Teaching English as a Second Language in Ukraine

Why Teach English in Ukraine

Ukraine is a country rich in natural resources that enjoys a moderate climate. Since Ukraine's gaining of independence from the Soviet Union in the early 1990s, the country has had the freedom to grow in many ways. Living costs are reasonable and there is a wealth of cultural and natural beauty to explore.

Although the demand for English teachers is not as high as some other countries, there are certainly opportunities for individuals interested in teaching in Ukraine. The official language since independence is Ukrainian, but English is treated as an informal second language in many areas. Accommodations during the teaching commitment may be provided in some areas in addition to salary.

In recent years, the stringent requirements for obtaining a visa have been lessened. It is easier for teachers to obtain work visas or locate a sponsoring school to approve the visas.

Types of Ukraine English Teaching Jobs

There are a variety of different opportunities to teach English in Ukraine. Hours and schedules may vary dependant on the needs of the employing institution. Although urbanization is increasing, Ukraine is largely an agricultural country. Traveling long distances for teaching appointments may be impractical.

Places to find employment as an English teacher include:

Higher education institutions
State schools
Elementary schools
High schools
American English language schools
Language centers
Private language institutions
Businesses
Individuals/private lessons or tutoring
English camps or summer sessions

English teachers in Ukraine may teach general English, business English, conversational English, or English for travel. The need may be for long term position, such as a school, or a short period of time, such as a four week commitment to an English conversational camp for college students or adult learning program.

Training Needed to Teach English in Ukraine

The requirements and qualifications for teaching English as a second language in Ukraine vary. A degree or certification may not always be required. Some Ukrainian institutions are willing to accept native speakers of the English language even with no formal English teacher training. Some schools, such as Ukraine's American English Center that has six locations throughout the country, do not require certification because they provide their own training program for teachers.

Even when formal certification is not required, however, Ukraine employers look for prospective teachers that are native speakers of English and have a good grasp of grammar, the English language, and conversational English. Other employers may require other specific experience, such as the Ukrainian National Association, which gives preference to teachers with a Bachelor's degree in Education for its four week English program. Although English is becoming more widespread as a second language, Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) certification is required by many places since Ukrainian is the primary language.

Where to Look for Jobs Teaching English as Second Language in Ukraine

Interested persons can contact schools or other institutions directly, apply for open positions found through advertisements, or work through a placement program to find jobs teaching English as a second language in Ukraine.

Institutions that employ English teacher on an ongoing basis include:

American Academy of Foreign Languages (Based in Russia with a sister office in Ukraine's capital of Kiev)
International House in Kiev
The London School of English, also in Kiev
British Council in Ukraine

Each of these prefers TEFL certification and experience teaching English as a foreign language.

For a comprehensive directory of English schools in Ukraine, or those that employ English teaching programs, visit the VisaRUs site.

Special Considerations

A unique consideration for teaching English as a second or foreign language in Ukraine is that the country was entrenched in communist philosophy for much of its past. Rote patterns of education and an emphasis on factual group learning may take precedence over individual language growth. In her article "The Alternate Textbook and Teaching English in Ukraine" Assistant Professor of English Olga Kulchytska discusses a more communicative teaching method that may be helpful for prospective teachers.

For more resources on teaching English in the Ukraine, visit: