"I love adventure and good food. The Family Next Door is perfect for me," says the 19-year-old Ukrainian refugee.

"I originally thought I would only stay in the Czech Republic for a few days. I needed some peace and quiet to study for my final exams because the situation surrounding the war was stressing me out so much," says 19-year-old Ukrainian Viktor Palenychak. He left his home country two days after the Russian invasion began, but he never returned. He arrived in the Czech Republic all on his own. His parents stayed in Western Ukraine. Viktor is now studying economics at the Prague University of Economics and Business. He enjoys meeting new people and loves adventure. "The perfect combination for signing up for the Family Next Door project," he adds.‍‍

What caught your interest about the Family Next Door project? Why did you sign up?‍

I love meeting new people, I love adventure, and, of course, good food. And that is exactly what the Family Next Door offers. So, when I heard that Slovo 21 was organizing meetings between two families who had never met before, I knew what I had to do. I filled out the application and just waited to see who I would be visiting.

I think the Family Next Door is a great way to integrate Ukrainians and other foreigners into Czech society. I would definitely recommend this project to others.

And was it worth it? ‍

Definitely. Great company, excellent dumplings, goulash, roulade... Maruška and Tomáš were truly wonderful hosts. We talked a lot about the current situation in Ukraine, but also about what it was like there before the war. My hosts were also interested in how challenging it is for me to study here in the Czech Republic. And they were surprised that I speak Czech so well.

‍Do you plan to meet up outside of the Family Next Door project?

We haven't set a firm date yet, but I am sure we will see each other again. We exchanged contact information. Maruška and Tomáš offered that if I ever need anything, I should reach out to them. That really pleased me. Truly.

‍So, would you recommend the Family Next Door to other people who might not be fully decided yet?

Absolutely. I think it is a great way to integrate Ukrainians and other foreigners into Czech society. I am not sure if I would recommend it to introverts, but I think even they would find something to enjoy. Perhaps they would get to taste some great food, just like I did. Czech cuisine is different from our Ukrainian food, but it is also very good.