The Ukrainian Association of International Education and Exchanges Agencies (AIEEA) involves 15 founder members which comprise 75% of the business in the study abroad sector, according to founder Gautham Kolluri. He believes that the market is now so strong that in a few years, every third Ukrainian will have taken a study abroad programme of some kind.

“There is a evolving upper middle class who understand the importance of international education”

“After the fall of the Soviet Union, Ukraine like the other Commonwealth of Independent States countries was in huge economic turmoil,” said Kolluri, who is also MD of the CIP agency.

“However from the early 2000’s, there is an evolving upper middle class who understand the importance of international education and participation in international youth exchange programmes.”

He said AIEEA’s mission was to be “a benchmark for quality services” in the sector, given an “alarming” rise in inexperienced agencies. Only those in the market for three years and holding signifiant references may apply to join.

He also says it will develop a code of conduct, support marketing efforts, and help foreign institutions expand partnerships with Ukrainian agencies. Boosting youth exchange opportunities in the European Union – currently restricted by visa rules – is another goal.

There are no official figures on Ukrainian student mobility, but Kolluri estimates around 25,000-35,000 study abroad for various short and long-term programmes each year.

The UK, the USA, Canada, Germany and Malta are popular for language

He claims the UK, Malta and Switzerland are the top destinations for summer camps with interest in Ireland growing slowly. The UK, the USA, Canada, Germany and Malta are popular for language; while Canada (buoyed by generous post-study work and residence rights), the USA, the UK, Germany and Poland (ditto) were top for higher education.

The USA, meanwhile, is the leading destination for international youth exchange programmes, and an average of 10,000 university students and recent graduates participate in the J-1 Exchange Visitor program.

“We hope the European Union will also develop similar programs,” he said. “It is very difficult for a university student with no travel history to get a visa to the EU for travel or employment based programs. It means Ukrainian youth are missing out.”