Job Discussion Forums

ukrcanadian · Joined: 23 Jan 2009 Posts: 7

Hi all. I'm thinking of going to Ukraine this coming fall/winter to work and learn Ukrainian, with the main objective of learning Ukrainian. After a while, I'd also like to learn some Russian, but here in Western Canada, Ukrainian is the language of Ukrainian-Canadians, so it would be more useful in the long run for me to learn that language first. I was wondering what sort of job opportunities I could get with a college diploma (business/toursim) and a University degree (History major, minor education)? I'd prefer to stay in the west part of the country at first, then maybe go to the east after I'm there for a while, have expanded my Ukr skills, and have a bit of Russian knowledge. Any help or tips (websites, email adresses, job-types etc) would be much appreciated. Thanks!

Nick

jpvanderwerf2001 · Joined: 02 Oct 2003 Posts: 1117 Location: New York

Dobray den. Yak spravay? Laughing

The best place to learn Ukrainian, bar none, is L'viv. Most people speak Ukrainian in everyday life. You would have no problem getting a Ukrainian tutor, and lessons in Ivano Franko University if that interests you.
I worked in the International House in L'viv for two years. I'm not sure of the state of the school at the moment, but I can tell you that I truly enjoyed it, and got along with Marina, the director, swimmingly. The pay was rather paltry, though. They have a web site where you can get contact information (just google IH L'viv).
L'viv is a gorgeous, manageable and wonderful city (especially when it's not winter). I absolutely adore that place.
Good luck!

ukrcanadian · Joined: 23 Jan 2009 Posts: 7

Dobre. Dyakuyu. A oo vas?

Thanks for the reply. Lviv is where I was hoping to go. The IH site just lacked in some info on getting a job there. But I'll definitely check again.

Pa-pa.

Nick

Bradley326 · Joined: 17 Jan 2009 Posts: 14

How much opportunity for practicing Russian is there in Ukraine? I was there shortly after the breakup of the Soviet Union and even then lots of store signs, etc were being changed from Russian to Ukrainian, and there was a resurgence in people speaking Ukrainian (especially in schools and business).

Has that continued to any heavy extent? I know that there is a far greater Russian influence in Eastern Ukraine than Western. But would one have an opportunity to actively speak Russian in Western Ukraine, or is it pretty much all Ukrainian-speaking now?

I guess I'm wondering if people would be offended if I only knew and spoke Russian in a Western-Ukrainian city? Do they even learn Russian as a second language anymore?

jpvanderwerf2001 · Joined: 02 Oct 2003 Posts: 1117 Location: New York

Don't worry. If you're a foreigner, speaking Russian is seen as OK. However, speaking Ukrainian is a huge plus while in L'viv. People will respond to your Russian, though (everyone knows Russian).

ukrcanadian · Joined: 23 Jan 2009 Posts: 7

Actually, I know some Ukrainian, but no Russian.... I'd rather learn Ukrainian first because it is more useful here in Western Canada.

maruss · Joined: 18 Mar 2003 Posts: 1145 Location: Cyprus

Few foreigners learn Ukrainian and it will be really appreciated,especially in an area like Lviv!However,one word of general advice-as I'm sure you are aware,the economy in Ukraine is in dire straits and the place is facing political instability as well so I would really think twice about going there under present circumstances,especially as you are intending to work.