About jehu

Status:

Expatriate  

Gender:

Male

Currently Lives:

Citizen Of:

United Kingdom

Some Forum Posts:

Ukraine: Tourist Safety Kharkiv:

Hi I'm English, married to a Ukrainian woman and we've lived in Kharkov for 2 years. Kharkov is very safe ! You have to use common sense when travelling around, but that applies going to any country. So best leave your Rolex watch at home when you come, and avoid the town centre around 1am. Apart from that Kharkov is a really nice city. The ongoing tension is over 400km away in the Donbass region! My guess is if you don't speak any Russian, your biggest problems are going to be just getting here from Kiev. The majority of people here over 25 probably don't speak English and all the writing is of course in the Cyrillic language. So it would be best if your girlfriend met you at Kiev airport to escort you on the train. For example, if you take the express from Kiev it only takes 5 hours, but this depends on connection times, if you elect to take the overnight, just don't leave your valuables in the compartment when you go to the toilet, again it's basic common sense. With the overnight train, you will inevitably be sharing the compartment with three others - (take the top bunk for sure!). No, maybe your girlfriend is trying to discourage you for some other reason??? Seriously, Ukrainians are generally speaking very friendly people. I've been in a lot more hostile places than the Ukraine. And Kharkov is an excellent city. Nuff said ??

Ukraine: Employment:

Hi I'm British, married to a Ukrainian woman and we now both live in Kharkov. I'm semi-retired. Yep, I agree; you've got to have some purpose, goal, vision, reason for getting up in the morning, call it what you like. I have so it's not a problem. One suggestion - if you speak English, take an online TEFL course and teach English as a native speaker - you'll be snapped up. They are desperate for native English teachers here, in schools, institutes or you can give private lessons at home. Just get some training, then put the word around, you will end up with more students than you can handle. Cheers!

Ukraine: Wanted, a Russian language tutor to Skype:

My Ukrainian wife, who speaks fluent English and is native so speaks perfect Russian, can help you. Interested?

Ukraine: What are any of you doing for work?:

I teach English. I also have a side-line pimping I.T. developer for UK companies, it's a cool earner!

Ukraine: TEAFL TEACHING:

Hi I am English and married to a Ukrainian woman. We live and work in Kharkov, Ukraine. I spent years in the I.T. industry and decided to change, so I took a TEFL course, which I later discovered is an important document requirement for teaching in a Ukrainian school, particularly in the absence of a teaching degree or diploma. Because I am a native Englishman, find a teaching position in the Ukraine was relatively easy as many, if not 99% of Expats, have fled the country due to the current crisis in the east. Problem I have is that although I am busy learning Russian, currently my lack of the language precludes me from teaching at elementary level. This means I can only teach those who know enough English to be able to understand me as I cannot explain things in Russian of Ukrainian. I also have a number of private adult student come to me at home. So, yes a TEFL cert is a must and yes, there's plenty of demand for native speakers. Your age by the way is not a problem. However, on the downside; it is quite problematic to obtain: a) a "probisca", which is proof of residency and b) an indefinite stay visa. Thankfully I'm over the hump of all that, I've even bought a car now, which is a must for the Summer. If you don't know any Ukrainians to help and don't speak the language you'r on a hiding to nothing. But you can hire an interpreter of course. Best of luck Hope that helps..!

Ukraine: how to get driving license in Ukraine:

Hi I was tempted to bring my car over from the UK, but finally decided not to. After settling in the Ukraine I eventually bought a car here, it's much better. Never get stopped by the cops. As for the crazy driving thing. Sorry chum I've been to the States and seen far more wrecks than over here. In the Ukraine there are two types of drivers; first the rich who drive around in 4x4s and think the own the place, I just keep out their way and let 'em though. The second group is every one else. There are not speed cameras here but the cops use hand-held cameras so so long you are not a naughty boy and drive too fast, they have not reason to stop a Ukrainian-registered vehicle. Best..

Ukraine: finding a job:

Hi I'm from the UK and now live in Kharkov with my Ukrainian wife. I worked in the UK in I.T. for years as a software developer. Initially I found I.T. jobs were available in Ukrainian companies with an English-speaking office environment, but the pay wasn't attractive, no surprises really. However I ended up getting out of I.T. and doing an online TEFAL course. I found myself snapped up by schools and institutes looking for native English speakers. I now work for a prestigious private school just one metro stop away from where I live and the pay is quite good. I don't have to speak a lick of Russian just English. So there's one option for you - get into teaching English, if you are a "native", no problem getting work; you'll get snapped up ! Best... Ken

Date Joined:

4/14/2014

Total Posts:

11

Posts/Day:

0.01