Remember: Tips and Advice

Health and Living

You’re going to be living in Ukraine for several months, hopefully having an awesome experience and learning about a new culture. But in some ways, life may be very different from your home country. It’s important that you know about laws, safety, and health care in Ukraine. Explore this section for information on staying safe and healthy throughout your program.

And remember, if you have any problems or questions while you are in Ukraine you can always contact the university administration and/or us. We’re here to help you, and we even have staff available during regular business hours. Give us a call; let us know how you’re doing.

Cultural adoption:

Adjusting to a new culture and way of life can be both exciting and challenging. It’s very possible that you will experience good and bad times during your stay in Ukraine, you’ll be on the adventure of a lifetime and in a new environment that you may find strange and difficult at times. During times of difficulty, just remind yourself that cultural differences and new adventures are the reason we all love to travel, to experience the unknown!

While everyone responds differently to a new culture, there are typically four stages most people experience:

• At first, you will probably experience a great deal of excitement and happiness, due to new things around you. You’ll feel positive about the culture and be fascinated by it.
• In the second stage, you begin to adjust to daily life Ukraine, and the sense of adventure wears off. You will begin to find things different, strange, and even frustrating. The behaviour of Ukrainian people might seem unusual and unpredictable. You might begin to dislike the culture, feel anxious, or want to be alone. It is helpful to recognize when this is happening and know that this phase doesn't last too long for most people.
• By the third stage, you’ll have a routine and feel more confident in dealing with the new culture. Once the values and characteristics of people in Ukraine become more familiar to you, day-to-day life will become easier. This is your true adjustment to Ukrainian life!
• In the last stage you will feel at home in Ukraine, you’ll enjoy being in the culture and function well in it. You might be surprised by your enthusiasm and realize that you prefer certain Ukrainian cultural traits to your own. Perhaps you’ll leave Ukraine and adopt certain behaviours that appeal to you the most. This is what cultural exchange is all about.

No matter what stage you are experiencing; remember that you’re never alone. You can call us at any time to talk about the feelings you’re experiencing. We’re happy to help you at any time!

Safety

A little caution, common sense, and some basic street smarts will go a long way in preventing any problems – Standard as in any country in the world - Here are some tips for staying safe:

• Avoid empty streets, subway stops, and bus stops—always travel where other people are close by and make sure you know where you’re going or have directions. It is always best to not travel alone at night.
• Walk in a confident and purposeful manner.
• Do not expose large amounts of cash in public.
• Keep your possessions in a firm grasp.
• Be especially careful in railway and bus stations. These are often crowded and attract pickpockets.
• Car thieves are common—do not leave any luggage or valuables that might be attractive to thieves in an unattended car.
• Beware of potential scams, such as people bumping into you. This could be a way to distract you while your wallet is being stolen.
• Finally, trust your instincts, and always remain cautious.

Some Important Ukrainian laws

Drugs

Illegal possession of controlled substances (drugs) in Ukraine is subject to prosecution by law. The penalties for drug possession vary. Any type of illegal drug use while in Ukraine may have serious consequences. You may have to pay fines or go to jail if you are caught with drugs or people who have drugs.

Alcohol

You must be 18 years old to drink alcohol legally in Ukraine. If you are under 18, and are found with alcohol, you may be arrested and subject to fines. In addition, if you purchase alcohol for persons under 18, you can be arrested and subject to fines. Drinking alcohol in public areas is also illegal in many places. You will be subject to fines if found guilty.

Driving While Intoxicated or Driving Under the Influence

Do NOT drive a car if you have been drinking alcohol, and do not get into a car if the driver has been drinking. Not only is your safety in danger, but also laws are very strict. You might have to pay big penalty or go to jail if found guilty.

Local Law Enforcement

Like most countries, laws in Ukraine vary. It is important to become familiar with and obey the local laws in the town or city where you are living. During the busy season, the population in resort towns may grow from a few thousand to more than 100,000. In an effort to maintain order, the local police often strictly enforce minor laws. Local laws that govern alcohol consumption, noise levels, and group gatherings are strict. Your best source of information will be Hotstudy.com

Smoking

Ukrainians are likely to be much less tolerant of smoking than people in other countries. It is illegal to smoke in many public places, so look around you before you light up; No Smoking signs are usually posted in a clear, visible location. Smoking is restricted in office buildings, restaurants, and public transportation, among other places.

Emergencies:

Hotstudy.com has a 24-hour emergency support line for program participants. Emergencies include the following:

• Death or medical emergency
• If you’ve been the victim of a crime
• Arrests
• Urgent counselling

Call 102 for the Police or other emergency services. You'll be asked questions, try to answer them as clearly and carefully as you can. Police and medical or fire crews will be sent to your location.

Non-Emergency Issues

For other concerns, you may contact us during office hours. Non-emergency issues that we can help you with during daytime hours are:

• Housing concerns
• Basic legal information
• Victim of theft or a non-violent crime
• Employee/Employer concerns
• Forwarding your student card
• Registrations
• General information about housing

Jobs In Ukraine

Foreign students living in Ukraine should obtain work permission from authorities to be able to work - for both part-time job and/or full time job.

Apply Now!