Job Discussion Forums

Tiger Beer · Joined: 08 Feb 2003 Posts: 778 Location: Hong Kong

Can anyone describe their impressions of Kiev/Odessa?

I've become quite interested in the country, and curious what impressions are of the cities for those who've lived there or worked there.

Kiev looks pretty interesting on youtube. Some cool, what are they, St.Michael statues I think, and just interesting gold dome architecture. I also read they have a really modern and extensive subway system as well?

How about Odessa and it's beaches? I heard the beaches are fairly mediocre, but it's a very popular beach scene nontheless because of it's location, etc.

What's the impressions of these two cities? People as well, etc.?

Larry Paradine · Joined: 22 Jan 2005 Posts: 64

I've only been to Kiev once, ten years ago. Then it was a run-down, dusty, third world type city, and I was charmed by it. I've heard that it's since become more like Moscow, in the sense that hordes of tourists have driven up prices, increased pollution and alienated many citizens who were warm and welcoming to foreigners in the immediate post-Soviet years. I too would be interested in reading more recent experiences.

ecocks · Joined: 06 Nov 2007 Posts: 899 Location: Gdansk, Poland

the discussion on the American English thread.

Tiger Beer · Joined: 08 Feb 2003 Posts: 778 Location: Hong Kong

That's a great thread on KIEV - probably the best anywhere in all of the forums.

I'll paste the link here in case anyone is reading thread titles and can't quickly find the other (as this forum will grow).

Great KIEV info:
http://forums.eslcafe.com/job/viewtopic.php?t=59400&start=15

canucktechie · Joined: 07 Feb 2003 Posts: 343 Location: Moscow

ecocks · Joined: 06 Nov 2007 Posts: 899 Location: Gdansk, Poland

that you can blame the tourists for the pollution as well. Maybe there is a little blowback regarding the ugly tourists who have scammed the women in reverse as well. By and large though, the only negatives I run into outside of the center of the city are irritation during communication. I have had wonderful experiences with young people who strike up conversations in coffeehouses, restaurants and McDonalds. I used to give away the little level one Penguin readers to young children who were trying to practice their English with me but my supplier couldn't keep enough stock (and it was getting expensive!).

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

The center of Kyiv is quite nice (that being the Khryshatuk area--hate spelling that name). Outside of the center the city is very much like most former Soviet cities. Righteous metro.
Odessa is a fun little city with above-average nightlife and a more cosmopolitan feel. The beaches are loads of fun (and have great scenery) in the summertime.
If I had to choose from those two cities to spend, say, a year (salaries being relatively equal), I'd definitely go with Odessa.
In the entire country, however, I'd go with L'viv (with the caveat that I'm a bit biased having spent two years there).

abauer · Joined: 18 Feb 2008 Posts: 24

My personal take: Stunning architecture (Gov't buildings, Religious sites, etc). Most other places (i.e. residences, some local streets) are a bit dirty and looks a bit like the ghetto, but safe nonetheless. Overall, Kiev possesses a unique and charming atmosphere (as well as some women who are proper fit and bloody good food).

Cardinal Synn · Joined: 01 Nov 2004 Posts: 586

EMH1969 · Joined: 27 May 2007 Posts: 38

Cardinal Synn · Joined: 01 Nov 2004 Posts: 586

EMH1969 · Joined: 27 May 2007 Posts: 38

ecocks · Joined: 06 Nov 2007 Posts: 899 Location: Gdansk, Poland

Do the basics. Are you trained? Do you have experience?

Get your resume/CV out and in circulation among the schools.

Do your research and get prepared.

PM me if you want more resources.

Cardinal Synn · Joined: 01 Nov 2004 Posts: 586