1. 1
Table of Contents
About Kyiv ..................................................................................................................................................... 2
History ....................................................................................................................................................... 2
Entertainment ........................................................................................................................................... 2
Climate ...................................................................................................................................................... 3
Modern Kiev .............................................................................................................................................. 3
State holidays ................................................................................................................................................ 3
International Time ........................................................................................................................................ 4
Transportation .............................................................................................................................................. 4
Rail Information ........................................................................................................................................ 4
Subway ...................................................................................................................................................... 4
Communication ............................................................................................................................................. 4
Post Office ................................................................................................................................................. 4
Phones....................................................................................................................................................... 4
Medical Facilities ........................................................................................................................................... 5
Money ........................................................................................................................................................... 5
Exchange rates .......................................................................................................................................... 5
Credit Cards............................................................................................................................................... 5
Prices ......................................................................................................................................................... 5
Other ............................................................................................................................................................. 6
Business Hours .......................................................................................................................................... 6
Electricity................................................................................................................................................... 7
Etiquette ................................................................................................................................................... 7
Check list (Don’t forget to bring….) ........................................................................................................... 7
Way from the airport ................................................................................................................................ 7
Ukrainian Words and Phrases ....................................................................................................................... 8
Ukrainian Numbers ................................................................................................................................... 9
Visas to Ukraine .......................................................................................................................................... 10
About LC ...................................................................................................................................................... 11
Contacts .................................................................................................................................................. 11
AIESEC in Kyiv, Ukraine | office.kyiv@aiesec.net | Pr. Peremohy 54/1, of 515
2. About Kyiv
History
Kiev is the capital and the largest city of Ukraine, located in the north central part of the country
on the Dnieper River. Kiev is an important industrial, scientific, educational and cultural centre of Eastern
Europe. It is home to many high-tech industries, higher education institutions and world-famous historical
landmarks. The city has an extensive infrastructure and highly developed system of public transport,
including the Kiev Metro. 2
The name Kiev is said to derive from the name of Kyi, one of four legendary founders of the city
(brothers Kyi, Shchek, Khoryv and sister Lybid'). During its history, Kiev, one of the oldest cities in
Eastern Europe, passed through several stages of great prominence and relative obscurity. The city may
have been founded in the 5th century as a trading post, perhaps part of the land of the early Slavs. It
gradually acquired eminence as the centre of Rus civilization, becoming in the tenth to twelfth centuries
the political and cultural capital of Rus', a semi-feudal confederation of Slavic principalities to the east of
Poland. Completely destroyed during the Mongol invasion in 1240, the city lost most of its influence for
the centuries to come. It was a provincial capital of marginal importance in the outskirts of the territories
controlled by its powerful neighbors: first the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, followed by Poland and Russia.
The city prospered again during the Russian industrial revolution in the late 19th century. After
the turbulent period following the Russian Revolution of 1917, from 1921 onwards Kiev was an important
city of the Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic, and, from 1934, its capital. During World War II, the city
again suffered significant damage, but quickly recovered in the post-war years remaining the third largest
city of the Soviet Union. Following the collapse of the Soviet Union and the Ukrainian independence of
1991, Kiev remained the capital of Ukraine.
Entertainment
There are many bars, cafes, night clubs, where you can go with AIESEC members for relaxation. Also can
organize external Language Exchange Clubs where you can learn Russian or make discussions in English.
Our members extracurricular participate in Toastmasters Club and other NGOs, are involved in projects,
so it will be easy to find someone with similar interests. Also there are Catholic churches and an Indian
temple, Japanese Cultural Center for instance, where interns from different countries can find their native
culture.
With friends it is common to go to chill in parks, cafes, do ice-skating, watch movies, do sightseeing
around the city. So if you get bored, just go to main street Kreschatik and enjoy the city with someone
from our LC!
AIESEC in Kyiv, Ukraine | office.kyiv@aiesec.net | Pr. Peremohy 54/1, of 515
3. Climate
Kiev has a continental humid climate. The warmest months are June, July, and August, with mean
temperatures of 13.8 to 24.8 °C (56.9 to 76.7 °F). The coldest are December, January, and February, with
mean temperatures of −4.6 to -1.1 °C (23.7 to 30.0 °F). The highest ever temperature recorded in the city
was 39.4 °C (103.0 °F) on 31 July 1936. The coldest temperature ever recorded in the city was -32.2 °C (-
26.0 °F). Snow cover usually lies from mid-November to the end of March, with the frost-free period
lasting 180 days on average, but surpassing 200 days in recent years. There are four seasons during the
year: winter (December-February), spring (March-May), summer (June – August), fall (September- 3
November). Please bring appropriate clothes depending on the season when you arrive.
Modern Kiev
Modern Kiev is a mix of the old and the new, seen in everything from the architecture to the stores and to
the people themselves. Experiencing great population growth between the 1970s and the mid-'90s, the city
has continued its consistent growth after the turn of the millennium. As a result, Kiev's "downtown" is a
dotted contrast of new, modern buildings amongst the pale yellows, blues and grays of older apartments.
Urban sprawl has gradually reduced, while population densities of suburbs has increased. The most
expensive properties are located in the Pechersk, and Khreshchatyk areas. It is also prestigious to own a
property in newly constructed buildings in the Kharkivskyi Raion or Obolon along the Dnieper.
Ukrainian independence at the turn of the millennium has heralded other changes. Western-style
residential complexes, modern nightclubs, classy restaurants and prestigious hotels opened in the centre.
Music from Europe and North America started appearing on Ukrainian music charts. And most
importantly, with the easing of the visa rules in 2005.Ukraine is positioning itself as a prime tourist
attraction, with Kiev, among the other large cities, looking to profit from new opportunities. The centre of
Kiev has been cleaned up and buildings have been restored and redecorated, especially the Khreshchatyk
street and the Independence Square. Many historic areas of Kiev, such as Andriyivskyy Descent, have
become popular street vendor locations, where one can find traditional Ukrainian art, religious items,
books, game sets (most commonly chess) as well as jewelry for sale.
State holidays
1 January – New Year‟s {Parties and fests all around with fireworks and huge celebration. AIESECers
usually organize party and cook food together, drink and stay up until morning.}
7 January – Christmas {More religious holiday. Families get together to have meal of 12 dishes. It is nice
to be invited to have dinner with somebody and share holy atmosphere.}
8 March – Women‟s Day {Men usually give plenty of flowers to women and behave with respect.}
April (or May) – Easter {People go to church to bless food in baskets and after that have meal together.}
1-2 May – Labor Day {Nothing special happens. Free time to go to park or chill with family and friends.}
9 May – Victory Day {Parades along the city and it is common to give flowers to veterans, go to Park of
Glory and other parks.}
28 June – Constitution Day {Some governmental events.}
24 August – Independence Day {Parades, fireworks, celebrations, concerts all around the country.}
AIESEC in Kyiv, Ukraine | office.kyiv@aiesec.net | Pr. Peremohy 54/1, of 515
4. International Time
Ukraine has on time zone, GMT+2 hr. Daylight savings time is observed from the first Sunday in
April to the last Sunday in October when you will need to advance your clocks by one hour.
Transportation
4
Rail Information
Kiev is connected to European and Asian cities via an extensive network of railways. The
capital‟s train station is located in the centre of the city and is situated right next to the “Vokzalna” metro
station. Train travel is the least expensive and most convenient way to reach just about any location. There
are three comfort classes for long distance train travel: luxury-soft with two pull-out beds for more space,
coupe-soft with four beds, and “platskart” with six beds per compartment. However, electric commuter
trains, called „elektropotyahy‟ or „ elektrychky‟ are usually outfitted with only hard wooden benches and
no amenities. They are generally very crowded, especially on weekends and in the summer time when
people travel to their summerhouses.It is always wise to bring your own toilet paper, soap, and supply of
food and a drink. Option to check schedule is available on http://uz.gov.ua/?lng=uk in Ukrainian only.
Subway
The most convenient way of transport is subway. The official web page is under the link
http://www.metro.kiev.ua/. Monthly ticket price for the subway is 95 UAH, and one ride costs 1.7 UAH.
Kyiv metro has 4 lines and connects 8 of 10 city districts. To some of city parts it is better to go by buses,
route buses (called „marshrutka‟), trams, trolleybuses, prices in city transport is 1.5 UAH, sometimes
though reaching 2.5 UAH per ride.
Communication
Post Office
Post offices are located all around the city. At the Central Post Office you can buy stamps, post
cards, use fax machines and make international calls. Post card to the world costs less than $ 1.00, to
check services please go to http://www.ukrposhta.com/www/upost_en.nsf.
Phones
For calls in Kyiv, public telephones located all over the city require phone cards, which you can
buy at every post office. The rates for phone calls to Europe are about $0.60 - $ 1.50 per minute. Calls to
the United States are about $2.50 per minute. Almost all AIESECers use operator LIFE
http://www.life.com.ua/ It offers the cheapest prices and you will be able to call abroad for low rates.
AIESEC in Kyiv, Ukraine | office.kyiv@aiesec.net | Pr. Peremohy 54/1, of 515
5. Ukrainian numbers start from +38 (city or operator code) for Kyiv (XXX-XX-XX), for example
+380446718133 is a land phone in Kyiv. Major mobile operators are Kyivstar (067, 096, 097, 098), MTS
(050, 095, 066, 099), LIFE (063, 093), Beeline (068). Since the competition most of the operators offer
free connection inside of network under some conditions. Usual expenses per month do not exceed $ 7.00
Medical Facilities
Medical care in Ukraine is limited. The availability of basic medical supplies, including disposable
needles, anaesthetics, and antibiotics has improved. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash
payment for health services. Foreign medical insurance is not always valid for Ukraine. Travellers have 5
found that in some cases, supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage, including air
evacuation coverage has proved to be useful.
Money
The Ukrainian national currency is the Gryvnya. However, it is preferable to bring Euro or USA
dollars with you. You can exchange them in any major bank or at any exchange point around the city.
You will identify those points by the name of „обмін валюти‟ if it is written in Ukrainian Language or
„обмен валюты‟ if it is written in Russian Language.
Changing U.S. dollars for Ukrainian Hryvnias or another currency is legal only at banks, currency
exchange desks at hotels and at licensed exchange booths. Beware of changing money on the streets or
with private individuals: it's illegal and it can be dangerous. Remember however that old or damaged bill
may 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.
Exchange rates
To learn the current exchange rate of hryvna (UAH) to almost any currency check the following link:
http://www.bank.gov.ua/kurs/engl/last_kurs1.htm
Credit Cards
Ukraine is a cash economy. Traveler's checks and credit cards however are in large usage in Kyiv
American Express, MasterCard, and Visa are commonly accepted. A passport or diplomatic card may be
required whenever a credit card is used. Customs regulations prohibit sending cash, traveler‟s checks,
personal checks, credit cards or passports through the international mail system to Ukraine. These items
are regularly confiscated as contraband by customs authorities.
Prices
Kyiv is generally not very expensive city. Prices for clothes are more expensive than in the US or EU
however. Food and drinks are quite affordable. To updated list of prices please visit
http://www.tefl.com/home/col_survey.html?ci_id=88&tefl_session=9fad1961fc581111f947e98b26b81f
3d&x=1&y=1
AIESEC in Kyiv, Ukraine | office.kyiv@aiesec.net | Pr. Peremohy 54/1, of 515
7. taken between the hours of 1:00pm and 2:00pm. Most banks are open without breaks, Monday through
Friday from 9:00am to 1:00pm. Shops and malls are open 24/7, excluding some cases.
Electricity
220 volts, 50Hz is the standard electrical voltage throughout Ukraine. To use electrical appliances
you will need a converter as well as an Eastern-European plug adapter.
Etiquette 7
When visiting Ukraine, there are a few simple rules of etiquette that may be useful:
If invited into a family home, it is traditional to bring a gift. A bottle of wine, a cake or flowers
is customary. If there is a child in the house, it s appropriate to provide him/her with a small
gift as well.
If you bring flowers, make sure it is an uneven number of flowers.
Do not shake hands across the threshold of a door. It is considered bad luck.
When shaking hands, take of your gloves.
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, expect that your coat, briefcase or baggage will be
checked.
When eating dinner at someone‟s home, casual dress is accepted.
Be ready to give toasts at dinner, for gusts are often asked to do so.
Be prepared to accept all food and drink offered you when visiting friends. Ukrainians are
known for their generosity when it comes to feeding others. Turning down food may be
considered to be rude.
In Orthodox churches, women wear scarves or hats, and men take off their hats.
Check list (Don’t forget to bring….)
There are few things that you should not forget to include into your luggage when coming. We are going
to give you some hints here:
some typical sweets or dishes
your National flag and all sort of presentation materials
if you take any sort of medicine, bring the prescription with you
if you wear glasses and contact lenses, also bring the prescription with you
your dictionary, from your language into English or into Russian
some recipes of your traditional dishes
some small souvenirs. Many times families may host you and it would be nice if you can
leave them some presents from your country
Way from the airport
Kyiv has two airports, however all flights usually are serviced in one – “Boryspil”. Boryspil is also the
city approximately 40 min to the east of Kyiv. If you arrive to Ukraine it is the best to take shuttle bus,
schedule you can see here http://kbp.com.ua/english/transport/buses.-schedule.-stops.html
It is more convenient for AIESEC members to pick up interns at train station (to which this shuttle goes),
since it is connected to the subway.
AIESEC in Kyiv, Ukraine | office.kyiv@aiesec.net | Pr. Peremohy 54/1, of 515
8. Ukrainian Words and Phrases
Key to abbreviations: frm = formal / polite, inf = informal, sg = singular, pl = plural
English Українська (Ukrainian)
Welcome Ласкаво просимо (Laskavo proschmo) Вітаємо (Bitajemo)
Вітаю (Vitayu) – frm, Привіт (Pryvit) - inf
Hello
Алло (Allo) Слухаю (Sluchaju) - on phone
How are you? Як ти? (Jak ty?)
I'm fine, thanks. And you? Дякую, добре. А ви? (Djakuju, dobre. A vy?)
8
Long time no see Давно не бачились (Davno ne bačiliś)
What's your name? Як тебе звати (Jak tebe zvaty?) inf, sg
Як вас звати (Jak vas zvaty?) frm/inf pl
My name is ... Мене звуть (Mene zvuť ...)
Where are you from? Звідки ви? (Zvidky vy?)
I'm from ... Я з ... (Ja z ...)
Pleased to meet you Приємно познайомитися (Prijemno poznajomytysia)
Good morning Добного ранку! (Dobnoho ranku)
Good afternoon Доброго дня (Dobroho dnia)
Good evening Доброго вечора (Dobroho večora)
Good night На добраніч (Na dobranič)
Goodbye До побачення (Do pobačennja)
Щасти вам/тобі! (Ščasty vam/tobi)
Good luck Нехай щастить! (Nechaj ščastytʼ)
На все добре! (Na vse dobre)
Cheers/Good health! Будьмо (Budʼmo), За здоровя (Za zdorovja)
Have a nice day Гарного дня (Harnoho dnja)
Bon appetit Смачного! (Smačnoho)
Bon voyage Щасливої подорожі (Ščaslyvoji podoroži)
I don't understand Я не розумію (Ja ne rozumiju)
Ви не могли б розмовляти повільніше
Please speak more slowly (Vy ne mogly b rozmovljaty poviľniše) - frm
Розмовляй повільніше (Rozmovliaj poviľniše) - inf
Запишіть це, якщо маєте ласку
Please write it down (Zapyšiť, jakščo majete lasku)
Будь ласка записати це (Buď laska zapysaty ce)
Ви розмовляєте українською?
Do you speak Ukrainian? (Vy rozmovliajete ukrajinśkoju)
Yes, a little
Так, трохи (Tak, trochy)
How do you say ... Як сказати українською ...?
in Ukrainian? (Jak skazaty ukrajinśkoju ...?)
Excuse me Перепрошую! (Pereprošuju)
How much is this? Скільки це коштує? (Skiľky ce koštuje?)
Sorry Вибачте! (Vybačte)
Thank you Дякую (Diakuju) Дуже дякую (Duže diakuju)
AIESEC in Kyiv, Ukraine | office.kyiv@aiesec.net | Pr. Peremohy 54/1, of 515
9. Response Прошу будь даска (Prošu, buď laska)
Where's the toilet? Де туалет? (De tualet?)
This gentleman/lady Цей пан платить за все (Cej pan platityť za vse) - gentleman
will pay for everything Ця пані платить за все (Cia pani platityť za vse) - lady
Хочеш зi мною потанцювати?
Would you like to (Chočeš zi mnoiu potanciuvaty?) - inf
dance with me? Хочете зi мною потанцювати?
(Chočete zi mnoiu potanciuvaty?) - frm
Я тебе кохаю (Ja tebe kochaju)
I love you
Я тебе люблю (Ja tebe liubliu) 9
Get well soon Видужуй[те] (Vydužuj[te])
Leave me alone! Залиште мене у спокої! (Zalyšte mene u spokoji)
Help! Допоможіть! (Dopomožiť!)
Fire! Пожежа! (Požeža!)
Stop! Стій! (Stij!)
Call the police! Викличте міліцію (Vyklyčte miliciju)
Merry Christmas Веселого Різдва і з Новим Роком
and Happy New Year (Veseloho Rizdva i z Novym Rokom)
Христос Воскрес! (Khrystos Voskres!) Christ is Risen!
Happy Easter Воїстину Воскрес! (Voyistynu Voskres!) Truly He is Risen! - reply
З Великодніми святами (Z Velykodnimy sviatamy)
Многая Літа (Mnohaja Lita) = "Many Years"
Happy Birthday
З днем народження (Z dnem narodžennia)
Ukrainian Numbers
NUMBE ENGLISH TRAN NUMBER ENGLISH TION
1 one o-dyn 20 twenty dvad-tsyat‟
2 two dva 21 twenty-one dvad-tsyat‟ o-dyn
3 three try 30 thirty tryd-tsyat
4 four cho-ty-ry 40 forty so-rok
5 five pyat 50 fifty pyat-de-syat
6 six shist‟ 60 sixty shist-de-syat
7 seven sim 70 seventy sim-de-syat
8 eight vi-sim 80 eighty vi-sim-deh-syat
9 nine de-vyat‟ 90 ninety de-vya-no-sto
10 ten de-syat‟ 100 one hundred sto
11 eleven O-dy-nad-tsyat‟ 200 two hunred dwisti
12 twelve Dva-nad-tsyat‟ 1,000 one thousand ty-syacha
13 thirteen try-nad-tsyat‟ 2,000 two thousands dwi ty-syachi
14 fourteen cho-tyr-nad-tsyat‟ 1,000,000 one million Mil‟yion
AIESEC in Kyiv, Ukraine | office.kyiv@aiesec.net | Pr. Peremohy 54/1, of 515
10. Visas to Ukraine
Most citizens of other countries require a visa to travel to Ukraine.
Citizens of EU, Switzerland and Liechtenstein: beginning with 1 September 2005 visas to
Ukraine are not required for EU or Swiss citizens who enter Ukraine or transit through its
territory for the period of time of up to 90 days with a valid travel passport.
Citizens of USA and Canada: beginning with July 1, 2005 visas to Ukraine are not required for
the US and Canadian citizens who enter Ukraine within six months after their previous trip to 10
Ukraine or transit through its territory for a period of up to 90 days with a valid American travel
passport.
The US citizens need to make sure that their current medical insurance has coverage in Ukraine.
Citizens of Japan: beginning with August 1, 2005 visas to Ukraine are not required for the
Japanese citizens who enter Ukraine or transit through its territory for a period time of up to 90
days with a valid Japanese travel passport.
There are cases when visas to Ukraine are required for the US, Canadian, EU, Swiss, Japanese citizens.
E.g. visas are required for the citizens who enter Ukraine with the purpose of employment, permanent
residency, study and work at the diplomatic missions in Ukraine or with any other purpose if they are
going to stay in Ukraine for more than 90 days.
If you are a citizen of any other country or the rules above do not apply to your situation, then you need to
apply for a Ukrainian visa at the consulate. No invitation letters are required for citizens of the US,
Canada, Japan and Turkey for obtaining official, business, private, cultural, or sports visas.
No visas are required for citizens of Mongolia and the countries of the Commonwealth of Independent
States (except Turkmenistan).
You may apply for visa to Ukraine at the Consular/Visa Section of the Embassy of Ukraine. For the list of
Ukrainian Embassies »click here.
AIESEC in Kyiv can provide you with an official invitation letter from the Ministry of Education or other,
but we prefer not to deal with governmental stuff. For citizens of India and China visa process may take
over one month.
For all types of visas (business, private, tourist, transit etc.) the following documents should be submitted:
completed visa application form for each applicant holding a separate passport or being included
in the joint passport;
fully valid passport/travel document ;
two recent passport sized photographs;
invitation;
two separate postal orders (or company cheques) covering the handling charge and visa fee;
contact telephone numbers of all applicants (work, home or mobile).
The period of visa processing is 3-10 working days.
AIESEC in Kyiv, Ukraine | office.kyiv@aiesec.net | Pr. Peremohy 54/1, of 515
11. About LC
AIESEC in Kyiv was established first as a part of USSR in 1989 and then gained independence together
with Ukraine in 1991. After 2008 Ukraine is in top 10 countries by exchange performance and
membership. Kyiv, is not the strongest LC but the most financially sustainable and with most members –
120 actively involved students. Every year AIESEC in Kyiv organizes nearly 15 projects and members
work for specific projects with more interest than in functional area. Among those there are conferences
on marketing, finance, IT, career days, long term soft skills workshops and social projects based on
exchange.
Executive board 2010-2011 is presented by: 11
LCP –Yulia Palamarchuk
VP ER – Tetiana Kashevko
ER Coor – Vitaliy Bondarchuk
Comm Coor – Julia Bortnik
VP OGX – Daria Kogut
VP ICX DT/ET – Svitlana Kogut
MT/TT ICX Coor – Helen Kyryliuk
VP TM – Evgeniya Lukianets
VP LC Development – Iryna Nemyrovych
For more information visit official LC KYIV wiki on myaiesec.net
Contacts
Office of AIESEC in Kyiv is situated on subway station Shuliavska on pr. Peremohy 54/1, of. 515 in Kyiv
National Economic University. That building is usually used for LCMs every Friday at 18.30.
mContact e-mail is office.kyiv@aiesec.net.
AIESEC in Kyiv, Ukraine | office.kyiv@aiesec.net | Pr. Peremohy 54/1, of 515
