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ABOUT UKRAINE
Ukraine is the second largest country in Europe with the territory of 603,700 sq.km. Its population is 50 million people. The capital and the largest city of
Ukraine is Kiev . The neighboring countries of Ukraine are: Belarus , Russia , Slovakia , Hungary , Romania , Moldova and Poland . To the South Ukraine
is washed with Black Sea and Sea of Azov . The country has the sea boarders with Turkey , Bulgaria and Georgia .
The neighboring countries of Ukraine are: Belarus , Russia , Slovakia , Hungary , Romania , Moldova and Poland . To the South Ukraine is washed
with Black Sea and Sea of Azov . The country has the sea boarders with Turkey , Bulgaria and Georgia .
Ukraine is a state with the democratic form of governing, headed by the nation-wide elected president. The verkhovna Rada (the Ukranian parliament)
is the highest legislative body. It consists of 450 members, elected for 4-term in accordance with the proportional majority system. On August 24, 1991
Ukraine declared itself an independent state. In an effort to rebuild the country of Ukraine has opened her doors to foreign investors, businessmen, and
foremost to tourists.
Ukraine has always been hospitable and friendly, always happy to receive foreign businessmen, foreign guests, tourists and students. The richly
talented Ukrainian people have created wonderful architecture, many monuments both secular and religious, dating from 11th to 18th centuries can
be seen in all throughout Ukraine towns and cities. If you get a chance, visit some of the many historic sites and towns, where numerous treasures will tell
you of the great past and traditions. The past is reflected in the architecture and atmosphere of cities.
Ukraine has a well-developed economy with considerable portions of agricultural and industrial sectors. Space and rocket engineering, aircraft and ship building,
high tech equipment production are among the main branches of the Ukrainian industry.
Space and rocket complex of Ukraine has great potential. Ukraine is distinguished by a high level scientific potential. After Ukraine regained its independence,
ideas of nation cultural revival stimulated the process of democratization in cultural sphere, pluralism in a creativity process, made cultural life in the
regions more active. Broadening of international contacts has become a positive tendency.
Cultural life of national minorities in Ukraine - Bulgarian, Greek, Jewish, Crimean Tartar, German, Polish, Russian, Romanian, Hungarian and dozens of others
- is very diversified. A system of national schools, libraries, mass media, scientific centers, radio and television, theatres and creative societies is being
developed. Languages of all peoples inhabiting the territory of Ukraine are granted equality on the state level.
Today Ukraine is an internationally oriented center of high technology, with speech technology, micro electronics, chips development, media technology and
genetic engineering as out standing examples. Thanks to international communications and transport systems it is literally the hub of central Europe .
Ukraine has well-developed economy with considerable portions of agricultural and industrial sectors. Space and rocket engineering, aircraft and ship building,
high tech equipment production are among the main branches of the Ukrainian industry. Electrical equipment made in Ukraine is highly rated in the world. Power
station turbines, transformers, high-voltage instruments are used in many countries.
Ukraine is distinguished by a high level scientific potential. The National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine has won a world-wide recognition as a science center
of physical studies of materials, in particular, in the sphere of electric welding, special electric metallurgy, synthetic super hard materials and tools made from
them. The National Academy of sciences, higher educational institutions of Ukraine maintain broad international contacts. Broadening of international contacts has
become a positive tendency.
Cooperation with developing countries: Ukraine attaches great importance to the international economic, scientific, medical and technological cooperation,
particularly in the field of sharing the national experience with other countries. First of all it concerns training of highly skilled technical and medical personnel
for developing countries. A lot of specialists from the developing countries have graduated from the educational institutions of Ukraine .
HUMAN RIGHTS: As an independent state, Ukraine achieved a substantial progress in development of the national system and mechanisms in the sphere
of protection of human rights and freedoms. Democratic elections, political pluralism, freedom of speech and mass media, establishing the democratic social state
based on the rule of law have become reality. The human being, his or her life and health, dignity and safety are recognized in Ukraine as the highest social
value. Ukraine became a party to all basic international instruments in the field of human rights.
Ukraine has always paid great attention to the United Nations activity in promotion and protection of human rights. The Ukrainian constitution also
guarantees the right of every person to appeal to relevant international institutions and organizations for protection of his or her rights. Ukrainians openness,
accessibility and efficiency are more than just empty words.
Higher Education for Foreign students: As a foreign student you will discover a region full of surprising contrasts. You will find yourself quickly becoming
part of it, especially during the many festivals and the intense cultural life, for which the region is famous.
Higher education within the Ukrainian community has always been open to foreign students. Its student body comprised of men and women from all over the
world has the invaluable experience of studying together with students from many different natural and cultural backgrounds. The contact with students all
over the world broadens understanding of other peoples and provides valuable friendships, some of which last a lifetime.
TRANSPORTATION: Ukraine is linked with most major European cities. Most international flights go to Ukraine . International trains enter Ukraine from
several countries. Sail by ship is also available between various cities in the black sea and Mediterranean . All official land border crossings into Ukraine are
unrestricted, if you have a visa ahead of time.
Getting between major Ukrainian cities is best done by train and also by flight. They are frequent , cheap and often convenient journey. There are bus services to
most cities and towns. Taxi services are numerous in Ukraine . Fines are imposed if traffic police smell alcohol in a driver's breath.
Driving Speed limits are 40 kph in built-up areas, 90 kph in countryside and 110kph on the motorways. For foreigners an international driving license is required
to drive automobiles in Ukraine .
CURRENCY: Hryvnya (UAH) = 100 Kopiyok (singular-kopiyka). Notes are in denominations of 100, 50, 10, 5, 2, and 1 hryvnya. Coins are in
denominations of 50, 25, 10, 5, 2, 1 kopiyok. Foreign currencies should only be changed at currency exchanges on the streets or in banks. Credit cards are
widely acceptable in whole the country.
Having In order to live comfortably while you are in Ukraine, you will need to have about 100 US$ monthly for living except your tuition fee and accomodation charges.The cost of living in Ukraine is cheap than any other country of Europe.It is difficult to give a precise figure about exact expenses because it depends on student himself/herself.
You will receive advice from our financial adviser at the on how best to handle your money,but initially it is important to note that you should must have some cash above your tuition fee cost and other expenses which you have to pay us for your own personal expenses(e.g. food expenses,airport costs or transport).You may have money in cash or in traveller cheques that they can be cashed immediately.There are forign exchange office everywhere in Ukraine.
General Information
The population is fifty millions.
Territory 603,700 sq. km
Borders are with Russia, Belarus, Poland, Slovakia, Romania, Moldova.
Capital Kyiv (Kiev).
The territorial divisions are 24 regions.
State language is Ukrainian, Russian language is widely spoken.
Ukraine is a president / parliamentary republic with the authority divided between The President (Head of the executive power), Verkhovna Rada (Legislative power, Parliament) and court system. Political life is characterized by a great number of political parties. The main law is Constitution adopted in 1997.
Education System in Ukraine
Ukrainian universities are active participants of the European Union Program TEMPUS. Nowadays, popularity of higher education is growing.
System of Education The system of education provides good quality and is well developed.
One of the most important tasks for central and local authorities is to give equal possibilities in getting top quality education for all citizens of Ukraine.
In the area of education and upbringing are involved 7% of Ukrainian professionals who teach 11 million students (22% of the population).
There are 18400 institutions for pre-school preparation. According to the Constitution secondary school takes the central part in the system and is free and quite accessible. 7 mln. students attend 21900 schools. Private sector in secondary education is insignificant. Totally, there are 200 private schools (1% of all the amount of students).
Transition of secondary school from 10 (11) to 12 level system, according to European standards, is taking place now. Moreover, there is no difference in content of Ukrainian (post-soviet) secondary education from standards of secondary school of other European countries.
You can take vocational education in 1003 technical institutions (utchilische) on the base of lower secondary education and upper secondary education. In Ukrainian system of Education College of Further Education (tekhnikum) refers to the lower part of higher education.
Higher Education Having more than 1 million, student institutions of higher education in Ukraine form a system which considers to be one of the biggest in the world. In Ukraine you can get higher education in universities (academies, institutes) accredited on 3-4th level. After 4 years of studying you can get Bachelor degree, 5 years is for specialists, five and a half or 6 years Masters Degree. Among all the enumerated degrees Specialist is the most popular.
You become a student of a university according the results of entrance exams in July August. The academic year beginning on the 1st of September lasts up to the end of July and consists of two terms. All the students go on holidays between two terms: the first term (September - January) and the second one (February - June). Summer holidays last for two months. At the end of each term the student takes 3 or 5 examinations and 3 or 5 tests. Successful pass of examinations and tests guarantees the possibility of getting to the second term. Students have classes everyday but for weekends. They attend lectures, tutorials, work with materials in libraries and resource centers.
Higher education course includes work placement, when students have the possibility to gain experience. Recognition of qualification gained is the priority of the state. In case of successful graduation of a university students get the Diploma no matter what form of property it refers to. The transcript of the subject list with marks is attached to the Diploma. Although the state guarantees the conformity to standards of qualification, the employer takes into consideration how authoritative the university is.Today, you can get the education in 313 universities, academies and institutes of Ukraine of 3-4th level of accreditation. Among them there are 220 state institutions, 93- non state. 54,9 % of state universities students get free education.
International Students
International students get their higher education in universities, academies and institutes that are not only accredited, but also have a special license to teach foreign students. All the universities from this Guide possess the license. The Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine controls the quality of educational services done to foreign students.
International students start their studying with foundation year.
It includes a course of Ukrainian (Russian) language and some of the comprehensive subjects according to the future profession. Further education is continuing together with Ukrainian students. ( English medium is also available however)
Accommodation
International students live in university hostels. There are various types of hostels. It is also possible to live in Ukrainian families or to rent a flat.
Money
National currency is Hryvnia (UHR). 1 USD = 5.04 Hryvnia (1/03/07)
You can change foreign currency in banks, kiosks, in the international airport. In the airport the currency rate is the same as in other places.
Payment for purchasing and services is done in hryvnias. Nevertheless, some companies take payments in USD.
You can use credit cards of international payment systems. They can be used in many of the shops, hotels, transport companies, clubs and restaurants. In cities the net of exchange machines is well developed including the most popular among students that of AVAL bank. This bank is often used to open the account for international students.
Here you can save money both in foreign currency and Ukrainian hryvnia. Departments of the bank are situated in many regions of the country. It makes it easier to transfer money through the Western Union.
Holidays
New Year 1st of January
Orthodox Christmas 7th of January
International Women Day 8th of March
Orthodox Easter
Labor Day 1st of May
Victory Day 9th of May
Trinity Sunday
Constitution Day 28th of June
Day of Independence 24th of August
Communications
UKRTELECOM Company, the sponsor of the Guide, provides excellent telephone communications both in Ukraine and all over the world.
Most of the universities provide access to Internet for their students. There are also a lot of Internet- cafes.
You can use services of fast mail, represented by DHL, Federal Express, UPS, TNT and other companies.
Medical Service
Most of the State Universities provide free medical service in students' hospitals. Students can also go to state and private hospitals, where medical service is to be paid.
Service of the ambulance is free.
Climate
Climate is mostly continental. The average temperature in January is 1C, in November +5C, in July +22C.
Transport
The international airport of Borispol is the air gate of the country, 36 km from Kiev. To get from the airport to Kiev you can take a taxi, shuttle-bus, bus. You can also order pick up service in the university.
Besides Borispol airport you can take international flights from Simferopol, Odessa, Dnipropetrovsk, Donetsk. International railway connections are with Bulgaria, Check, Slovak, Germany and Poland. International bus routes are from Poland, Great Britain, the Netherlands, Belgium, France, and Germany by ship you can get from Turkey.
Ukraine has a well developed transportation system. So there will no problems to get to any part of the country. You can travel all over the country by train or bus. The fare for distance 500 km is about US$12-15. Tickets on train you can buy in advance either at the railway station or in the city.
On the day of departure a ticket can be bought on the station only.
For air travel within the country you can buy tickets from the local companies. Flight cost at distance 500 km is about US$50.
Local transport includes buses, trolleybuses, trams, taxis. The fare is US$0.15. You can buy tickets from the conductor or in yellow kiosks at stops.
The fare for taxi is $US1 + US$0.20 per 1 km.
In Kyiv, Kharkiv, Dnipropetrovsk you can take SUBWAY, paying at the entrance a ticket of US$0.12 (without time and destination limits).
During warm period a water transport is quite comfortable: on the Dnieper river or by the Black sea.
Electricity
The standard electrical currency throughout Ukraine is 220 volts.
Some outlets operate on 127 volts, but these are very rare. You may need a converter as well as an Eastern European plug adapter if you are bringing electrical appliances. You should be aware that there are frequent power surges, and other irregularities in the electrical supply. You may want to consider brining a surge protector.
Food
Ukraine is a big agricultural country with different cooking traditions.
Different food can be bought in shops, supermarkets, agricultural markets. Cafeterias, restaurants and fast food restaurants propose different cuisine. Indian and Pakistani mess is available.
Review of History
First known societies that inhibited the territory of Ukraine, dated 3 century B.C. had developed agriculture. First state unions were established in 1st century B.C. Tribal unions of Slavs of forest-steppe area started to cultivate lands in Dnieper river bed, one of the longest rivers of Eastern Europe, in the 1st century A.D.
By the last quarter of the 9th century the ancient Rus state had been formed with the centre in Kyiv and under the leadership of Rurikovitch dynasty. Between the two centuries 10-11 Kiev Rus experienced a great development of culture, arts and written languages.
At the end of the 12th century Kiev Rus was split into many small reign areas. As the result the process of the development of education and written language was impeded.
Further development of Ukrainian lands was connected with the history of other countries and made influence on their culture and education. On the other hand, European traditions in education influenced the process of establishment of the first higher school in Kyiv in 1632 Collegium and Lviv University, founded in 1661. Kyiv professors were among the most respected scholars. Many of them were invited to Moscow and Zagorsk and other scientific centers of Russian empire.
The 19th century was marked by the establishment of several universities, that Ukrainian education took pride in. In 1805 a university in Kharkiv was founded (Eastern Ukraine), 1834 in Kyiv, and in 1865 in Odessa. Rapid development of industry, agriculture and trade in Ukraine promoted the system of higher education. Technical and agricultural universities started to appear. Scientific researches were among priorities. The language of education was Russian.
To get education in Ukrainian language became possible only in twenties of the 20th century. The programme of liquidation of mass illiteracy that took place at the period made the education more democratic and accessible.
During the Soviet Union times Ukraine was one of the most developed countries. Its economy demanded a great number of highly qualified specialists for implementation scientific researches results into industry. These demands were met due to a big number of universities and institutes.
Ukrainian scientists were the authors of new achievements in the area of air-space technologies, welding, IT, etc.
Success in Ukrainian education drew attention of foreign students. Since 1940 Ukrainian Universities are teaching foreigners. Nowadays, Ukrainian graduates take leading positions in foreign companies including Asia, Africa and Latin America. You can see them among state officers, doctors, engineers.
The end of world confrontation and establishment of Ukraine as an independent state opened new perspectives for Ukrainian education and its integration into the academic world.
Nineties are characterized by deep changes in the national system of education. The changes in structure and content of education started as the result of the development of new marketing relations. Labor market demanded new skill standards. Management, marketing, law, financing and computer engineering were among priorities. At the same time with the state sector private institutions had started to be developed.
Foreign languages such as English, German, French, Spain were the main part of the curriculum, that built favourable conditions for successful preparation to International Language exams. Ukrainian universities take an active part in work of European educational bodies as well as European Association of International Education. Ukraine was one of the countries that signed the convention on the Recognition of Qualifications Concerning Higher Education in Europe (Lisbon, 1997).
In 1999 the Parliament of Ukraine ratified the convention. Bilateral cooperation between Ukrainian and foreign universities is intensively developed.
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