Ukraine is a European country with Kiev as its capital city. Kiev is the eighth largest city of Europe. Ukraine shares its border with Russia, Belarus, Poland, Slovakia, Romania and Moldova. Ukraine enjoys moderate climate around the year.
Ukraine is a good option if a student is looking forward to studying in Universities offering courses in English in Europe. Along with English, courses are also offered in other languages like Russian, French and Ukrainian. Majorly courses offered are in English. Ukraine is having one of the best transportation system in the world and international students enjoy approximately 50% discount on travel.
Ukrainians are of Slavic origin. About 75% of the population is ethnic Ukrainian. The largest minority group is the Russians at about 20%. Belarusians, Bulgarians, Poles, Hungarians and Romanians make up the other major minority groups. Approximately 40% of the population in the Ukraine describe themselves as atheist. Of those that do adhere to some form of religion, 37% belong to one of the three major orthodox denominations present in the country. There are also a significant and growing number of Jews, Protestants and Muslims.
Apart from education, Ukraine offers great entertainment opportunities. During the past years the country was visited by major world artists: A-Ha, Depeche Mode, Rammstein, Limp Bizkit, Anastasia, Christina Aguilera, Placebo, to name a few. Ukraine’s nightlife offers various options for an unforgettable time. Starting from night long discos led by top DJs, finishing with mountain climbing, sky and scuba diving, laser gun fighting, 3d movies and auto quests. Traditional entertainment is also available. Boys can learn to ride a horse in a traditional Cossacks manner, ladies try weaving, learn how to make clothes from straw and master traditional dancing.
Foreign students opting for Ukraine, experience language difficulties right after arrival in the country. To help newcomers overcome such challenges, each university has special “welcome team”. This is a group of international students who already study in Ukraine. They spend a few weeks together with the newcomer, giving him/her an introduction into student’s life at their particular university.
At the same time the most effective tool in avoiding complications is mastering the Ukrainian or Russian language. This can be done at the preparation courses during the first year of staying in the country, as well as with the help of Ukrainian peers, who are usually very eager to help students from abroad to learn the language.