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GETTING READY
Visa process
We are so happy you have chosen Ukraine for the internship. Be sure you will get the best memories, the best friends, the
chance to live one of the best parts of your life here.
So, after you are matched and got the invitation letter, you will have to go to Ukrainian embassy in your country and apply for
visa. But, not all the countries need to do that. In the following you can read whether you need to apply for visa or not.
-Visas are not required for EU or Swiss citizens who enter Ukraine or transit through its territory for the period of time of
up to 90 days with a valid travel passport.
-Visas to Ukraine are not required for the US and Canadian citizens who enter Ukraine within six months after their
previous trip to Ukraine or transit through its territory for a period of up to 90 days with a valid American travel passport.
-The US citizens need to make sure that their current medical insurance has coverage in Ukraine.
-Visas to Ukraine are not required for the Japanese citizens who enter Ukraine or transit through its territory for a period
time of up to 90 days with a valid Japanese travel passport.
-If you are a citizen of any other country or the rules above do not apply to your situation, then you need to apply for a
Ukrainian visa at the consulate. No invitation letters are required for citizens of the US, Canada, Japan and Turkey for
obtaining official, business, private, cultural, or sports visas.
-No visas are required for citizens of Mongolia and the countries of the Commonwealth of Independent States (except
Turkmenistan).
You may apply for visa to Ukraine at the Consular/Visa Section of the Embassy of Ukraine. For the list of Ukrainian
Embassies -> http://www.kievtravel.com.ua/ukremb.php
For all types of visas (transit, short- and long-term) the following documents should be submitted:
-completed visa application form for each applicant holding a separate passport or being included in the joint passport;
-fully valid passport/travel document ;
-two recent passport sized photographs;
-invitation;
-two separate postal orders (or company cheques) covering the handling charge and visa fee;
-contact telephone numbers of all applicants (work, home or mobile). The period of visa processing is 3-10 working days.
The visa requirements may change, so it would be better if you call the embassy and make sure whether you need visa or
not.
Packing the luggage or what clothes you have to take.
Here, in Kyiv, we have continental humid climate. Through the year we have 4 seasons: winter (with the average
temperature -4 to -10 C), spring (with the average temperature +10 to +15), summer (the hottest season, the
temperature may go from +15 to +30), autumn (average temperature is like in spring). But the above temperature is only
average and may vary. So, the real warm/hot season starts in the middle may and lasts till the beginning of September.
During this season we usually wear t-shirts, shorts, light jeans, sandals, light jackets. Then it becomes colder in the
middle of September and till the middle of November and also kind of the same is in the middle of March till end of
April/beginning of May. During this time we may wear sweaters, jackets, boots, jeans, sometimes hats. And the coldest
time are all winter months and March and also November. This when you want to have warm jacket on, sweater, warm
boots, hat etc.
Considering not only the cloths it would be nice if you take the linens with you and the towel. You really do not need to
take all the bath stuff, it is possible and actually better to buy all those here.
Electricity 220 volts, 50Hz is the standard electrical voltage throughout Ukraine. To use electrical appliances you will need a
converter as well as an Eastern-European plug adapter.
The time here
The Ukrainian time is +2 GMT. And starting this year it stays like this all over the year. Though before this year we were
advancing the time by 1 hour each last April Sunday and till the last October Sunday.
Money
The Ukrainian national currency is the Gryvnya. However, it is possible to bring Euro or USA dollars with you. You can
exchange them in any major bank or at any exchange point around the city.
Changing U.S. dollars for Ukrainian Gryvnyas or another currency is legal only at banks, currency exchange desks at
hotels and at licensed exchange booths. Beware of changing money on the streets or with private individuals: it's illegal
and it can be dangerous. Remember however that old or damaged bill may not be accepted or accepted under the lower
rate. The "hard currency" stores only accept Gryvnyas but almost all of them have a money exchange booth on the
premises.
To learn the current exchange rate of gryvnya (UAH) to almost any currency check the following link:
http://www.bank.gov.ua/kurs/engl/last_kurs1.htm
You may also bring credit cards with you. It is very easy to find an ATM. And it would also be right to bring the visa one,
because they are the ones that work in every bank and every ATM.
What is different here:
Home and family in Ukraine
Ukrainian culture has agrarian roots. Just two generations ago the urban population was a fraction of what it is
today after the Soviets' experiment in forced industrialization and urbanization. Almost everyone has grandparents
or relatives that live in the countryside. Until perestroika, country folk weren't allowed to move to the city. People
still do not move around as much as in the West, especially the middle-aged and elderly. Often one or both
grandparents will live with their children and help take care of small children. This was a necessity during Soviet
times, when women were drawn into the workforce en masse.
Superstitions and mysticism
Ukrainians have preserved superstitions and omens about things like shaking hands through a doorway, whistling
indoors, and other things. Everyone knows these omens and jokes about them, but they avoid breaking them all the
same. Western society is more rational not only in this regard, but in every other. Ukrainians' religious views
(especially in areas where Orthodoxy dominates) have elements of mysticism and uncertainty, while Western
Christians tend to think in terms such as, "to get to heaven you need to do A, B, and C."
Body language
On average Ukrainians' personal space is smaller than in Germanic and Anglo-saxon cultures. Some people touch
each other quite a bit during conversations if they are standing. Greeting women with a kiss on the cheek is
common. On the gesticulation scale Ukrainians are more subdued than southern Europeans but more animate than
Scandinavians. Gestures tend to be smaller—no American arm-flapping here! Also, smiling is usually reserved for
friends.
Ukrainian hospitality
In Ukraine guests are given lots of attention. If you are someone's house guest, your hosts will likely take you
around town and show you the sights for several days. Traditional Ukrainian attitudes dictate that guests be well-
fed and entertained for as long as they stay at your home. Offering a guest a glass of ice water (common behavior in
the U.S.) seems an absurdity to Ukrainians, the more so because ice water is thought to cause colds. In the business
world, however, drinking bottled water has started to catch on, and being offered a glass of water is no longer an
extreme rarity.
I think that Ukrainian alphabet will be something new and interesting for you! It has 32 letters and completely
differs from any other alphabet. BUT, if u know the alphabet, it will be easier for you to orient in Kyiv and get help in
case. So lets check it out.
Letter Transliteration As it is pronounced
А A Car
Б B Boy
В V Vast
Г G Good
Д D Day
Е E Well
Є Ye Yet
Ж Zhe Regime
З Ze Zone
И Y Mykyta
І I Feed
Ї Yi Yield
Й Y’ Young
К K Keep
Л L Love
М M May
Н N No
О O Occasionally
П P Pin
Р R Rain
С S Sun
Т T Tutor
У U Put
Ф F Fine
Х Kh Help
Ц Ts Nets
Ч Ch Check
Ш Sh Shop
Щ Shch Shcheck
Ь - Makes the previous letter soft
Ю Yu You
Я Ya Yard
So, GOOD LUCK in learning the alphabet=)
Now, after you got all the documents, packed the things, LEARNED the alphabet you ready to go to Ukraine.
Depending what type of transport you take to Ukraine, you may arrive to Borispol airport, Zhulyany airport, Railway
station. Lets look through all those and the ways you can get to the city.
BORISPOL AIRPORT.
This one is the biggest in Ukraine and almost all planes land in this airport. The Borispol airport is about 40 minutes
away from Kyiv. When you are in Borispol, take your luggage, go through security and after that go outside of the
airport. There you will see busses #322. Take one of those. It will take you to the railway station (the last stop)
, where somebody from AIESEC will be waiting for you with a BIG smile=)
ZHULYANY AIRPORT.
This airport primary works as internal one but sometimes flights from border countries are taken. If you land in
ZHULYANY then the AIESEC member will be able to meet you. But still make sure. If no one is able to meet you in
airport, then take bus #169 which will take you to the railway station.
AND…..
If you are taking train to get to Kyiv, just tell us your train and wagon number and we will meet you at the track!!!!
ALRIGHT, you are in Kyiv! Make sure you enjoy this experience from the very first second.
Getting into Ukrainian life
First of all you will have to buy the sim card, so you can contact AIESECers, your friends, your family. All the
AIESEcers here use the LIFE mobile operator . It is the best one to buy because it provides free calls to LIFE
users and also allows you to call abroad for very low rates.
Kyiv is a very big city, so you will have to use subway (metro) all the time.
The one way ticket costs 2 UAH. The monthly ticket is 95 UAH.
Kyiv metro has 3 lines. If you have to change the lines, you will not have to buy 2 tickets.
The first few times it will seem confusing but then you’ll see that it is very easy.
In the above you can see the Kyiv metro map. (AIESEC office is on Shulyavska – red line. pr.
Peremohy 54/1, of. 515 in Kyiv National Economic University)
We also have trams and trolleybuses, special busses called “marshrutka” (those are private, usually yellow, busses that work all over the city. They are the most convenient way of transportation if there’s no metro station near the
place you need) . Their numbers you’ll find out living here.
Now, when you have the LIFE sim card, know how to use the metro and will be able to find marshrutka, lets meet
our awesome EB team 2011-2012. Soooooooo………here they areeeeee
LCP Kyiv is……Tanya Kashevko
VP ICX DT/ET iiiiis……Tanya Pershyna
VP OGX is…..Nastya Gutsol
VP ICX MT/TT is…..Egor Lyapkalo
VP Comm iiiiis….Yulya Zhyrova
VP ER is…..Natasha Gromenko
VP TM is….. Valya Leus
VP F+ Projects is…..Galya Condratenko
….and here is our nice, friendly AIESEC KYIV team:
Some facts about Kyiv
Kyiv (Ukrainian: Київ) is the capital and the largest city of Ukraine, located in the north central part of the country on
the Dnieper River. The population as of the 2001 census was 2,611,300. However, higher numbers have been cited in the
press
The name Kyiv is said to derive from the name of Kyi, one of four legendary founders of the city (brothers Kyi, Shchek,
Khoryv, and sister Lybid). During its history, Kyiv, one of the oldest cities in Eastern Europe, passed through several stages
of great prominence and relative obscurity. The city probably existed as a commercial centre as early as the 5th century.
A Slavic settlement on the great trade route between Scandinavia and Constantinople, Kiyiv was a tributary of
the Khazars, until seized by the Varangians (Vikings) in the mid 9th century. Under Varangians rule, the city became a
capital of the Rus', the first East Slavic state. Completely destroyed during theMongol invasion in 1240, the city lost most
of its influence for the centuries to come. It was a provincial capital of marginal importance in the outskirts of the
territories controlled by its powerful neighbours; first the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, followed by Poland and Russia
The city prospered again during the Russian Empire's industrial revolution in the late
19th century. In 1917, after the Ukrainian National Republic declared independence from the Russian Empire, Kyiv
became its capital. And from 1921 onwards Kyiv was an important city of the Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic, and,
from 1934, its capital. During World War II, the city again suffered significant damage, but quickly recovered in the post-
war years, remaining the third largest city of the Soviet Union. Following the collapse of the Soviet Union and
the Ukrainian independence of 1991, Kyiv remained the capital of Ukraine.
We will not write a lot about history here or whatever. It will be more interesting to learn about it being here.
But now lets see what can you see here and do for fun
Chernobyl' Museum, Khoryv Lane, 1 (Metro “Kontraktova Plosha”), +38 (044) 417-54-22 , Mon-Fri 10-18; Sat 10-17. A
fascinating and moving museum. No signage in English, but English audio guides are available for a fee. Metro:
Kontraktova Ploscha.
Khreschatyk (Хрещатик) Street - The main drag of the city centre. It is closed to traffic on some weekends and full of
entertainers and people wandering around. A big happy crowd and very conducive to peoplewatching. Metro:
Maydan Nezalezhnosti or Khreschatyk.
Kiev Pechersk Lavra (Cave Monastery--Печерська лавра), (Metro station Arsenal'na is a
couple blocks away from the main entrance. You can take a trolley from the subway station - 2 stops). One of the
oldest and most important monasteries in Ukraine and in the territory of the former Soviet Union. Only the most
important monasteries were designated as Lavras; there were only four, of which this Cave Monastery is the oldest.
It was founded in 1077 by St Antoniy. The caves were dug out by priests who lived there as hermits. Nowadays, the
caves are venerated by the faithful and tourists who visit the mummified monks, and pilgrims are still allowed access
to the underground church there. There are two parts to the modern complex: the upper lavra, owned by the state
and consisting of a number of museums (entry fee); and the lower lavra, owned by the Orthodox Church (Moscow
Patriach) and consisting of the caves (you'll need 1 UAH to buy a candle to enter). Do not miss the display of micro-
miniatures in the upper lavra. It sounds lame, but it is fascinating. You can enter the caves in the lower part if you
dress correctly (women MUST cover their hair and wear skirts, no shorts. Expensive scarves are for sale there).
Women can only just get away with pants in the winter. Start at the Lower Lavra, visiting the caves before the crowds
descend for the day. There are two cave complexes, each housing the mummified remains of monks, as well as
religous icons and other relics. Both caves are accessed through churches, with the entrance to the shorter caves at
the end of a boardwalk. While it is free to enter the caves, you must purchase a taper candle in order to light your
way. The caves are not recommended for the claustrophobic or overly tall. Once you're in there, it's hard, even
impossible to turn around and go back out - you have to keep going.
Museum of Folk Architecture and Rural Life (Музей народної архітектури та побуту - Muzey narodnoyi arkhitetury
ta pobutu), Krasnoznamennaya street, 1, Pirogovo (Bus #156 or #172 from Respublikans'kyi Stadion or Lybedskaya
Metro stations goes there for US$0.30 (pay driver). About one hour.), +38(044) 526 57 65. daily. Covering 160 ha,
the area shows how people used to live in different parts of the Ukraine. Six restored rural Ukranian villages, with old
huts, wooden mills and churches from all over Ukraine have been carefully restored and function as living museums.
English-speaking (sort of) guides with expertise on the whole site are available and well worth-it. Ukrainians come on
sunny days to relax in the grass.
St Sophia's Cathedral (Собор Святої Софії - Sobor Sviatoyi Sofiyi) 09.00-16.00. The oldest remaining church in Kiev.
Parts date from the 11th century. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and has numerous paintings and mosaics
including the Virgin Orans mosaic. Several green-robed ladies maintain order and will shout at you if you look like you
are planning to take a photo. The gatehouse and other restorations were completed in the 17th century. Outside the
gates, there is a statue commemorating Bogdan Hmelnitski, who liberated Kiev in the 17th century... then gave the
city to the Russian Empire. UAH43 for admission to the complex and church. Additional charges to climb the bell
tower, visit the museum and have a guided tour.
St. Michael's Golden-Domed Monastery, (a short distance and easily visible from St.
Sophia's cathedral). A working monastery that goes back to the 12th Century. Destroyed during the Soviet era, with
many of its art works hastily removed, some of which subsequently fell into the hands of the Nazis. Rebuilt in 1997-
98. Impressive gold domes best visited on a sunny day. Behind the complex is a pleasant park with views of the
Dnieper and, to the left, the entrance to the funicular.
Motherland Statue and War memorials - Kiev was pretty much destroyed
during the invasion in WWII. The memorial near the motherland statue is pretty gripping. Lots of examples of classic
Soviet-era memorial statuary as well as some amazing exhibits of military hardware. The Museum to the Great
Patriotic War (WWII) located in the base of the statue is a must-see for visitors interested in the impact the German
invasion had on the Soviet Union. Well worth the visit even if you don't speak or read any Russian (several English
language tours are provided daily). It's well curated and full of artifacts (including weapons, battle maps, hundreds of
original photographs, and a moving installation at the end of the exhibit symbolizing the great losses suffered). There
is also a small museum of the Afghan conflict nearby. Try to enter coming from the top part of the Pecherska Lavra.
This way you get submerged with old soviet music and dark statues. Metro: Pecherska, Arsenal'na
Maydan Nezalezhnosti (Майдан Незалежності) - Independence Square,
located on Khreschatyk Street. Maidan is known throughout the world as the place where supporters of Yuschenko
and the Orange Revolution camped for weeks on end in October 2004. This is a central meeting place in Kiev. Metro:
Maydan Nezalezhnosti or Kreschatyk
Andriyivs'ky Uzviz (Андріївський узвіз) or Andrew's Descent - At the top of this quaint, very
rough cobblestone street is St Andrew's Church (closed for restoration in 2011).
Sidewalks are gradually being added to the Descent but, meanwhile, take a good pair of shoes. Andrew's Descent
winds down to Kontraktova Ploscha in Podil. The street is lined with souvenir sellers, restaurants, galleries and
museums.
One Street Museum (Музей однієї вулиці - Muzey odniyeyi vulytsi) . (Andriyivsky uzviz
(Андріївський узвіз), 2-B Kyiv.) The collection of the One Street Museum is dedicated to the history of the
Andriyivskyi uzviz (Andrew's Descent) and its famous residents. Open daily from 12 PM to 6PM (closed Mondays)
Web-site of the One Street Museum.
Mariyins'ky Palace (Маріїнський Палац) and Mariyinsky park where Lovers'
bridge is situated.
Great Gate of Kiev - Zoloti Vorota (Золоті ворота). Metro: Zoloti Vorota. This is a 1982
reconstruction of the Golden Gates of Kiev, described by Mussorgski in "Pictures of an Exhibition" It is quite a nice
spot to visit and learn about the town walls. Some nice buildings are also there and you can inspect the Porsche
Cayennes, Lexuses, Audis, BMWs and Mercedes of Ukraine's nouveau riche who are very much into conspicuous
consumption.
KKKYYYIIIVVV::: WWWHHHEEERRREEE---TTTOOO---GGGOOO PPPRRROOOPPPOOOSSSAAALLLSSS
CCCaaafffeeesss
111... AAArrrttt---cccaaafffééé “““OOOccchhheeerrreeetttyyyaaannnyyyyyy KKKiiittt””” (((“““AAA CCCaaannneee CCCaaattt”””)))
Address: Frolovska Street, 7 (m. Kontraktova Ploshcha)
Time: 12 pm – till the last guest
To spend an evening: 120 grn.
22.. PPiiaannoo CCaafféé
Address: Kontraktova Ploshcha, 4
(m. Kontraktova Ploshcha)
Time: 10 am – 11 pm
Privileges: live piano music, karaoke, Wi-Fi.
To spend an evening: 120 grn.
33.. TTaavveerrnn ““VViinnsshhttuubb””
Address: Andriyivska Street, 9 (m. Poshtova Ploshcha)
Time: 12 pm – 11 pm
Privileges: live accordion music (7 pm – 11 pm)
To spend an evening: 100 grn.
44.. AArrtt--cclluubb ““4444””
Address: Chreshchatyk Street, 44 B (m.
Chreshchatyk)
Time: 11 am – 2 am
Privileges: Wi-Fi, live music (jazz, blues, pop, rock, reggae,
etc),
concerts, free jazz (every Sunday evening), free cinema (7 pm – 9 pm)
Note: sometimes entrance costs some money, and sometimes it is free (it depends on the program)
To spend an evening: 120 grn.
55.. CCaafféé ““BBaabbuuyyiinn”” ((““AA BBaabboooonn””))
Address: Symona Petlyury Street, 10 (m. Universytet)
Time: 11 am – till the last guest
Privileges: Wi-Fi, here you can read and even buy some books and
pictures, enjoy live music (from Thursday till Sunday)
Note: sometimes entrance costs some money, and sometimes it is
free (it depends on the program)
To spend an evening: 150 grn.
66.. RRuusskkyyyy CClluubb ““CCuulltt RRaa””
Address: Volodymyrska Street, 4 (m. Kontraktova
Ploshcha)
Time: 10 am – 11 pm
Privileges: books, paid ethnic workshops (on Saturdays)
To spend an evening: 150 grn.
77.. CCaaffee ““CCeennttrraall PPeerrkk””
Address: Bozhenko Street, 86 D (m. Lybidska)
Time: 9 am – 8 pm
Privileges: serial “Friends” non-stop, table soccer.
To spend an evening: 90 grn.
88.. BBaarr ““WWaarrdd nnoo.. 66””
Address: Vorovskogo Street, 31 A (m. Zoloti Vorota)
Time: 11 am – 2 am
Privileges: Wi-Fi, football matches translations, hospital
atmosphere.
To spend an evening: 180 grn.
99.. CCaafféé ““PPeesshhcchheerraa”” ((““AA CCaavvee””))
Address: Tarasivska Street, 10A (m. Ploshcha Lva Tolstogo)
Time: 11 am – 12 am
Privileges: Wi-Fi, mysterious atmosphere
To spend an evening: 130 grn.
State holidays
1 January – New Year‟s {Parties and fests all around with fireworks and huge celebration. AIESECers usually organize
party and cook food together, drink and stay up until morning.}
7 January – Christmas {More religious holiday. Families get together to have meal of 12 dishes. It is nice to be invited to
have dinner with somebody and share holy atmosphere.}
8 March – Women‟s Day {Men usually give plenty of flowers to women and behave with respect.}
April (or May) – Easter {People go to church to bless food in baskets and after that have meal together.}
1-2 May – Labor Day {Nothing special happens. Free time to go to park or chill with family and friends.}
9 May – Victory Day {Parades along the city and it is common to give flowers to veterans, go to Park of Glory and other
parks.}
28 June – Constitution Day {Some governmental events.}
24 August – Independence Day {Parades, fireworks, celebrations, concerts all around the country.}
And FINALLY, what do you have to bring with you:
- Cloths depending on the season you are coming
- Linens and towel
- National things (souvenirs, post cards, flag)
- National food (sweets, cookies)
- GREAT MOOD AND BE READY FOR THE LIFE CHANGING EXPERINCE.
…and… and… and…
SSEEEE YYOOUU SSOOOONN HHEERREE IINN MMAARRVVEELLOOUUSS
CCOOUUNNTTRRYY OOFF UUKKRRAAIINNEE!!