“Why Ukraine?”, a common question from my friends and relatives. I wondered what could possibly be wrong with the“bread basket” of Europe and was shocked to hear apprehensions about the place not being safe.
Even though Ukraine is not on the most famous cities list, it is one the most visited cities in the world. Letting go of all my fears and doubts about my decision, I stepped into a new world. I found the people to be friendly, and all the initial inhibitions I had, vanished.
Education was the main reason for me to leave India. Will my aspiration be fulfilled? Now a new doubt popped up. During my final year of undergraduate programme, I did a thorough research about the Universities which offered masters (in English) in Aeronautical programme, and that was when I came across “Kharkiv Aviation Institute — National Aerospace University”. It is one of the few universities in the world which is completely dedicated to Aviation and offers UG, PG and Ph.D programmes. The university offers 52 courses under seven faculties in the Russian medium and the good news is that it offers eight courses in the English medium for foreign students.
Practical training
Unlike India, here the university offers specialty courses in the undergraduate programme itself. The university provides an excellent learning environment. The university is well-equipped — I could see aircraft engines and understand how they were constructed and learn what the technology behind it was. The practical knowledge I gained at this university has been immense. The projects done by the professors in the university are used in the defence organisation of the country as well as in many aircraft industries. As a doctorate student, we get the opportunity to work in any one of the projects under the guidance of a professor.
Semesters were thrilling and interesting. The education system is practical and hands-on. . Initially, I had difficulty in understanding the set up here, but in the course of the time, I understood and got in sync with the system. There was a lot of stress on homework and it helped me to understand my field and see my future in this career.
The Ukrainian education system may not be the easiest way to get your degree in hand, but is definitely a sure path to your career.
I could call it my enemy from the time I landed here. Hailing from Chennai, the extreme cold weather here completely paralysed me. In due course, I adapted easily to the weather and even started ice skiing. Ukraine has a popular food culture. Wheat is consumed widely in this country. Like most Indians, I also took time to get used to the food here.
In my opinion, Ukraine may not the best rated region, but it surely is a place worth exploring.
The writer is pursuing his Masters at National Aerospace University-Kharkiv Aviation Institute, Ukraine.
