Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Volunteering
Volunteers for the US Peace Corps and Soros Foundation have a long history with the
country, as do religious missionaries.
Bikeland
(
www.bikeland.com
) If it expands across the country, the Bikeland project may
at some point be on the lookout for experienced cyclists to mark out trails. Contact the or-
ganisers through its website.
Life2Orphans
(
www.life2orphans.org
) Volunteers are sorely needed in Ukraine's desper-
ately underfunded orphanages. Life2Orphans is an excellent place to start if you're look-
ing for volunteer opportunities in this sector.
Svit Ukraine
(
www.svit-ukraine.org
)
This NGO organises various volunteer camps and
placements for young people with the aim of promoting issues such as sustainable devel-
opment, human rights and democracy.
Volunteer in Ukraine
(
www.volunteerinukraine.com
) NGO dispatching volunteers to
orphanages, children's hospitals and disabled children's homes.
Women Travellers
»
Old-fashioned attitudes towards women of all ages still reign in Ukraine.
»
The likelihood of being harassed in public is pretty slim.
»
Local men tend to be either wary of, or protective towards, foreign women.
»
Young Ukrainian women dress to kill and deflect most sexual attention away from travel-
lers.
»
If you're very cautious, always travel 2nd class on trains. Sharing the compartment with
three other passengers, rather than just one, offers safety in numbers.
»
Pregnant women get reduced fares on some public transport, but you'll probably need
more than just a big bump (such as a certificate from your doctor) to prove you are with
child.
Work
Since independence, English teachers and a few adventurous entrepreneurs have been
attracted to Ukraine to work and do business. Kafkaesque bureaucracy puts many off re-
gistering legally. To get a work permit you have to show that a Ukrainian could not do the
job you're being hired for.
Online jobs are advertised on the following websites:
