Job Discussion Forums

sisyphus · Joined: 20 Sep 2009 Posts: 170

Im interested in teaching in the Ukraine, which city has the best opportunities , demand? Im really interested in starting my own school eventually , I presume Kiev is saturated etc? I was in Kharkiv a couple of years ago , seems a large city but mostly russian orientated so maybe not the best place for English...your thoughts appreciated..yours..The Sisyphus.

beachguy69 · Joined: 06 Nov 2009 Posts: 36

The problem here is they just changed the Visa laws this year. All visas, including business visa you come for 90 days and must leave for 90 days.
The only way you can stay is with a work permit.
Life here is getting more difficult.

vanillasky · Joined: 02 Nov 2009 Posts: 32

So how are the teachers and the schools dealing with this? They must be losing a lot of native speakers do to this law change. I there any way around it??? So basically, now native teachers are only coming to work three month contracts instead of full year contracts?

beachguy69 · Joined: 06 Nov 2009 Posts: 36

Most schools do not care. They will lie to the new teachers about the visa. The law says you can only be here for 90 days but when you try to come back you have a 50 % chance of getting in by paying an entrance fee (Ha ha) in America we call it something else.
Therefore the schools tell the new teachers it is not a problem. But if you have all your stuff in your flat and you are not allowed to come back into the country for another 90 days - where do you go and who pays your rent and watch your stuff....
You ask what choices do you have here in Ukraine? Only two my friend. 1) Get a work permit, but 90% of the schools will not get one for you because they do not want to pay taxes. That's right 90% of the teachers here are working illegal because they do not have work permits and do not pay taxes.
2) Get married

vanillasky · Joined: 02 Nov 2009 Posts: 32

Sorry for all the typo's in my previous post Embarassed

. In the Russian forum they would have eaten me alive for that!!! I was ocheen tired, so that's my excuse.
Well, I guess some of the main commercial schools do get the work permits. Not that there is a big handful to choose from in Ukraine. For instance, IH is doing it legally it looks like.
Hmmmm, maybe I should just find myself a nice Ukranian man Smile

. I've dated them before, and I'll have to say they are QUITE nice.

beachguy69 · Joined: 06 Nov 2009 Posts: 36

I have only dated woman so i cannot tell?
Like I said you have only found one and they do not pay very much. Also you must get the land lord to sign off where you live. They do not want to do this because of taxes.
Thanks for your info, I do wish you luck.
I have a work permit from a University

vanillasky · Joined: 02 Nov 2009 Posts: 32

Apparently many expats who are having problems with getting a work permit in Ukraine currently are using the services of lawyers, and that seems to be solving the problem. I'm not exactly sure how that works since I haven't done it, but it looks like a couple hundred dollers can go a long way to solve any legal problems in Ukraine!
http://www.expatua.com/forum/index.php/topic,4230.0.html
.....thats just one thread from the expatua forum

beachguy69 · Joined: 06 Nov 2009 Posts: 36

I think it cost alot more then that. You also have the risk of 1) it might not get done 2) it might not be legal.
Many things can be bought here in Ukraine....
Do you feel lucky?

Cardinal Synn · Joined: 01 Nov 2004 Posts: 586

Then, get a job with one of the 10% (where do you get this figure from, Beachguy69?) that do offer work permits. No point in making your life any more difficult than it needs to be. After all, you can choose from a lot of countries. The only reason I can see for working illegally is if you're desperate to stay here.

charlesinukraine · Joined: 09 Apr 2010 Posts: 18

In the last year the U.S. government as well as the EU has been securing Ukraine's borders with a sophisticated, networked database to track entry and exit from Ukraine. As the system has gone online it is easier to track days in country. This makes it far more worrisome for those without proper work credentials. This includes a tax id, work permit, and IM-1 visa.

For legal workers securing of the borders is not problematic, but for for those working/residing illegally be prepared for potential trouble.

SarahLundt · Joined: 15 May 2010 Posts: 10

How about just working illegaly?

Cardinal Synn · Joined: 01 Nov 2004 Posts: 586

I have to ask again...why would anyone want to work in Ukraine illegally? It's hardly the land of milk and honey.

charlesinukraine · Joined: 09 Apr 2010 Posts: 18

Agreed. Why do people want to violate the laws of another country? And, more importantly, put themselves into potentially tenuous situations?

Furthermore, if a school is not going to hire a teacher legally how do you think the school will treat the teacher? respectfully? doubtful! Probably as a slave or commodity.