45+ countries.
Our communicative method delivers results: classes are conducted entirely in English, even at beginner level. You start speaking from your very first lesson.
Our Ukrainian and international tutors hold the highest international qualifications and confirm their teaching standards annually in line with the network’s requirements.
The ideal combination of native speakers and qualified Ukrainian teachers to help you overcome the language barrier quickly.
Study in standard groups of 6–10, mini-groups of 2–3 or on an individual programme with a personal schedule.
Modern interactive resources, welcoming classrooms near Politekhnichnyi Instytut metro station and full online classes with live communication.
You do not need to wait for a new term — new groups at different levels start every month after a free test.
An authorised Cambridge teacher training centre where modern language education standards are developed for the whole of Ukraine.
Every course graduate receives an official International House certificate confirming their level on the CEFR scale.
Areas of study
We offer a full range of educational programmes: from a child’s first steps in English to international teacher certification and corporate projects.
Team
Every teacher holds an international Cambridge qualification and undergoes regular quality monitoring in line with IH network standards.
The whole school team
Native speakerCELTA · DELTA · CELTA trainer
Phil Howden
English teacher, native speaker
Hi! I’m Phil Howden, an experienced English teacher from York, UK. With many years’ experience at International House Kyiv and CELTA and DELTA certificates, I specialise in General English, Business English and preparation for Cambridge exams. Combining a passion for football and travel, I use every opportunity to teach and motivate my students. Let’s
«Highlights the importance of regular practice both in and outside lessons to speed up learning progress.»
Native speakerCELTA
Richard Merry
Hi! I’m Richard Merry, an English teacher from the UK. Philosophy: Learning through adventure and real-life experience, so that every student can not only learn English but live it. When I’m not working on grammar, I’m looking for adventures that others would not dare to take!
«With every word and every phrase, you are not just learning to speak — you are discovering the world. Stay open to new discoveries with me!»
CELTA · Delta · CELTYL · CELTA trainer · IHCYLT trainer · CELT P/S trainer
Svitlana Starykova
CELTA, IHCYLT and CELT P/S trainer
Hi! I’m Svitlana Starykova, a trainer for CELTA, IHCYLT and CELT P/S, and your guide to the world of English. With over 30 years’ experience, I don’t just teach English – I open the door to global opportunities. Are you ready for language adventures that will change your life?
«Learning English opens up a vast world of opportunities. Every step you take in your learning brings you closer to new personal and professional discoveries. I am here to help you make this happen, filling every lesson with not only knowledge but also inspiration.»
IHCYLT · IHCTL
Nina Bazhenova
English language teacher
Hi! I’m Nina Bazhenova, with over 20 years’ experience teaching English in Ukraine and abroad. I specialise in preparing students for international communication, helping them feel confident and communicate freely in any situation. Join my courses and together we will achieve your language goals in a friendly and supportive atmosphere!
«Remember, every step you take in learning English leads to new opportunities. With me, you can overcome the language barrier and experience real progress in communication and interaction. Join my courses, and together we will achieve great results!»
CELTA
Olena Cherep
English language teacher
Hi! My name is Olena, and I am an English teacher with a CELTA certificate from IH Kyiv. Thanks to my passion for music, learning becomes an exciting journey. Having devoted my life to education, I am delighted to inspire students of all ages. Join me and let’s turn learning English into an exciting journey together!
«Be valuable to life, keep moving forward, and one day you will shine brightly like a diamond! Your efforts and hard work in learning English will open up new opportunities and help you succeed in any field.»
CELTA · FCE · CAE · IELTS
Anastasiia Fysun
Hello! I’m Nastia — an English teacher who loves planning and learning just as much as teaching. I hope to share my enthusiasm for the language and help students see challenging tasks as an opportunity rather than an obstacle.
«English does not care whether you were born in an English-speaking country or first began thinking about learning it as an adult — it is equally open to everyone. Don’t listen to your doubts. Find a teacher who believes in you and whom you can trust.»
Questions and answers
We have collected answers to the main questions about our school’s history, the international IHWO network, teaching standards and lesson arrangements.
The school was founded in 1992 by the Renaissance Foundation as the first international language school in independent Ukraine. In 1993, it joined the International House World Organisation (IHWO), a worldwide network.For over 30 years, IH Kyiv has been the network’s only official representative in Kyiv.
Leave your contact details and a manager will call you, answer all your questions, assess your current level free of charge and help you choose a comfortable lesson format.
