Review of IHDNK

I joined IH DNK in September 2010 and worked there for two years. For both years I was employed as a standard teacher, it was my first job since completing my CELTA and as such my views and opinions should be viewed in light of this.

The Good.

The teacher development really is great. When I came as a new teacher I was really given a helping hand to find my feet and encouraged a lot. I owe them a lot for crafting me into the teacher I am now. They also helped out with every detail of my flat (including deductions for bills straight from salary, organising a flat, arranging internet services, etc) and assisted with a doctors appointment and follow ups (driving me to and from the hospital every day) when I had an eye infection.

 

There were parties every term or so and in general I got on well with every teacher and we all assisted each other. (unfortunately, in my second year there were more separate groups and some tensions between these groups of teachers but even so we always helped each other at work.) In generally, it was a great atmosphere to work in, with great colleagues and great students.

 

Traveling was very cheap whilst I was there with Train tickets being very inexpensive (I have heard that prices have increased a bit though) the more difficult challenge is finding somewhere to stay, most people stay in rented flats rather than hotels. Flats are certainly cheaper than hotels. Another challenge is finding the time to take off.

The Bad:

Ukrainians can be very cold and blunt at first as well as quite untrusting. It can be quite strange to going into a shop and people bark at you, interrogating you as to why you are there (not all Ukrainians mind but most shops still have this attitude.) 

Communication within the school can be an issue. During my first year I really didn't know who I needed to talk to about certain issues and often got sent round in a merry-go-round between different people.

The end of terms can be quite stressful when you have extra classes, other teachers leave early, courses have to be completed and other tasks emerge.

The Ugly:

Our Pay was erratic during my time at the school. This wasn't true of everyone one of my colleagues seamed to be paid always on time where as other of us would be paid a week or two late quite frequently. On one occasion I did have a two month delay when I first came out to the Ukraine and there were a couple of meetings over issues with payments. 

 

In terms of Ukraine it can be very cold and very hot during the winters and Summers respectively. -20 to +40C is quite a change. The streets can seem quite dirty In Dnipro as there is a lot of dust from the factories.

Do ask if you have any more questions.