Eastern Europe
Job vacancies may arise in the following eastern European countries: Russia, Poland, Hungary, Ukraine, Slovakia, Romania, Bulgaria and the Czech Republic.
Visas required for work in Russia, Ukraine
Poland, Hungary, Slovakia and the Czech Republic joined the European Union in May 2004. The right to live and work in another EU country is one of the fundamental principles of EU law although there may be some restrictions during the transitional period following accession.
GJN Consulting will guide you through visa and work permit requirements as well as healthcare and educational issues.
Russia
Shares European borders with Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Belarus, and Ukraine. Summers are usually mild, even warm and humid in some areas and winters can be bitterly cold. Rouble is the currency. Russian in the official language.
Moscow, the capital is slowly adjusting to a new lifestyle. Symbols of western influence, such as fast food outlets sit alongside the country’s great historical buildings. Opportunities for culture range from ballet, opera and theatre to art galleries. Good underground system.
For more information on Russia, visit www.russiatourism.ru
Poland
Bordered by Germany, the Czech Republic, Ukraine, Slovakia, Belarus and Lithuania. The Baltic Sea is to the north. Summers are usually mild and winters wet and cold. Polish, German and English are the main languages spoken. Zloty is the currency.
Warsaw, the capital, lies in the central region. All its major historical buildings were destroyed during the Second World War so the city lacks the charm of other European capitals.
Hiking is said to be the country’s favourite outdoor activity. The Lake District, particularly the Masurian lakes, is a popular destination for water sport enthusiasts.
For more information on Poland, visit www.poland.pl
Hungary
Bordered by Austria, Slovakia, Ukraine, Romania, Serbia & Montenegro, Croatia and Slovenia. Hungarian and German are the main languages spoken. Forint is the currency.
Summers are usually warm and sunny and winters cold.
The largest city and capital is Budapest, one of Europe’s architectural treasures. It is situated on the River Danube. Lake Balaton, about 65 miles from Budapest, is one of Europe’s largest lakes. Thanks to its thermal waters, the country is famous for its many spas.
For more information on Hungary, visit www.hungary.com
Ukraine
Bordered by Belarus, Russia, Moldova, Romania, Hungary, Slovakia and Poland. Ukrainian, Russian, Romanian, Polish and Hungarian are the main languages spoken. Ukraine Hryvnia is the currency. Summers are usually pleasantly warm and winters cold with lots of snow.
Kiev, on the Dnipro River is the bustling capital and has many grand buildings. Theatre outings to the opera and the ballet are popular. The Carpathian Mountains are a favourite destination for hikers. The resorts on the Black Sea are busy summer destinations. Football seems to be the favourite sport. The people of the Ukraine are said to be very friendly.
Slovakia
Also known as the Slovak Republic. Shares borders with Czech Republic, Ukraine, Hungary and Austria. Slovak, Hungarian, Czech and German are the main languages spoken. Slovak Koruna is the currency. Summers are usually warm and winters cold, particularly in the mountains.
Bratislava, the capital is close to the Austrian border. The old town is a great place to explore the country’s rich past. The castle overlooking the Danube dates back to the Roman Empire. Much of the country is mountainous.
For more information on Slovakia, check out www.heartofeurope.co.uk (it even has a learn Slovak language section)
Romania
Bordered by Ukraine, Moldova, Bulgaria, Serbia & Montenegro and Hungary. Romanian and Hungarian are the main languages spoken. The currency is the Romanian Leu. Summers are usually warm and winters can be bitterly cold when skiing is a popular activity. Resorts on the Black Sea are popular destinations in the summer. The country is slowly shaking off the effects of the Ceausescu legacy. Traces of Romania’s heritage can be found in its many castles and medieval towns.
Bucharest, in the south of the country, is the capital and has many grand buildings such as The Royal Palace and the Palace of Parliament. Restaurants serve international cuisine and there are many bars, cinemas and theatres.
For more information on Romania, visit www.romaniatourism.com
Bulgaria
Shares borders with Turkey, Greece, Macedonia, Yugoslavia and Romania. Its east coast is on the Black Sea. Summers can be warm, even hot and winters are usually cold and wet. Bulgarian is the official language but some English is spoken in the major cities and resorts. Bulgarian Leva is the currency. The mountains and the coast are popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts.
Sofia, the capital is a compact city making it ideal for exploring on foot. Large parts of the city had to be rebuilt at the end of WW2. Many lovely mountain views can be seen from the city.
For more information on Bulgaria, visit www.bulgariatravel.org
Czech Republic
Bordered by Germany, Poland, Slovakia and Austria. Summers are warm and winters cold.
Czech is the official language. The currency is the Czech Koruna. The official language is Czech but many speak a second language such as German, English or Russian.
Prague, the country’s capital and largest city lies on the Vltava River. It is considered one of the great cultural cities of Europe. Restaurants serve local and international dishes and there are many bars, theatres and cinemas. The spa town of Karlovy Vary is probably the country’s best known hot springs destination.
For more information on the Czech Republic, visit www.czechtourism.com
