Ukraine

For centuries, Ukraine has been a traditional crossroads between the Baltic and Black Seas and between Asia and Europe, being a witness to many historical events and developments. As a YFU student to Ukraine, you will discover one of the oldest cultures in Eastern Europe and meet its kind-hearted and generous people.

Ukraine is rich in ethnic traditions and folklore. The country is famous for wonderful folk songs and dances, and crafts represented by carved and painted wooden items, embroidery, ceramics, and beadwork. One of the most colorful traditions is that of decorating Easter eggs - "pysanka," which are small works of art, elaborate and detailed, with lots of meaning hidden in the combination of colors and ornaments.

While you will find that all members of your host family work hard, you will also know them as warm, welcoming, and caring.

Academic Programs

As a semester student in Ukraine, you will attend 10th-11th grades at a secondary school in Kiev. Students learn English from 4th through 11th grade. Classmates stay together in one class and take subjects together, most of which are required, but a few are optional.  The school offers a choice of extracurricular activity options, which are included in your program tuition: folk group, art studio, drama, and others.

The YFU office will work with you to design activities based on your interests. You'll participate in various activities and excursions together with YFU alumni from Ukraine, such as visiting theatres, the Kiev Opera House, and taking a three-day train trip to the Western or Southern region of Ukraine. You are sure to enjoy walking around the beautiful city of Kiev!

13th Year Abroad
In addition to the traditional academic semester program, Ukraine offers two semester options specially designed for recent high school graduates for the 13th Year Abroad program.

Language An intensive language program is offered amidst the picturesque backdrop of Kiev. Choose Ukrainian or Russian language semester courses at Kiev State Linguistic University, specially tailored for those with basic or no knowledge of these languages. In addition to developing strong communication skills, you will enjoy participating in various workshops, meetings, round-table discussions, as well as extracurricular activities together with Ukrainian students from the University's English Language Department. It's a great opportunity to share your culture and meet many new friends.

Teaching Assistant Challenge yourself as an English Teaching Assistant! Instead of attending regular academic classes at school, you will educate Ukrainian students about American culture and way of life. You will be assigned to a Program Counselor, an English teacher, and act as a teacher's assistant.

Learn more about other 13th Year Abroad Programs.

Programs, Departures, and Costs

Online Resources

To learn more about Ukraine, we recommend:

• E-mail YFU Alumni from the Alumni Referral List with your questions
• Visit your local library to find reference books, travel guides and essays, Ukrainian and Russian language dictionaries, and many more country resources 
• Use an internet search engine to find informative web sites 
• Embassy of Ukraine in Washington, DC web site

"The best part of my experience was the friends I made, and all the things I learned about a culture so different from my own." - John Zelenski

All YFU Programs are subject to change or cancellation without prior notice.
Last Updated: Friday, August 24, 2007