WHY RUSSIAN? WHY IN UKRAINE?
2017 appears to have become the Language Tuition Year in Ukraine as we have observed the influx of foreigners into the national capital Kyiv seeking to refresh their Russian or master the language from scratch. Non-visa regime, open-minded and hospitable people, inviting prices for accommodation, everyday commodities and services, lots of places to visit – all add to highly trained Russian native speaking tutors accustomed to various students’ language needs and demands.
Here are some basic categories of Russian students we’ve come across so far:
- language tourists coming to Ukraine to make first acquaintance with Russian as another addition to their basic profession or skill; they frequently start their language program from “zero” level, combine the tuition course with travelling Ukraine or telework. Even 1 week course may be sufficient for these students, although it often takes up to 2-3 weeks.
- business people starting their projects in Ukraine; my students Fabricio (Italy) and Ian (Poland) are starting their restaurateur business in Kyiv, they did speak some Russian before but it was essential for them to master everyday speaking in order to be fluent with customers and local authorities; Joshua from USA specializing in logistics was determined to back up his business activities with Russian as a necessity for dealing in “post-Soviet” countries. These students often require “intensive” program, up to 6 hours a day on a 2 to 3 weeks basis which helps to “immerse” into the language.
- members of diplomatic corps and international organizations, foreign journalists; I had an opportunity to arrange an advanced Russian course for an International Red Cross officer from Switzerland whose learning goal was to refine his perception and speaking abilities when dealing with locals in Eastern parts of Ukraine affected by war conflict. A Danish journalist Jens covering Ukraine for Danish media was interested in interviewing Ukrainians and embracing Ukrainian scene from within. These cases required elaborate work on exposing and filling language lacunas, acquiring specific colloquial and locally conditioned language patterns.
Russian can be possible/accessible and enjoyable for anyone coming to Kyiv, no matter whether it’s only for few days or a longer period of time.