How-to-Expat
Part 1 – Networking
In this month’s guide to becoming a successful expat, we look at – networking
So, you’ve fallen in love with Ukraine and want to stay. Welcome to the club! It can be daunting to make a move to a country with a different language, a different culture, and a different standard of living. It’s not any easier when that country is at war. Still, many foreigners get a taste of Ukraine and get hooked. What to do next? Well, getting a visa is important. But that can be a drawn-out and frustrating process if you don’t know what you’re doing. So better first talk to people who have done it before. And how better to meet those people than through networking?
Be Seen
There are many expat organisations that host regular weekly or monthly get togethers. Some are business-themed, some more themed to pleasure, and some are geared towards specific communities, like American expats or Lions Club members. Each group has its own quirks and unique personalities, so be sure to check out as many as you can to see which one suits you best. Some of the more popular groups include The Big Meet, Frydays, Internations, Multinations, the British-Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce, the American House, and the Lions Club. Start with one or two of these and you’ll begin to hear about other events popping up.
Be Read
Of course, if you’re reading this article, then you already know where to go to find out What’s – going – On in Kyiv. Be sure to pick up a copy of What’s On each month at your favourite bar, restaurant, or hotel, or just go online to whatson-kyiv.com for additional information and articles. The Kyiv Post is the primary English-language weekly newspaper in Ukraine, UATV is the state-run English TV channel, and organisations like the UBJ will email you a quick morning news recap. Facebook groups like Expats in Kyiv, Foreigners in Ukraine, or English Language Movies in Kyiv are great places to have your questions answered, or to just meet new people.
Be Friendly
Of course, there is no better way to learn about the country than through the locals, so try to join an activity to meet some. Language learning is an easy way – whether you learn Ukrainian or Russian or volunteer to teach English – it’s the simplest way to start building your network of friendly and knowledgeable locals.
More tips next month – stay tuned!
