Job Discussion Forums

[james_tesol]

I am weighing up jobs in a few cities in Ukraine and was wondering what any teachers with experiences thought of Odessa.

In particular i would like to know about the following

1. Friendliness of the locals
2. Nightlife : bars and clubs
3. Foreigner community
4. Weekend Activities
5. Food/restuarants

Any info would be more greatfully received.

Many thanks!

[maruss]

Although it has always been a traditional centre for the mafia,due to its port and transit drug trafficking etc. it is also one of the nicest places in either Ukraine or Russia and has a vibrant city life,as well as being quite Cosmopolitan with the Jewish Community there being very famous etc.
The criminals are unlikely to be interested in persons such as yourself and in fact take great pride in the good reputation of their town with foreigners etc!Coupled with probably the best climate-warm summers and right on the Black Sea, you could do far, far worse than going here!
Even more so because the women are stunning,and available and by no means always interested in your wallet etc!One of my best friends was born there and recently returned home and retired after living in the U.S.A. for years.He is around 68 and has just married his second wife who is around... 28!!In fact he assures me this is no problem there and has invited me to visit him many times and also stressed that I must go alone and not with my wife!!

[ccrider]

I was there two years ago. It is one of the nicest places in Ukraine because of the Black Sea and international port. It is still very much Ukraine with block style apartments that are falling apart and all the other problems of a corrupt society that does not pay much attention to public maintenance or civil service. But.......... if you are set on going to Ukraine, it is the best place to go outside of Kyiv. If you like the sea, go there. If you like the mountains head west.

Stay away from the International House school and a place called the Bridge School. This comes from personal experience and other teachers. I taught at a university in Ukraine in the Peace Corps. Odessa has one of the best national universities. Of course, you won't get paid much at a university; but it would be a good volunteer experience.

[ColdRodear]

Is Russian language the predominate language in Odessa?

[jpvanderwerf2001]

Yes, Russian is predominate in Odessa. I've been there many times and was laughed at when I tried to speak Ukrainian (seriously!).
That being said, I think Odessa is the best major city in Ukraine, all things considered: best weather, best beaches, best women (if that's your thing), it's more cosmopolitan, good nightlife, nice employment opportunities, good size, decent ex-pat population (from what I know)...
Yeah, I definitely wouldn't hesitate to move there.

[ColdRodear]

Then Odessa sounds like the place for me!

[canucktechie]

Keep in mind that a lot of other people want to work in Odessa too, for the reasons given above. Good look getting a job.

[philbags]

can you give us any idea about mid-range salaries vs. cost of living?
would a holiday in october find nice weather?
I was thinking about this place years ago, then got sidetracked.