Ukraine

Lined with snow-capped mountains, historic buildings, sandy beaches, and captivating museums and cathedrals, Ukraine has no shortage of fascinating history, tradition, and culture to explore. The nation sits at the heart of Eastern Europe, and is second only in size to neighboring Russia. Inside Ukraine’s far-reaching expanse you’ll find a diverse tapestry of stunning landscapes and hospitable people who represent a wide array of vibrant backgrounds and narratives. The country is rich with history, and from the Palanok Castle to the Chernobyl disaster site there’s a treasure trove of both ancient and contemporary historical offerings to explore in Ukraine. Read on to learn more about what to expect living and working in Ukraine! A Little History In the ninth century, the region we now know as modern-day Ukraine was settled by Vikings, who gave the name Kievan Rus to the area. In the years that followed, the region became home to a variety of other foreign powers, from the Mongols to the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. These outside influences brought with them a wide offering of mythologies, traditions, and ideologies — like the Eastern Orthodox religion — that are now central to Ukrainian culture. Beginning in the 18th century Russia was the foreign power to occupy Ukraine. During Stalin’s collectivisation campaign and World War II the country saw widespread starvation and desolation, capped off by the Chernobyl disaster in 1986 — a nuclear accident that remains the deadlies…

Each country has its own requirements and qualifications when it comes to teaching. Some require a bachelor’s degree in any field. In others, you’ll qualify with only a high school diploma and your TEFL certificate. Some countries have strict visa requirements that may disqualify you based on your citizenship or criminal background. Let’s take a look at the qualifications needed for teaching English in Ukraine. Education A bachelor’s degree is highly preferred by the vast majority of schools in Ukraine, but it is not always required. Citizenship There are no specific citizenship requirements to teach English in Ukraine, although some Ukrainian schools might prefer to hire candidates specifically from the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand. English Fluency You do not need to be a native English speaker in order to find a job in the Ukraine. That being said, if it is not your first language you’ll still need to have a high fluency in English, and you might need to be more flexible about your school and location preferences to compete with native English-speaking candidates. Background Check While a 100% clean criminal record check is not generally a requirement to teach in Ukraine, some schools — especially international schools — might ask teachers to undergo a background check during the application process. Medical Check A medical check is not required to teach in Ukraine, though certain schools might require it. TEFL…

Ukraine presents a significant demand for English teachers, particularly in light of the country’s recent political and social challenges. Following the 2014 political unrest and ongoing conflict, Ukraine signed the Association Agreement with the European Union (EU), which has been pivotal in aligning Ukraine’s economic policies with EU standards and promoting trade and international relations. These changes have accelerated Ukraine’s integration into the global economy, leading to an increased demand for English language skills, especially among adults and business professionals. As Ukraine continues to recover and modernize, the need for English instruction in business and professional contexts remains strong, with ample opportunities for teachers to work with individuals looking to enhance their skills in a globalized world. Private Language Schools The majority of TEFL-certified English teachers in Ukraine will find jobs at private language schools, and many land positions teaching business English and English test preparation in particular. As a result, you’ll be working principally with adults at private language schools in Ukraine, though it is also possible to find positions working with children. ITA alumni Eamon D. taught at a private language school in Odessa, and notes the following about his learners: “Students’ ages vary, but generally [they are] between 18-30; most of them are in university or have ambitions in business.” Private language schools are most commo…

Now that you’ve explored the job types available to you, it’s time to begin the application process! There are several steps to take to find a job teaching English in Ukraine, and we have them all outlined here below. Heads up! The timelines for your job application process and for gathering documents for your visa may overlap. You’ll want to be working on both processes at roughly the same time. Be sure to check out our Ukraine Timeline , as well as the Applying for the Visa section for more information and to make sure you are staying on top of your visa documents while applying for teaching positions. Step 1: Prepare Your Initial Application Materials Resume & Cover Letter Your resume and cover letter are the keys to connecting with schools and beginning the application process. International employers look for specific elements in a resume that may differ from what you’re used to seeing domestically. To take a deeper dive into international resumes and cover letters, visit the Resume and Cover Letter section! Once you’ve updated your resume and cover letter to meet the recommended international standards, you can submit your draft to your Student Affairs Advisor for review if you’d like them to review it for you. Step 2: Determine Your Preferences A major part of the teaching abroad experience is enjoying where you’ll actually be living! Do you have a preference when it comes to your daily routines and surroundings? Do you want to live in the bustling capital city of Kiev…

Congratulations on your job offer(s)! If you’ve been offered a position from a school in Ukraine and you’ve followed our previous advice, you’re already off to a great start. But what’s next? Determining whether or not the offer is right for you. To help make this decision, follow the recommendations below by reviewing the basics. Whether you have one offer or several, the key elements you’ll want to take note of are: salary, working hours, vacation days, sick days, housing, airfare, insurance, and bonuses. Let’s take a closer look at what to expect with each of these elements. Review the Basics Salary & Severance Pay The average starting salary for a first-year English teacher in Ukraine is 16,000-25,000 Ukrainian Hryvnia (UAH) per month. Anything significantly lower or higher should make you ask a few questions. If the reason for the pay difference is obvious, like you’ll be in a rural location with a low cost of living or working longer than average hours, you may find that you’re okay with it. But don’t accept a contract that is paying you less for doing the same amount of work the average English teacher does, or one that doesn’t fit into your work-life-travel balance. Upon the successful completion of a one-year contract, some employers might offer a completion or re-signing bonus. Not all schools will offer this perk, and many schools will determine your bonus amount via a performance review. You’ll want to make sure that any bonus details are clearly stipulated in you…

The word “visa” tends to provoke daunting images of endless red tape and paperwork but we’re here to ease your anxiety and hopefully have you zipping through this process like a pro. Below, we’ll outline the most common visa routes for foreign English teachers in Ukraine. As is always the case with any of the visa advice we provide, please be sure to cross-check this information with your local Ukraine consulate or embassy to ensure you are getting the most up-to-date, accurate, and personalized instruction there is! Visa Types Tourist Visa What is it? If you are not a citizen of the EU and wish to work at a private language school in Ukraine, you will likely be hired by an employer “ under the table ” on a tourist visa. Though this might sound like a slightly questionable practice if you’re unfamiliar with it, in Ukraine it’s a fairly standard routine for schools and teachers. “Working under-the-table is rather straightforward, and as long as you don’t do anything to get in trouble with the police, it’s fine,” explains ITA graduate Eamon D. , who taught in Odessa. “And in Ukraine, any problems can be simply smoothed over with a friendly gift.” Most nationalities do not actually need to apply for a tourist visa in order to enter Ukraine, and can simply come to the country with a valid passport and return ticket or proof of onward travel. Citizens of countries that do require a tourist visa to enter Ukraine can apply for it beforehand online or at a local Ukraine embassy or co…

In the days, weeks, and months leading up to your move abroad, it’s more important than ever to stay organized and ask yourself: What are the logistics I have to consider and the loose ends I have to tie up in order to thrive in my new home? Do I have to worry about taxes? What about health insurance? And what the heck do I do about a cell phone? Fear not, TEFL teacher. In this section, you’ll find the tips, resources, and wisdom to tackle these questions and more! Review the Basics Health Insurance Although in a perfect world an apple a day would keep the doctor away, in reality, even teachers get sick. Cue health insurance. Regardless of the country you end up in, you should always inquire about health insurance before accepting a position. If health insurance is indeed provided by your employer, it’s imperative that the relevant details are outlined clearly in any contract you sign. More often than not in Ukraine, health insurance is only provided as a benefit if you are formally employed by your school on a work permit. Even then, depending on your contract, you might have to pay into this insurance and split the cost with your school. If this is the case, your portion will likely be automatically deducted from your paycheck each month. Check out the “Accepting the Right Offer” section to learn more! If health insurance is not included in your contract or if you want to supplement your school’s health insurance plan with a more comprehensive private insurance option, you …

Ukraine remains affected by the ongoing conflict with Russia, which escalated into a full-scale invasion in 2022. While cities like Kiev, Lviv, and Odessa continue to function, areas near the frontlines, such as Donetsk and Luhansk, face significant disruption. Prospective teachers should stay informed, follow travel advisories, and carefully assess safety risks. Despite the challenges, Ukraine’s resilient people and rich cultural heritage make it a compelling place for those interested in its history, culture, and traditions. You have finally made it to the end of the Ukraine section, no small feat! Here is all of that wonderful information from the previous section laid out step-by-step and month-by-month before your intended departure date for Ukraine. This timeline is not only for the planners and checklist lovers (although you will love this too!). It is strongly encouraged for anyone planning a move to Ukraine to help keep you on track and organized as you make your way through the process. Finding a Job on the Ground Though jobs in Ukraine can be found year round, the peak hiring months are September and January, and schools don’t typically hire in August and late December to early January. Take your desired start date and subtract from there. While it may be possible to move some parts of the process along quicker, follow this timeline as closely as possible. 3-4 months before departure: Begin your research and complete job search documents ___ List out your preferenc…

I can't speak for the rest of Ukraine, but Odessa is a fantastic place to live, even in winter. With the world's best opera theater, fantastic beaches, friendly denizens, and a cosmopolitan atmosphere (or at least, as cosmopolitan as one can get in Eastern Europe), Odessa definitely worth a visit. The ex-pat community is fairly small, but this gives plenty of opportunities to practice Russian. And I don't date, but it's true what the Beatles say: the Ukraine girls really do leave the West behind. Eamon D. Odessa, Ukraine My advice is to save as much money as possible before leaving. There are definitely start up costs and it is amazing to have that financial security! I would recommend teaching English [abroad], the people are so kind and very supportive! Gloria L. ITA Alum