Teach English in Ukraine

Teach English in Ukraine Overview

Would you like to teach English in Ukraine? Ukraine, the cheapest country in Eastern Europe, is an excellent TEFL option for teachers who enjoy a warm, kind welcome, a low cost of living, and a little adventure. Although not the most accessible country to live in, if you can locate a professional position (complete with all the necessary legal documentation), you may enjoy a good quality of life here, with many teachers staying for several years.

Ukraine is also one of the world’s oldest countries. Over 500 cities were founded over 900 years ago, long before Christopher Columbus set foot on the American continent! As a result, there are plenty of unique archaeological excavations to choose from, ranging from Greek ruins going back to 400 BC to 14th-century outdoor enthusiasts.

TEFL students are frequently young students or young professionals looking to advance their careers. Therefore, experience teaching children and teenagers, as well as a background in Business English, would be beneficial. If you want to attempt to teach English in Ukraine, seek a summer camp position to acquire a taste of the culture before looking for full-time work once you arrive. Qualified English teachers who are already in the nation will find plenty of work. Teachers at all levels can find work in Ukraine: novice non-native teachers can find limited work, while those with qualifications and 3+ years of experience can obtain top-notch positions.

In this guide, you will find information on teaching English in Ukraine, how to find a role, what the living conditions are like and how much money you can earn. It also talks about the culture and cost of living as well as many other helpful pieces of advice for anyone looking to teach English in Ukraine.

Teach English in Ukraine: Types of jobs

Private elementary schools/ High schools

English teachers in private elementary and secondary schools have the advantage of teaching in classrooms for several hours each day, usually the same hours every week. Although some schools demand a bachelor’s degree, most schools require a TEFL certification. Each semester’s hiring begins in January/February and August/September. The pay for this type of English teacher in Ukraine is sufficient to live comfortably. Look for openings at Kyiv’s well regarded International Baccalaureate institution.

Language centres

In Ukraine, language centres are a popular way to learn English. English classes run all year since they are not bound to school semesters. There are dozens across the country, including in Kyiv and Dnipropetrovsk, as well as in a few smaller towns like Lugansk. A TEFL or CELTA certificate is usually required, but there is plenty of opportunities out there for English teachers in Ukraine. Most classes are held in the evenings. Group talks, business lessons, adult classes, children’s classes, and English classes focusing on vocations such as restaurants, hospitality, or medical are examples of different types of classes. AEC, International House Kyiv, Cicerone, and the British Council are a few schools with locations across the country.

Private lessons

Private classes are another popular option to teach English and make money in Ukraine. Even if a person works for a language centre or a private school, private courses are likely to supplement their income. Current students, friends of students, or recommendations are frequently used to find private pupils. Private sessions are available all year, and you can even teach English in Ukraine online to bring in a little extra money. 

Finding a job in Ukraine

When and where to get a job teaching English in Ukraine

English teaching employment can be found all around Ukraine. However, schools and language centres are more common in major cities. With its attractive parks, monasteries, and monuments, Kyiv, the capital, is brimming with schools and chances to teach. Odesa is known as the Ukrainian Paris and is known as the “capital of funny.” Other cities where English is taught include Donetsk, Dnipropetrovsk, Kharkiv, Luhansk, and Zaporizhzhya.

English teachers abroad in Ukraine can either look for work online ahead of time or within 90 days of arriving in the country without a visa. Teaching employment are plentiful in August and January, but there is a hiring slump over the summer, so this is not a good time to go if you want to stay. On the other hand, it could be the best time to head over to get a feel for the culture and life before returning home and seeking work online. For a modest price, TryUkraine will enter instructors’ information into a database that schools can check and use for employment.

Qualifications

Most private schools and language centres require TEFL/TESOL certification for their teachers. A bachelor’s degree is required by more prestigious schools or higher education institutions. TEFL/CELTA certification programmes are offered by a few organisations, including the British Council and International House Language School, but none guarantee teaching opportunities. Of course, as with most roles, the more qualifications and experience you can bring to the table, the more chance you stand of being a successful candidate when it comes to getting a job teaching English in Ukraine.

Classroom & work culture 

Student-teacher relationships 

In Ukraine, there are no rigid societal rules regarding student-teacher interactions. Because many students are adults, students and professors occasionally interact outside of class. However, you do not have to if you feel more comfortable with maintaining a privacy between your work and private life. 

Dress code

In Ukrainian schools, there is no specific dress code for teachers. However, clothing should be clean and tidy, with no tears or stains. “The general norm for most teaching jobs in Ukraine is smart yet casual,” says International House Kyiv. This doesn’t mean anything goes, and you should ensure for women that dress is kept modest, and men should not wear shorts to work.

Greetings

Greetings in Ukraine consist of a firm, warm handshake with eye contact. It is also expected that each individual repeats their own name during the handshake, which understandably can feel quite strange to start with. Still, you do get used to these new customs and traditions very quickly once you begin your time teaching English in Ukraine. The welcome you will receive is friendly, and you will be able to make friends easily as Ukrainians look after newcomers well. In addition, Ukraine and Russian are widely spoken, so you will find some basic language skills in either of these will serve you well when you look for a role as a teacher of English in Ukraine.