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UKRAINE Country Booklet
Fun Facts Ukraine is bordered by the Russian Federation to the east and northeast, Belarus to the northwest, Poland, Slovakia and Hungary to the west, Romania and Moldova to the southwest, and the Black Sea and Sea of Azov to the south and southeast respectively. Capital: Kyiv Area: 603.7 sq km Population: 45,888,000 people Official language: Ukrainian Currency: UAH Hryvnia Religion: 64% Orthodox National symbols: blue-yellow flag symbolizes blue sky and wheat fields Government: unitary semi- presidential republic Climate: Continental climate (cold winters)
History Ukrainian history is long and proud, with the inception of Kievan Rus as the most powerful state in Medieval Europe. While this state fell prey to Mongol conquest, the western part of Ukraine became part of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth from the 14th until the 18th century, even modern Ukraine owes it a debt of sorts. The Russian Empire absorbed much of Ukraine in the 18th century to the detriment of their culture and identity. Ukraine was incorporated into the new USSR after the Russian Civil War in 1922 and subject to two disastrous famines (1932-33 and 1946) as well as brutal fighting during World War II. Ukraine declared its sovereignty within the Soviet Union in July 1990. The Verkhovna Rada (Ukraine's Parliament) again declared its independence in early December 1991. Initially, there were economic difficulties, hyperinflation, and oligarchial rule prevailed following independence. The issues of cronyism, corruption and alleged voting irregularities came about during the heavily-disputed 2004 Presidential election, where allegations of vote-rigging sparked what became known as the "Orange Revolution". In 2010 Victor Yanukovych became the president of Ukraine.
Culture- Traditions Ukrainians are very fond of celebrating holidays. They strictly observe the traditions of Orthodox and Soviet holidays and readily accept Western holidays like St. Valentine Day, Halloween, St. Patrick's Day and so on. A great number of holidays can be divided into several groups - public, religious and just holidays. Public holidays are marked with red in the calendar for you not to forget to have a good rest. Ivan Kupala Day (June) Bonfires happen at night and symbolize purification. Whoever jumps the highest over the bonfire will have the most happiness!
Kalyna
Traditional dances are popular within Ukraine. One style of dancing is called the Kalyna. The women wear colourful costumes, featuring a solid-coloured tunic, matching apron, and an open skirt and a type of red leather boots to dance in and a flower head-piece. Men wear baggy trousers and a shirt. Over the shirt they sometimes wear an embroidered vest. Around their waist they wear a thick sash with fringed ends. Kalyna dancing involves partner dancing. One dance, called the pryvitannia, is a greeting dance.
Culture- Cuisine Ukrainian cuisine has a rich history and offers a wide variety of dishes. Most famous dishes are borscht (beet root soup), potato salads, grains, vegetable salads, pork dishes etc. Ukrainians eat moderately oily food, with equal consumption of vegetables and meat. Try making a dessert: Syrniki! Ingredients: 250 cottage cheese (syr), 75 g oil to fry, 2 table spoons semolina flour ,3 table spoons sugar, 2 table spoons wheat flour, 2 eggs Method: Combine all the ingredients, except flour, and knead stiff dough. Shape small balls and roll in flour. Fry in oil for 3-4 minutes every side until bright golden. Garnish with sour cream, jam, honey or apple sauce!
Varenyky
Borscht
(Dumplings stuffed with fillings such as potato and cheese, often served boiled)
The top five components of a meal are potatoes, bread, eggs, meat (especially beef) and butter. Other popular foods include cabbage, milk, sour cream, curds, mushrooms, lard, cucumbers, tomatoes, apples, berries, honey, sugar, salt, garlic, and onions. Main courses are eaten at the dinner (afternoon meal) and at the supper (evening meal). Most often they include meat (beef, chicken, fish) and are served with various garnishes and dressings.
Main Cities- Kyiv The Ukrainian capital is one of the largest European scientific and cultural centers. There is a wide web of scientific establishments, higher education establishments, medium specialized schools, lyceums, gymnasiums, places of culture and art. Many outstanding people are connected to Kyiv — political, state and social figures, writers, composers, painters, scientists, the memory of which is eternalized in monuments, memorials street and square names.
Sofia cathedral
Golden Gate
Among the most famous places of the city is Sofia cathedral (1017–31), the Golden Gate (1017–24), Vydubytskyy monastery (XI century), KyevoPecherska Lavra (1051), Kyrylivska church (middle of XII century), Bratskyy monastery (1616), Volodymyrskyy cathedral (1862–96), Mariyinskyy palace (1745–52) and many others.
Volodymyrskyy cathedral
Visa Requirements Australia, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Singapore, Mainland of China and Indonesian Citizens require a Visa to enter Ukraine. This is the Short-Stay Visa (Type C). Please confirm the Visa you require with your TN Manager (contact you have in Ukraine) before you apply for any Visa.
“World Without Borders- Cultural Understanding” The aim of the project is to spread cultural awareness among youth of 7-17 years and develop leadership. Exchange Participants (EP’s) will spread awareness of their home country through presenting national traditions, food, history, arts, national clothes. The goals of the projects are to increase the level of English language skills of the Ukrainian youth, to increase the knowledge of cultural differences in Ukrainian youth and to develop leadership skills in Ukrainian youth. Benefits: Personal Workspace & Internet access Accommodation Provided Food- One hot meal at school Provided Close contact with the Host Local Committee Duration: 6 weeks Issue: Cultural Understanding
Learning Points: Develop practical facilitation skills Possibility to develop language skills Improve network and contacts around the world Learn more about Ukrainian culture Meet people from all over the world Change your global perspective
“World Without Borders- Cultural Understanding” Hear about an EP’s Exchange experience in Ukraine WATCH THIS! Job Description 1
Job Description 2
Prepare and take part in discussions, speaking clubs, English classes (if needed), events, learning circles, other activities to spread cultural awareness and cultural tolerance EP’s will need to prepare presentations and activities/games which allow them to share their home countries culture with Ukrainian youth. EP’s should be prepared for such events through bringing traditional clothes, food, brochures, souvenirs.
Job Description 3
EP’s will take part in school activities and also Host Local Committee activities e.g. Exchange Participant (EP) Integration events, reviewing projects and making recommendations for the future, helping in the creation of new exchange projects in Ukraine
Job Description 4
EP will take part in Global Village and should be prepared for this by bringing traditional clothes, food, brochures etc.
Measurable Results Expected from the EP
It is expected that after the project students will be more aware of cultural differences and the value of diversity. Additionally, by Ukrainian youth participating in this project, they should be developing leadership skills and self awareness
“World Without Borders- Career Development” EP’s will work in secondary /technical schools to explore, identify and develop the professional skills of students. EP’s should inspire students to undergo self-discovery and self-development and activate their leadership skills. The purpose of the project is to broaden each students view of what career they could be thinking about through the use of interactive sessions and workshops. Benefits: Personal Workspace & Internet access Accommodation Provided Food- One hot meal at school Provided Close contact with the Host Local Committee Duration: 6 weeks Issue: Career Development
Learning Points: Develop practical facilitation skills Possibility to develop language skills Improve network and contacts around the world Inspire students to become leaders Inspire students to widen their career options Make a lasting impact on a child's life Change your global perspective Work on an International team
“World Without Borders- Career Development”
Job Description 1
Job Description 2
Job Description 3
Job Description 4
EP’s should use interactive methods of teaching (activities, games, art) in order to help pupils to improve soft skills and identify their own leadership potential. The students should develop language, communication and presentation skills through attending the EP’s lessons EP’s will also be involved in the delivery of English literacy classes (Monday-Friday) to pupils (6-18 age) together with the English Teacher as an assistant. EP’s will work on the agenda of these classes with the English teacher. The EP’s should try and convey the message of leadership through the English classes as well EP’s will take part in school activities and also Host Local Committee activities e.g. Exchange Participant (EP) Integration events, reviewing projects and making recommendations for the future, helping in the creation of new exchange projects in Ukraine EP will take part in Global Village and should be prepared for this by bringing traditional clothes, food, brochures etc.
Measurable Results Expected It is expected that after the project students will be more aware of their from the EP own self development and leadership potential. By attending the lessons the students should improve their confidence levels and more aware of potential career opportunities
“World Without Borders- Financial Literacy” This is a new project in AIESEC Ukraine which aims to give youth the basic knowledge about finance and their role in the modern world and improve their English speaking abilities. EP’s will work in secondary school/technical schools or Universities and over 6 weeks they will facilitate lessons and trainings on special topics from the fields of Economics and Finance, whilst at the same time, improving the English speaking abilities of those students. Benefits: Personal Workspace & Internet access Accommodation Provided Food- One hot meal at school Provided Close contact with the Host Local Committee Chance to put a passion for Finance into practise! Duration: 6 weeks Issue: Financial Literacy
Learning Points: Develop practical facilitation skills Possibility to develop language skills Improve network and contacts around the world Help students to better understand Finance Make a lasting impact on a students life Change your global perspective
“World Without Borders- Financial Literacy” To watch an EP’s best moments in the World Without Borders Project CLICK HERE! Job Description 1
EP’s will develop interactive trainings about Financial Literacy topics (role of money, credit cards, investments and budget planning, pensions, etc.) according to the plan given by the Ukraine Hosting Entity
Job Description 2
EP’s will create a personal financial plan with the students and increase their interest in professions connected to economics and finance. EP’s will conduct training about leadership/soft skill development
Job Description 3
EP’s will make reports in the end of the project to analyse the project and its effectiveness. EP’s will collect evaluation forms from the student participants and give input on the future of this project
Job Description 3
EP’s will take part in school activities and also Host Local Committee activities e.g. Exchange Participant (EP) Integration events, reviewing projects and making recommendations for the future, helping in the creation of new exchange projects in Ukraine EP will take part in Global Village and should be prepared for this by bringing traditional clothes, food, brochures etc.
Job Description 4
Measurable Results Expected It is expected that after the project students will be more aware of from the EP Finance and Economics and have a possible interest in these areas as a career. Through the program, students will also develop their English literacy skills
To learn more about some of the main cities in Ukraine and the Local Committees who may be hosting you, click on the links below!
AIESEC LUGANSK
AIESEC LVIV
AIESEC SIMFEROPOL
AIESEC KYIV
AIESEC MARIUPOL
AIESEC TERNOPIL
AIESEC KHARKIV
EP Story- Kenneth
Kenneth Lim, AIESEC Sydney World Without Borders- Cultural Diversity, Ukraine “I went to Kiev to ‘train high school students to develop their leadership potential, soft skills and cultural understanding’. This required me to do in-depth research on the topics in which I was going to present to them, and come up with an effective method to deliver the session. I had to come up with 2 different ways of getting the message across for each topic as I had a class of 14 year olds and another 16/17 year olds. Outside of my project requirements, I also volunteered in orphanages where I would entertain children with games or deliver cultural lessons / information about other cities in Ukraine. This AIESEC exchange has helped me find out more about myself. I have learned what I like and what I dislike. It has opened up doors I would otherwise not have had a pathway to. I found out I really like teaching, even though I am from a commerce background. My advice to anyone who is thinking of going on exchange is to go”.
EP Story- Pragati
Pragati Pritmani, AIESEC Sydney Youth Education- Children’s Path Project, Ukraine “The best thing would be the culture and the hospitality of Ukrainians. I had the opportunity to live with a Ukrainian host family for 6 weeks and it was absolutely amazing. They were so kind and hospitable and really curious as to where I’d come from. A piece of advice I’d give to future EP’s is to prepare for the unknown and to do your research before you leave. Things will happen when you’re travelling so it helps to have a positive attitude towards everything and to take things as they come In three words my AIESEC Exchange was Engaging, eye-opening and pretty darn awesome!”
…Interested in going on Exchange to Ukraine? …Interested in Applying for any of these Projects? Apply and Book a time for YOUR Interview NOW
CLICK HERE!