:: AIESEC in Ukraine :: http://aiesec.org.

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 ONE AIESEC. ONE UKRAINE.

Congratulations with your decision to go on

exchange with AIESEC to Ukraine!
Now, all you have to do is to get to know the
country well and to be a proactive learner.
Enjoy diversity and have an incredible
experience with us!

Best regards,
VP ICX team AIESEC in Ukraine 2010-2011

:: AIESEC in Ukraine :: http://aiesec.org.ua/ ::

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 VISAS TO UKRAINE

Ukraine's 90/180 rule for visa-free entry

Citizens of the following countries can now visit Ukraine without a visa for periods of up to 90 days over a 180 day period with a valid passport:

1. Austria, 2. Andorra, 3. Armenia, 4. Azerbaijan, 5. Belarus, 6. Belgium, 7. Bulgaria, 8. Canada, 9. Cyprus, 10. Czech Rep, 11. Denmark, 12. Estonia, 13.
Finland, 14. France, 15. Georgia, 16. Germany, 17. Greece, 18. Hungary, 19. Iceland, 20. Ireland, 21. Italy, 22. Japan, 23. Kazakhstan, 24. Korea (South),
25. Kyrgyzstan, 26. Latvia, 27. Liechtenstein, 28. Lithuania, 29. Luxembourg, 30. Malta, 31. Moldova, 32. Monaco, 33. Mongolia, 34. Netherlands, 35.
Norway, 36. Paraguay, 37. Poland, 38. Portugal, 39. Romania, 40. Russia, 41. San Marino, 42. Slovakia, 43. Slovenia, 44. Spain, 45. Switzerland, 46.
Sweden, 47. Tajikistan, 48. UK and Northern Ireland, 49. USA, 50. Uzbekistan, 51. Vatican

For all the rest countries an applicant should submit the application
Visit Ministry of Foreign Affairs
 your passport (original, not a copy) http://www.mfa.gov.ua/mfa/en/507.htm
 one completed application form printed or written in block letters in black ink
 one recent passport-size color photograph
 if you are not a U.S., E.U., Canadian, or Japanese citizen, you will probably need a letter of invitation.

Ask your hosting LC to send the invitation letter, so you have up to 21 days for the embassy to proceed your application.
Usually you should also indicate an address of your stay and a person responsible.

Extending Ukrainian visas

Visas can be extended in Ukraine within 4-5 business days at the city OVIR (office of visas and registrations) — not the neighborhood OVIR. Apply for an
extension no sooner than 4-5 days before your visa expires. You cannot change the category of visa and are not allowed multiple entries back into the
country during the period your visa has been extended for. In other words, if you have a multi-entry visa and extend it in Ukraine, you will only be
allowed one more exit from Ukraine. As soon as you leave the country, the visa becomes void. Remember, you cannot get a new visa while in Ukraine —
you can only extend your existing visa. You must leave Ukraine to get a new visa — at any Ukrainian consulate in any foreign country.
Hence, if you plan to make multiple trips out of the country during the period you want to extend your visa for, it would make more sense to receive a
new visa during your next trip abroad or even make a special trip to get the visa (to Krakow or Budapest, for example) rather than extend your current
visa.

:: AIESEC in Ukraine :: http://aiesec.org.ua/ ::

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 COUNTRY

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.

Ukrayina, [ukrɑˈjinɑ] Ukraine's history began with the Kievan Rus', the precursor to the East Slavs. From the 9th century the Kievan
Capital: Kyiv Rus' became a large and powerful nation but disintegrated in the 12th century. Ukraine was the center of the
Area: 603.7 sq km medieval living area of the East Slavs. After the Great Northern War (1700–1721) Ukraine was divided between a
Population: 45,888,000 people number of regional powers and, by the 19th century, the largest part of Ukraine was integrated into the Russian
GDP (nominal): total $127.133 Empire with the rest under Austro-Hungarian control. After a chaotic period of incessant warfare and several
billion, per capita $2, 795 attempts at independence (1917–21) following World War I and the Russian Civil War, it emerged on December 30,
Official language: Ukrainian
1922 as one of the founding republics of the Soviet Union.
Currency: UAH Hryvnia
The Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic's territory was
Administrative division: 24
enlarged westward shortly before and after World War II,
oblasts and Autonomous
Republic Crimea and southwards in 1954 with the Crimea transfer. In 1945,
Religion: 64% Orthodox the Ukrainian SSR became one of the co-founding
Highest peak: Hoverla 2061 m members of the United Nations.
Sea: Black Sea
The Sea of Azov
National symbols:
blue-yellow flag symbolizes
blue sky and wheat fields
Government: unitary semi-
presidential republic

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 HISTORY
Formations Ukrainian history is long and proud, with the Ukraine declared its sovereignty within the Soviet
inception of Kievan Rus as the most powerful state in Union in July 1990 as a prelude to unfolding events in
Medieval Europe. While this state fell prey to Mongol the year to come. The Verkhovna Rada (Ukraine's
- Kievan Rus' 882 conquest, the western part of Ukraine became part of Parliament) again declared its independence in early
the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth from the December 1991 following the results of referendum in
- Kingdom of Galicia– 1199 14th until the 18th century, even modern Ukraine November 1991 which indicated overwhelming
Volhynia owes it a debt of sorts. A subsequent Ukrainian state popular support (90% in favour of independence).
was able, in the face of pressure from the ascendant Initially, there were severe economic difficulties,
- Cossack Hetmanate 1649 Muscovy, to remain autonomous for more than a hyperinflation, and oligarchal rule prevailed in the
century, but the Russian Empire absorbed much of early years following independence. The issues of
Ukrainian National November Ukraine in the 18th century to the detriment of their cronyism, corruption and alleged voting irregularities
-
culture and identity. came to a head during the heavily-disputed 2004
Republic 7, 1917 Despite a brief, but uncertain, flash of Presidential election, where allegations of vote-
independence at the end of the czarist regime, rigging sparked what became known as the "Orange
- West Ukrainian November Revolution". In 2010 Victor Yanukovych became the
National Republic 1, 1918 Ukraine was incorporated into the new USSR after
president of Ukraine.
the Russian Civil War in 1922 and subject to two
Read more:
disastrous famines (1932-33 and 1946) as well as
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Ukraine
- Ukrainian Soviet December brutal fighting during World War II.
Socialist 30, 1922
Republic
- Second Declaration of June 30,
Independence 1941

-
Independence from August
the Soviet Union 24, 1991

:: AIESEC in Ukraine :: http://aiesec.org.ua/ ::

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 CLIMATE AND GEOGRAPHY
Geography
At 603,700 square kilometres (233,100 sq mi) and
with a coastline of 2,782 kilometres (1,729 mi),
Ukraine is the world's 44th-largest country.It is the
largest wholly-European country and the second
largest country in Europe (after the European
part of Russia, before metropolitan France).
The Ukrainian landscape consists mostly of fertile
plains (or steppes) and plateaus, crossed by rivers
such as the Dnieper (Dnipro), Seversky
Donets, Dniester and the Southern Buh as they
flow south into the Black Sea and the smaller Sea
of Azov. To the southwest, the delta of the
Danube forms the border with Romania. The
country's only mountains are the Carpathian
Mountains in the west, of which the highest is the
Hora Hoverla at 2,061 metres (6,762 ft),
and those on the Crimean peninsula, in the
extreme south along the coast.

Climate
Ukraine has a mostly temperate continental
climate, although a more Mediterranean climate is
found on the southern Crimean
coast. Precipitation is disproportionately
distributed; it is highest in the west and north and
lowest in the east and southeast. Western Ukraine,
receives around 1,200 millimetres (47.2 in) of
precipitation annually, while Crimea receives
around 400 millimetres (15.7 in). Winters vary from
cool along the Black Sea to cold farther inland.
Average annual temperatures range from 5.5 °C
(41.9 °F)–7 °C (44.6 °F) in the north, to 11 °C
(51.8 °F)–13 °C (55.4 °F) in the south.

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 CUISINE
Ukrainian cuisine has a rich history and offers a wide variety of dishes.
Most famous dishes are borsch (beet root soup), potato salads, grains, vegetable salads, pork
dishes etc.

Ukrainians eat moderately oily food, with equal consumption of vegetables and meat. It’s difficult to
find vegetarians in the country, but Ukraine has plenty of vegetables grown, so you won’t starve 
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) or
vegetables and are served with
various garnishes and dressings.

And for the dessert:

Syrnyki recipe
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.

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 COST OF LIVING

UAH USD GBP EUR

Accommodation
Room in shared apartment in good area - monthly rent UAH 2,500.00 $310.09 £193.00 €220.90
2/3 star hotel - 1 night stay UAH 500.00 $62.02 £38.60 €44.18

Food and Drink

Milk 1ltr./2.11pints UAH 4.00 $0.50 £0.31 €0.35
Butter 500gr./1.10lbs. UAH 4.00 $0.50 £0.31 €0.35
Plain yoghurt 180gr./6.35oz. UAH 5.00 $0.62 £0.39 €0.44
Cheese 500gr./1.10lbs. UAH 25.00 $3.10 £1.93 €2.21
Eggs 12 (large) UAH 7.00 $0.87 £0.54 €0.62
Bread (white loaf) 1 kg./2.20lbs. UAH 3.00 $0.37 £0.23 €0.27
Bread Whole (wheat loaf)1 kg./2.20lbs. UAH 3.00 $0.37 £0.23 €0.27
Rice (long grain) 1kg./2.20lbs. UAH 15.00 $1.86 £1.16 €1.33
Spaghetti 1kg./2.20lbs. UAH 12.00 $1.49 £0.93 €1.06
Sugar (white) 1kg./2.20lbs. UAH 6.00 $0.74 £0.46 €0.53
Flour (white) 1kg./2.20lbs. UAH 5.00 $0.62 £0.39 €0.44
Cornflakes (packet) 375gr./13.23oz. UAH 13.00 $1.61 £1.00 €1.15
Tea bags (pack 25) UAH 15.00 $1.86 £1.16 €1.33
Coca Cola 1lt./2.11pints UAH 7.00 $0.87 £0.54 €0.62
Mineral water (still) 1lt./2.11pints UAH 4.00 $0.50 £0.31 €0.35
Cooked ham 1kg./2.20lbs. UAH 75.00 $9.30 £5.79 €6.63
Sausages 1kg./2.20lbs. UAH 45.00 $5.58 £3.47 €3.98
Black pepper 50gr./1.76oz. UAH 3.00 $0.37 £0.23 €0.27
Frozen pizza 320gr./11.29oz. UAH 20.00 $2.48 £1.54 €1.77
Milk chocolate (bar) 100gr./3.52oz. UAH 8.00 $1.00 £0.69 €0.84

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 Beer (local, can) 0.33lt./11.15oz. UAH 3.00 $0.37 £0.23 €0.27

Eating Out, Entertainment & Health

Three-course dinner in restaurant UAH 200.00 $24.81 £15.44 €17.67
Fast-food meal UAH 30.00 $3.72 £2.32 €2.65
Cup of coffee in bar/cafe UAH 10.00 $1.24 £0.77 €0.88
Beer in bar UAH 15.00 $1.86 £1.16 €1.33
Taxi rate per km./0.62 miles UAH 2.50 $0.31 £0.19 €0.22
City centre bus fare (3km./1.86miles) UAH 2.00 $0.25 £0.15 €0.18
Web cafe (30 mins.) UAH 7.00 $0.87 £0.54 €0.62

Clothing
Women's shoes UAH 500.00 $62.02 £38.60 €44.18
Men's shoes UAH 500.00 $62.02 £38.60 €44.18
Pair of jeans UAH 350.00 $43.41 £27.02 €30.93
Men's suit UAH 1,200.00 $148.84 £92.64 €106.03
Women's suit UAH 1,200.00 $148.84 £92.64 €106.03
Men's shirt UAH 350.00 $43.41 £27.02 €30.93
€44.18
Women's dress UAH 500.00 $62.02 £38.60

Prices are indicated as for Kyiv, but they are average. Usually vary +- 10% from the price.

This is just for you to know the general costs of living in the country.

:: AIESEC in Ukraine :: http://aiesec.org.ua/ ::

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 TRANSPORTATION

Ukraine's transportation network

Ukraine has a very well-developed system of public transportation, and the country is much
less reliant on private automobiles than the U.S. or western Europe. Every large city and
regional capital is connected to the railway network and receives passenger trains daily from
other major cities. The train station is the main transportation hub of every Ukrainian city.
From there minibuses, trolleybuses, and private taxis take passengers to other parts of the
city.
The other main transportation hub of any Ukrainian town is the intercity bus station. Often,
but not always, the bus station is located next to the train station. The largest cities generally
have several bus stations located at different ends of town. Intercity buses leave from the
Check these sites for information about flights:
station that is in the direction of their destination.
Most Ukrainian regional capitals also have an airport on the edge of town for http://wizzair.com/ :: http://www.aerosvit.ua/eng.html ::
domestic flights and, occasionally, a small selection of international flights. Ukraine has http://www.flyuia.com/ ::
recently got its first low-cost connections. http://www.flypgs.com/en/default.aspx
Inter-city travel in Ukraine is quite a bit less expensive than in Europe, but prices have been Ukrainian train system: http://uz.gov.ua/?lng=uk
rising steadily in recent years.

Public transportation in Ukrainian cities

Every Ukrainian town and city has a complex network of public transportation dominated by Prices for transport:
minibuses, followed by trolleybuses, street trams, buses, and subway systems (only in the
largest Ukrainian cities). These means are sufficient to get you where you need to go in town Train Kyiv – Lviv = app. 70 UAH
— after you learn how to use them (follow the links for detailed information). Subway = 1.5 – 2 UAH/ ride
Fare on public transportation is very low by European standards, usually costing 2 UAH
($0.25 USD) or less. Route Bus = 1 – 3 UAH/ ride
In addition to public transportation, taxis are available everywhere at prices lower than in Trolleybus, tram = 1 – 2 UAH / ride
Europe.

:: AIESEC in Ukraine :: http://aiesec.org.ua/ ::

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Ukrainian Holidays
The Ukrainians are just 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. When a holiday falls on a non-
work day, Saturday or Sunday, the
nearest Friday or Monday is a day-off.
1 October 5 - Teacher's Day
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CULTURE AND TRADITIONS
1 January - New Year's Day
7 January - Orthodox Christmas
8 March - International Women’s Day
April - May - Orthodox Easter
50 days after Easter - Holy Trinity Day (Svyata Troyitsya)(or
"Green Sunday")
1 - 2 May - Labor (May) Day
9 May — Victory Day
28 June - Constitution Day
24 August - Independence Day
Other Holidays
14 January - Old Calendar New Year
25 January - "Students Day" otherwise known as
"Tatyana's Day"
3 14 February - St. Valentine's Day
23 February - Men's Day (formerly known as The Soviet
2 Army Day)
1 April - Fool Day (the Day of laughter)
13 May - Mother’s Day5
6 June - Ivan Kupala Day
1 September - The Day of Knowledge
6 December - Ukrainian Army Day
19 December - St. Nicolas Day
5
4
-1- Easter eggs
-2- Did Moroz and Snigurochka
during the New Year
-3- Fireworks on a state holiday
-4- Picture of Christmas
-5- Traditional Ivan Kupala
celebration
:: AIESEC in Ukraine :: http://aiesec.org.ua/ ::
 MONEY

Ukraine is a cash economy. Traveler's checks

The Ukrainian national currency is the Hryvnya. However, it is
and credit cards however are in large usage in
preferable to bring Euro or USA dollars with you. You can
Kyiv American Express, MasterCard, and Visa
exchange them in any major bank or at any exchange point 3
are commonly accepted. A passport or a diplomatic card may be
around the city. You will identify those points by the name of
required whenever a credit card is used. Customs regulations
„обмін валюти‟ if it is written in Ukrainian Language or „обмен
prohibit sending cash, traveler’s checks, personal checks, credit
валюты‟ if it is written in Russian Language.
cards or passports through the international mail system to
Changing U.S. dollars for Ukrainian Hryvnias or another currency
Ukraine. These items are regularly confiscated as contraband by
is legal only at banks, currency exchange desks at hotels and at
customs authorities.
licensed exchange booths. Beware of changing money on the
In many places such as kiosks or small stores it is not possible to
streets or with private individuals: it's illegal and it can be
pay via credit card, so it is very common that people withdraw
dangerous. Remember however that old or damaged bill may
money in the ATM and then pay with cash in the stores.
not be accepted or accepted under the lower rate. The "hard
currency" stores only accept Hryvnias but almost all of them have
a money exchange booth on the premises. Ukrainian coins have the nominal of 1, 2, 5, 10, 25,
50 coins and a 1-Hryvnia coin.
Look up latest exchange rate here :
http://www.bank.gov.ua/kurs/engl/last_kurs1.ht
Banknotes: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500
m Hryvnias

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 UKRAINE : PLACES TO VISIT
Enjoy your holiday in the unexplored beauty of Ukraine. The magnetic Ukraine is all
set to mesmerize you with charms of the famous places to visit in Ukraine. The
beauty of Ukraine can fill every moment of your holiday with great delight. This
largest country of Europe can be your most desired place with the splendid beauty of
magnificent mountains, rich heritage, exotic culture, wonderful architectural
elegance and bustling city life. Amongst the famous places to visit in Ukraine are the
cities of Lviv, Odessa, Sevastopol, Chernigov, Yalta and above all the gorgeous Kiev.
Kiev is the most interesting visiting place in Ukraine.

Useful links:

http://ua-traveling.com/#
http://www.traveltoukraine.org/regions.htm
http://ukraineplaces.com/ukraine-tourist-guide
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/ukraine/places
http://www.tryukraine.com/photos.shtml
Ukraine's main attractions

Very briefly, here's a list of the remarkable things tourists can see in Ukraine, and
the best places to experience them :
City life: Kyiv, Odessa

Churches: Lviv, Kyiv

Monasteries: Kyiv, scattered remote locations

Soviet architecture and legacy: Kyiv, Kharkiv

Nature: Crimea's South Shore, Carpathians

Folk culture: villages of western Ukraine and Carpathians

:: AIESEC in Ukraine :: http://aiesec.org.ua/ ::

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 Contacts:
e-mail: icx.kyiv@gmail.com
UKRAINE : THE CAPITAL CITY phone number: +380683505044
The Ukrainian capital is one of the largest European scientific address: prospect Peremohy 54/1,
and cultural centers. There is a wide web of scientific KYIV office 515
establishments, higher education establishments, medium Area: 839 km2 (metro Shuliavska, Kyiv National
specialized schools, lyceums, gymnasiums, places of culture Population: app. 3 Economical University)
and art. mln people
Lives of many outstanding people are connected to Kyiv — City guide
political, state and social figures, writers, composers, painters,
scientists, the memory of which is eternalized in monuments, Among the most famous places of the city is Sofia cathedral
memorials street and square names. (1017–31), the Golden Gate (1017–24), Vydubytskyy
monastery (XI century), Kyevo-Pecherska Lavra (1051),
Kyrylivska church (middle of XII century), Bratskyy
monastery (1616), Volodymyrskyy cathedral (1862–96),
Mariyinskyy palace (1745–52) and many others.

Hostels:
Price: 85- 150 UAH per night
Website: http://www.hostelworld.com
http://www.hihostels.com.ua/index.php?lang=en
Suggested hostel:
1 - City Center Hostel | Sofiivska Str. Nr 2, apt. Nr 10 | 140
UAH/night

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 ● ● ●

UKRAINIAN PHRASEBOOK http://wikitravel.org/en/Ukrainian_phrasebook

● ● ●

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 THINGS TO KNOW
GUESTS:
Ukrainians are very hospitable. As their guest, you
will receive red-carpet treatment. This includes
heavily-laden tables, gifts, and many toasts. While it
is sometimes uncomfortable for Americans, who
have so much, to accept gifts from those who have
so little, they will be very insulted if you turn them
down.
ETIQUETTE:
These rules of etiquette may be useful:
- If invited into a family home, it is traditional to
bring a gift. A bottle of wine, a cake, or a bouquet of
flowers are customary.
- If there is a child in the house, it is appropriate to
provide him/her with a small gift as well.
- If you bring flowers, make sure the number of
flowers is uneven (3,5, etc.).
- Do not whistle; some believe it will "blow your
money away."
- Do not shake hands across the threshold of a door.
It is considered bad luck.
- Be prepared to remove your shoes upon entering a
home. To keep apartments clean, most hosts will
provide you with a pair of slippers.
- On public transportation, give up your seat to
mothers with children, the elderly, or the infirm.
- At the entrance of upscale restaurants and
theaters, expect that your coat, briefcase, or
baggage will be checked.
- Be ready to give toasts at dinner, for guests are
often asked to do so.
- Offer to share your snacks and cigarettes with
those around you.
- Drinking alcohol is prohibited on the streets.
page 16
- Be prepared to accept all food and drink offered
when visiting friends. Turning down food may be
considered rude. (If you find you cannot eat it all,
keep something on your plate to avoid having it
replenished!)
- In Orthodox churches, women should wear scarves
or hats, and men should take off their hats.
- Be careful when complimenting a host's belongings,
he or she may offer them to you.
- Don't put your thumb between your first two
fingers; this is a very rude gesture.
BUSINESS HOURS:
An eight-hour day is considered a normal work day,
Monday through Friday. A lunch break is taken
between the hours of 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. Most banks
are open without breaks, Monday through Friday
from 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
PUBLIC RESTROOMS:
It is always a good idea to have a packet of tissues
on hand because public restrooms rarely supply
toilet paper. Public restaurants also may charge a
small fee (approx. $.20-.30). While any public
restroom can be unsanitary, relatively clean toilets
can be found in most modern restaurants and hotels. Emergency phones:
Please note that public toilets are often of the squat Fire: 101
variety, and when there are toilet bowls there is
often not a toilet seat.
Police: 102
TIPS: Ambulance: 103
Restaurant bills normally include a 5 percent service Gas: 104
charge. You will often find, however, that a few extra
hryvnias can make your dining experience a lot more
pleasurable.
:: AIESEC in Ukraine :: http://aiesec.org.ua/ ::
 Visas to Ukraine………... 3
Country………... 4
History………... 5
Climate and geography……... 6
Cuisine………... 7
Cost of Living………... 8-9
Transportation………... 10
Culture and Traditions……... 11
Money………... 12
Ukraine: Places to visit……….13
Ukraine: the capital city……14
Ukrainian phrasebook………15
Things to Know………...16

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