LOCATION: Gomel lies in the southeast of Belarus on the borders of Russia and Ukraine. It is located on the right bank of the beautiful river Sozh. Gomel is considered the second large commercial, industrial and manufacturing city and is also the cultural and sporting center for much of the region. It is also one of the biggest educational centers in Belarus having 7 institutions of higher learning, 11 specialized technical schools, 13 professional schools and 75 secondary schools in the city. Gomel region experiences mild climate. Average temperature in winter is -5OC, and in summer it reaches upto 40OC.