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ONE AIESEC. ONE UKRAINE.

Congratulations with your decision to go on exchange with AIESEC to Ukraine! Now, all you have to do is to get to know the country well and to be a proactive learner. Enjoy diversity and have an incredible experience with us! Best regards, VP ICX team AIESEC in Ukraine 2010-2011

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VISAS TO UKRAINE
Ukraine's 90/180 rule for visa-free entry
Citizens of the following countries can now visit Ukraine without a visa for periods of up to 90 days over a 180 day period with a valid passport: 1. Austria, 2. Andorra, 3. Armenia, 4. Azerbaijan, 5. Belarus, 6. Belgium, 7. Bulgaria, 8. Canada, 9. Cyprus, 10. Czech Rep, 11. Denmark, 12. Estonia, 13. Finland, 14. France, 15. Georgia, 16. Germany, 17. Greece, 18. Hungary, 19. Iceland, 20. Ireland, 21. Italy, 22. Japan, 23. Kazakhstan, 24. Korea (South), 25. Kyrgyzstan, 26. Latvia, 27. Liechtenstein, 28. Lithuania, 29. Luxembourg, 30. Malta, 31. Moldova, 32. Monaco, 33. Mongolia, 34. Netherlands, 35. Norway, 36. Paraguay, 37. Poland, 38. Portugal, 39. Romania, 40. Russia, 41. San Marino, 42. Slovakia, 43. Slovenia, 44. Spain, 45. Switzerland, 46. Sweden, 47. Tajikistan, 48. UK and Northern Ireland, 49. USA, 50. Uzbekistan, 51. Vatican

For all the rest countries an applicant should submit the application

your passport (original, not a copy) one completed application form printed or written in block letters in black ink one recent passport-size color photograph if you are not a U.S., E.U., Canadian, or Japanese citizen, you will probably need a letter of invitation.

Visit Ministry of Foreign Affairs http://www.mfa.gov.ua/mfa/en/507.htm

Ask your hosting LC to send the invitation letter, so you have up to 21 days for the embassy to proceed your application. Usually you should also indicate an address of your stay and a person responsible.

Extending Ukrainian visas

Visas can be extended in Ukraine within 4-5 business days at the city OVIR (office of visas and registrations) not the neighborhood OVIR. Apply for an extension no sooner than 4-5 days before your visa expires. You cannot change the category of visa and are not allowed multiple entries back into the country during the period your visa has been extended for. In other words, if you have a multi-entry visa and extend it in Ukraine, you will only be allowed one more exit from Ukraine. As soon as you leave the country, the visa becomes void. Remember, you cannot get a new visa while in Ukraine you can only extend your existing visa. You must leave Ukraine to get a new visa at any Ukrainian consulate in any foreign country. Hence, if you plan to make multiple trips out of the country during the period you want to extend your visa for, it would make more sense to receive a new visa during your next trip abroad or even make a special trip to get the visa (to Krakow or Budapest, for example) rather than extend your current visa.

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COUNTRY
Ukraine is bordered by the Russian Federation to the east and northeast, Belarus to the

northwest, Poland, Slovakia and Hungary to the west, Romania and Moldova to the southwest, and the Black Sea and Sea of Azov to the south and southeast respectively. Ukrayina, [ukrjin]
Capital: Kyiv Area: 603.7 sq km Population: 45,888,000 people GDP (nominal): total $127.133

Ukraine's history began with the Kievan Rus', the precursor to the East Slavs. From the 9th century the Kievan Rus' became a large and powerful nation but disintegrated in the 12th century. Ukraine was the center of the medieval living area of the East Slavs. After the Great Northern War (17001721) Ukraine was divided between a number of regional powers and, by the 19th century, the largest part of Ukraine was integrated into the Russian Empire with the rest under Austro-Hungarian control. After a chaotic period of incessant warfare and several attempts at independence (191721) following World War I and the Russian Civil War, it emerged on December 30, 1922 as one of the founding republics of the Soviet Union. The Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic's territory was enlarged westward shortly before and after World War II, and southwards in 1954 with the Crimea transfer. In 1945, the Ukrainian SSR became one of the co-founding members of the United Nations.

billion, per capita $2, 795 Official language: Ukrainian

Currency: UAH Hryvnia Administrative division: 24

oblasts and Autonomous Republic Crimea Religion: 64% Orthodox

Highest peak: Hoverla 2061 m Sea: Black Sea

The Sea of Azov

National symbols:

blue-yellow flag symbolizes blue sky and wheat fields

Government: unitary semi-

presidential republic :: AIESEC in Ukraine :: http://aiesec.org.ua/ ::

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HISTORY
Formations Kievan Rus' Kingdom of Galicia Volhynia Cossack Hetmanate Ukrainian National Republic West Ukrainian National Republic Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic Second Declaration of Independence 882 1199 1649 November 7, 1917 November 1, 1918 December 30, 1922 June 30, 1941
Ukrainian history is long and proud, with the inception of Kievan Rus as the most powerful state in Medieval Europe. While this state fell prey to Mongol conquest, the western part of Ukraine became part of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth from the 14th until the 18th century, even modern Ukraine owes it a debt of sorts. A subsequent Ukrainian state was able, in the face of pressure from the ascendant Muscovy, to remain autonomous for more than a century, but the Russian Empire absorbed much of Ukraine in the 18th century to the detriment of their culture and identity. Despite a brief, but uncertain, flash of independence at the end of the czarist regime, Ukraine was incorporated into the new USSR after the Russian Civil War in 1922 and subject to two disastrous famines (1932-33 and 1946) as well as brutal fighting during World War II. Ukraine declared its sovereignty within the Soviet Union in July 1990 as a prelude to unfolding events in the year to come. The Verkhovna Rada (Ukraine's Parliament) again declared its independence in early December 1991 following the results of referendum in November 1991 which indicated overwhelming popular support (90% in favour of independence). Initially, there were severe economic difficulties, hyperinflation, and oligarchal rule prevailed in the early years following independence. The issues of cronyism, corruption and alleged voting irregularities came to a head during the heavily-disputed 2004 Presidential election, where allegations of voterigging sparked what became known as the "Orange Revolution". In 2010 Victor Yanukovych became the president of Ukraine. Read more:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Ukraine

Independence from the Soviet Union

August 24, 1991

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CLIMATE AND GEOGRAPHY

Geography
At 603,700 square kilometres (233,100 sq mi) and with a coastline of 2,782 kilometres (1,729 mi), Ukraine is the world's 44th-largest country.It is the largest wholly-European country and the second largest country in Europe (after the European part of Russia, before metropolitan France). The Ukrainian landscape consists mostly of fertile plains (or steppes) and plateaus, crossed by rivers such as the Dnieper (Dnipro), Seversky Donets, Dniester and the Southern Buh as they flow south into the Black Sea and the smaller Sea of Azov. To the southwest, the delta of the Danube forms the border with Romania. The country's only mountains are the Carpathian Mountains in the west, of which the highest is the Hora Hoverla at 2,061 metres (6,762 ft), and those on the Crimean peninsula, in the extreme south along the coast.

Climate
Ukraine has a mostly temperate continental climate, although a more Mediterranean climate is found on the southern Crimean coast. Precipitation is disproportionately distributed; it is highest in the west and north and lowest in the east and southeast. Western Ukraine, receives around 1,200 millimetres (47.2 in) of precipitation annually, while Crimea receives around 400 millimetres (15.7 in). Winters vary from cool along the Black Sea to cold farther inland. Average annual temperatures range from 5.5 C (41.9 F)7 C (44.6 F) in the north, to 11 C (51.8 F)13 C (55.4 F) in the south.

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CUISINE Ukrainian cuisine has a rich history and offers a wide variety of dishes.
Most famous dishes are borsch (beet root soup), potato salads, grains, vegetable salads, pork dishes etc. Ukrainians eat moderately oily food, with equal consumption of vegetables and meat. Its difficult to find vegetarians in the country, but Ukraine has plenty of vegetables grown, so you wont starve The top five components of a meal are potatoes, bread, eggs, meat (especially beef) and butter. Other popular foods include cabbage, milk, sour cream, curds, mushrooms, lard, cucumbers, tomatoes, apples, berries, honey, sugar, salt, garlic, and onions. Main courses are eaten at the dinner (afternoon meal) and at the supper (evening meal). Most often they include meat (beef, chicken, fish) or vegetables and are served with various garnishes and dressings. And for the dessert: Syrnyki recipe Ingredients : 250 cottage cheese (syr) , 75 g oil to fry, 2 table spoons semolina flour ,3 table spoons sugar , 2 table spoons wheat flour, 2 eggs Method: Combine all the ingredients, except flour, and knead stiff dough. Shape small balls and roll in flour. Fry in oil for 3-4 minutes every side until bright golden.

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COST OF LIVING
UAH USD GBP EUR

Accommodation
Room in shared apartment in good area - monthly rent 2/3 star hotel - 1 night stay UAH 2,500.00 UAH 500.00 $310.09 $62.02 193.00 38.60 220.90 44.18

Food and Drink

Milk 1ltr./2.11pints Butter 500gr./1.10lbs. Plain yoghurt 180gr./6.35oz. Cheese 500gr./1.10lbs. Eggs 12 (large) Bread (white loaf) 1 kg./2.20lbs. Bread Whole (wheat loaf)1 kg./2.20lbs. Rice (long grain) 1kg./2.20lbs. Spaghetti 1kg./2.20lbs. Sugar (white) 1kg./2.20lbs. Flour (white) 1kg./2.20lbs. Cornflakes (packet) 375gr./13.23oz. Tea bags (pack 25) Coca Cola 1lt./2.11pints Mineral water (still) 1lt./2.11pints Cooked ham 1kg./2.20lbs. Sausages 1kg./2.20lbs. Black pepper 50gr./1.76oz. Frozen pizza 320gr./11.29oz. Milk chocolate (bar) 100gr./3.52oz. UAH 4.00 UAH 4.00 UAH 5.00 UAH 25.00 UAH 7.00 UAH 3.00 UAH 3.00 UAH 15.00 UAH 12.00 UAH 6.00 UAH 5.00 UAH 13.00 UAH 15.00 UAH 7.00 UAH 4.00 UAH 75.00 UAH 45.00 UAH 3.00 UAH 20.00 UAH 8.00 $0.50 $0.50 $0.62 $3.10 $0.87 $0.37 $0.37 $1.86 $1.49 $0.74 $0.62 $1.61 $1.86 $0.87 $0.50 $9.30 $5.58 $0.37 $2.48 $1.00 0.31 0.31 0.39 1.93 0.54 0.23 0.23 1.16 0.93 0.46 0.39 1.00 1.16 0.54 0.31 5.79 3.47 0.23 1.54 0.69 0.35 0.35 0.44 2.21 0.62 0.27 0.27 1.33 1.06 0.53 0.44 1.15 1.33 0.62 0.35 6.63 3.98 0.27 1.77 0.84

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Beer (local, can) 0.33lt./11.15oz.

UAH 3.00

$0.37

0.23

0.27

Eating Out, Entertainment & Health

Three-course dinner in restaurant Fast-food meal Cup of coffee in bar/cafe Beer in bar Taxi rate per km./0.62 miles City centre bus fare (3km./1.86miles) Web cafe (30 mins.) UAH 200.00 UAH 30.00 UAH 10.00 UAH 15.00 UAH 2.50 UAH 2.00 UAH 7.00 $24.81 $3.72 $1.24 $1.86 $0.31 $0.25 $0.87 15.44 2.32 0.77 1.16 0.19 0.15 0.54 17.67 2.65 0.88 1.33 0.22 0.18 0.62

Clothing
Women's shoes Men's shoes Pair of jeans Men's suit Women's suit Men's shirt Women's dress UAH 500.00 UAH 500.00 UAH 350.00 UAH 1,200.00 UAH 1,200.00 UAH 350.00 UAH 500.00 $62.02 $62.02 $43.41 $148.84 $148.84 $43.41 $62.02 38.60 38.60 27.02 92.64 92.64 27.02 38.60 44.18 44.18 30.93 106.03 106.03 30.93 44.18

Prices are indicated as for Kyiv, but they are average. Usually vary +- 10% from the price. This is just for you to know the general costs of living in the country.

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TRANSPORTATION

Ukraine's transportation network

Ukraine has a very well-developed system of public transportation, and the country is much less reliant on private automobiles than the U.S. or western Europe. Every large city and regional capital is connected to the railway network and receives passenger trains daily from other major cities. The train station is the main transportation hub of every Ukrainian city. From there minibuses, trolleybuses, and private taxis take passengers to other parts of the city. The other main transportation hub of any Ukrainian town is the intercity bus station. Often, but not always, the bus station is located next to the train station. The largest cities generally have several bus stations located at different ends of town. Intercity buses leave from the station that is in the direction of their destination. Most Ukrainian regional capitals also have an airport on the edge of town for domestic flights and, occasionally, a small selection of international flights. Ukraine has recently got its first low-cost connections. Inter-city travel in Ukraine is quite a bit less expensive than in Europe, but prices have been rising steadily in recent years.

Check these sites for information about flights: http://wizzair.com/ :: http://www.aerosvit.ua/eng.html :: http://www.flyuia.com/ :: http://www.flypgs.com/en/default.aspx Ukrainian train system: http://uz.gov.ua/?lng=uk

Public transportation in Ukrainian cities

Every Ukrainian town and city has a complex network of public transportation dominated by minibuses, followed by trolleybuses, street trams, buses, and subway systems (only in the largest Ukrainian cities). These means are sufficient to get you where you need to go in town after you learn how to use them (follow the links for detailed information). Fare on public transportation is very low by European standards, usually costing 2 UAH ($0.25 USD) or less. In addition to public transportation, taxis are available everywhere at prices lower than in Europe.

Prices for transport: Train Kyiv Lviv = app. 70 UAH Subway = 1.5 2 UAH/ ride Route Bus = 1 3 UAH/ ride Trolleybus, tram = 1 2 UAH / ride

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CULTURE AND TRADITIONS

1 January - New Year's Day 7 January - Orthodox Christmas 8 March - International Womens Day April - May - Orthodox Easter 50 days after Easter - Holy Trinity Day (Svyata Troyitsya)(or "Green Sunday") 1 - 2 May - Labor (May) Day 9 May Victory Day 28 June - Constitution Day 24 August - Independence Day Other Holidays 14 January - Old Calendar New Year 25 January - "Students Day" otherwise known as "Tatyana's Day" 14 February - St. Valentine's Day 23 February - Men's Day (formerly known as The Soviet Army Day) 1 April - Fool Day (the Day of laughter) 13 May - Mothers Day5 6 June - Ivan Kupala Day 1 September - The Day of Knowledge October 5 - Teacher's Day 6 December - Ukrainian Army Day 19 December - St. Nicolas Day 5
-1- Easter eggs -2- Did Moroz and Snigurochka during the New Year -3- Fireworks on a state holiday -4- Picture of Christmas -5- Traditional Ivan Kupala celebration

Ukrainian Holidays

The Ukrainians are just fond of celebrating holidays. They strictly observe the traditions of Orthodox and Soviet holidays and readily accept Western holidays like St. Valentine Day, Halloween, St. Patrick's Day and so on. A great number of holidays can be divided into several groups - public, religious and just holidays. Public holidays are marked with red in the calendar for you not to forget to have a good rest. When a holiday falls on a nonwork day, Saturday or Sunday, the nearest Friday or Monday is a day-off.

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MONEY
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 a diplomatic card may be required whenever a credit card is used. Customs regulations prohibit sending cash, travelers checks, personal checks, credit cards or passports through the international mail system to Ukraine. These items are regularly confiscated as contraband by customs authorities. In many places such as kiosks or small stores it is not possible to pay via credit card, so it is very common that people withdraw money in the ATM and then pay with cash in the stores.

The Ukrainian national currency is the Hryvnya. 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 3 around the city. You will identify those points by the name of if it is written in Ukrainian Language or 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.

Ukrainian coins have the nominal of 1, 2, 5, 10, 25, 50 coins and a 1-Hryvnia coin. Banknotes: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 Hryvnias

Look up latest exchange rate here :

http://www.bank.gov.ua/kurs/engl/last_kurs1.ht m

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UKRAINE : PLACES TO VISIT

Enjoy your holiday in the unexplored beauty of Ukraine. The magnetic Ukraine is all set to mesmerize you with charms of the famous places to visit in Ukraine. The beauty of Ukraine can fill every moment of your holiday with great delight. This largest country of Europe can be your most desired place with the splendid beauty of magnificent mountains, rich heritage, exotic culture, wonderful architectural elegance and bustling city life. Amongst the famous places to visit in Ukraine are the cities of Lviv, Odessa, Sevastopol, Chernigov, Yalta and above all the gorgeous Kiev. Kiev is the most interesting visiting place in Ukraine.

Useful links: http://ua-traveling.com/# http://www.traveltoukraine.org/regions.htm http://ukraineplaces.com/ukraine-tourist-guide http://www.lonelyplanet.com/ukraine/places http://www.tryukraine.com/photos.shtml Ukraine's main attractions
Very briefly, here's a list of the remarkable things tourists can see in Ukraine, and the best places to experience them : City life: Kyiv, Odessa Churches: Lviv, Kyiv Monasteries: Kyiv, scattered remote locations Soviet architecture and legacy: Kyiv, Kharkiv Nature: Crimea's South Shore, Carpathians Folk culture: villages of western Ukraine and Carpathians

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UKRAINE : THE CAPITAL CITY

The Ukrainian capital is one of the largest European scientific and cultural centers. There is a wide web of scientific establishments, higher education establishments, medium specialized schools, lyceums, gymnasiums, places of culture and art. Lives of many outstanding people are connected to Kyiv political, state and social figures, writers, composers, painters, scientists, the memory of which is eternalized in monuments, memorials street and square names.

KYIV
Area: 839 km2
Population: app. 3 mln people City guide

Contacts: e-mail: icx.kyiv@gmail.com phone number: +380683505044 address: prospect Peremohy 54/1, office 515 (metro Shuliavska, Kyiv National Economical University)

Among the most famous places of the city is Sofia cathedral (101731), the Golden Gate (101724), Vydubytskyy monastery (XI century), Kyevo-Pecherska Lavra (1051), Kyrylivska church (middle of XII century), Bratskyy monastery (1616), Volodymyrskyy cathedral (186296), Mariyinskyy palace (174552) and many others.

Hostels: Price: 85- 150 UAH per night Website: http://www.hostelworld.com http://www.hihostels.com.ua/index.php?lang=en Suggested hostel: 1 - City Center Hostel | Sofiivska Str. Nr 2, apt. Nr 10 | 140 UAH/night

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UKRAINIAN PHRASEBOOK

http://wikitravel.org/en/Ukrainian_phrasebook

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THINGS TO KNOW
GUESTS:
Ukrainians are very hospitable. As their guest, you will receive red-carpet treatment. This includes heavily-laden tables, gifts, and many toasts. While it is sometimes uncomfortable for Americans, who have so much, to accept gifts from those who have so little, they will be very insulted if you turn them down. - Be prepared to accept all food and drink offered when visiting friends. Turning down food may be considered rude. (If you find you cannot eat it all, keep something on your plate to avoid having it replenished!) - In Orthodox churches, women should wear scarves or hats, and men should take off their hats. - Be careful when complimenting a host's belongings, he or she may offer them to you. - Don't put your thumb between your first two fingers; this is a very rude gesture.

ETIQUETTE:
These rules of etiquette may be useful: - If invited into a family home, it is traditional to bring a gift. A bottle of wine, a cake, or a bouquet of flowers are customary. - If there is a child in the house, it is appropriate to provide him/her with a small gift as well. - If you bring flowers, make sure the number of flowers is uneven (3,5, etc.). - Do not whistle; some believe it will "blow your money away." - Do not shake hands across the threshold of a door. It is considered bad luck. - 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 and theaters, expect that your coat, briefcase, or baggage will be checked. - Be ready to give toasts at dinner, for guests are often asked to do so. - Offer to share your snacks and cigarettes with those around you. - Drinking alcohol is prohibited on the streets.

BUSINESS HOURS:
An eight-hour day is considered a normal work day, Monday through Friday. A lunch break is taken between the hours of 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. Most banks are open without breaks, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

PUBLIC RESTROOMS:
It is always a good idea to have a packet of tissues on hand because public restrooms rarely supply toilet paper. Public restaurants also may charge a small fee (approx. $.20-.30). While any public restroom can be unsanitary, relatively clean toilets can be found in most modern restaurants and hotels. Please note that public toilets are often of the squat variety, and when there are toilet bowls there is often not a toilet seat.

TIPS:
Restaurant bills normally include a 5 percent service charge. You will often find, however, that a few extra hryvnias can make your dining experience a lot more pleasurable.

Emergency phones: Fire: 101 Police: 102 Ambulance: 103 Gas: 104

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Visas to Ukraine... 3 Country... 4 History... 5 Climate and geography... 6 Cuisine... 7 Cost of Living... 8-9 Transportation... 10 Culture and Traditions... 11 Money... 12 Ukraine: Places to visit.13 Ukraine: the capital city14 Ukrainian phrasebook15 Things to Know...16

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