Job Discussion Forums

[ukrcanadian]

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]

Dobray den. Yak spravay?
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]

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]

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]

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]

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

[maruss]

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.

[coledavis]

In case you didn't know, note that eastern Ukraine is primarily Russian-speaking.

[ukrcanadian]

Ya, I know about the economy, but as with many things in life, I'll just play it by ear and see what happens. Right now I'm just getting my ducks in a roaw --lining up Ukr lessons, registering for an TESOL course online, etc. I'm thinking 10-12 months, or maybe a bit longer until I go and/or make the final choice. Thanks for all the advice though, all.

Dozhe dyakuyu, miy druhy.

Nick

[ecocks]

You know if the goal is to "really" learn Ukrainian while supplementing your language program financing with some TEFL, you might also add Uzgohrod (sp?). Lots of Ukrainian although with a bit of Hungarian influence instead of the much more pervasive Polish.

Some will argue that you cannot charge nearly as much in the small towns as you do in the big 6 cities but expenses are lower and your experience will be a lot more lively and vivid. There is also considerably less competition though. Even in down times, some are still studying for the future. You can always figure out how to just cover your apartment costs and then work out hourly charges based upon hours of instruction per liter of borsch/pivo or kg of kolbasa.

That said, prices are down pretty much across the board in Ukraine. The differential between the provincial towns and the first and second tier cities' has narrowed these last few months and may get even tighter in the next year or so.

[ukrcanadian]

Actually, Uzhorod would be quite neat, as that is where my Dido is from. I just didn't find anything on ESL there, so I figured it wasn't large enough. Thanks for the input though. I also imagine that a lot of the political crap doesn't hit the smaller centres as much as the main centres. Not that important, but it may be better for a foreigner?

N

[ecocks]

Also it's easier to hop across the border to Hungary, Romania, Slovakia and Poland or even over into Czech Republic for some side trips from time to time. Broaden your cultural horizons.

[maruss]

Used to be in Slovakia until Stalins hordes over-ran it at the end of World War Two,just like Lvov where my father was born,and which was then in Poland...Never mind,Putin says they 'liberated' all these territories,including the Baltic States, from the Nazis so they should be grateful!Of course he doesn't mention that anyone who showed ingratitude probably ended up going on a one way 'educational ' trip to places such as Vorkuta and Norilsk,many of whom apparently liked it so much there that they never returned!!

[ukrcanadian]

Dido's passport says "Czechoslovakia." But he is one of those Rusyn, Ukrainian, Hutzel, Trans-C folk. haha. Good topic, and some good points.

N