Ukraine : Work experience

Work placements and exchange programmes

AIESEC (Association Internationale des Etudiants en Sciences Economiques et Commerciales) arranges paid and voluntary placements for students and recent graduates to 100 countries, including Ukraine. Placements lasting from 8 weeks to 18 months take the form of traineeships in management, technical and development roles. Accommodation and support are provided.

IAESTE (The International Association for the Exchange of Students for Technical Experience) arranges practical and relevant traineeships for science and engineering students. Placements are available in Ukraine.

Teaching schemes

Since independence in Ukraine, there has been a growing demand for teachers of English. Although it is possible to enter the country and then find employment as an English teacher, it is strongly recommended that you arrange your teaching post through a UK-based organisation. They will usually help you with your visa and accommodation and may also offer support when you are in post.

A teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL) qualification is sometimes preferred and is required for many positions in schools.

Opportunities are available through:

• International House 
• The British Council, who have a scheme for providing English language assistants.

You can get more ideas from:

• EL Gazette Guide to English Language Teaching Around the World 
• Teaching English Abroad 
• Try Ukraine 

Universities and other educational providers in Ukraine recruit UK graduates to teach not only English as a foreign language, but other courses in English, so contacting universities or non-governmental organisations directly may be useful.

Volunteering

• The International Voluntary Service (IVS) in Britain organises projects in Ukraine, including community, conservation and environmental projects, as well as teaching and summer camps for children. The IVS provides support with visa application. Food and accommodation are free, although sometimes very basic.
• Concordia International Volunteers  runs projects in Ukraine through its international volunteer programme in liaison with Alternative V and other Ukrainian NGOs. They organise work with children or social and environmental projects. A number of charities recruit volunteers to work on community care projects, such as working with orphans, street children or disabled children in Ukraine. A list of all charities in the Ukraine can be found at Charity Guide.
• More ideas are available from Russia-Ukraine Travel.