Kazakhstan

As the largest country in Central Asia, the Republic of Kazakhstan stretches across 2.7 million square kilometers of vast plains, jagged mountains, and sweeping deserts. Thanks to its sprawling size, the country has one of the lowest population densities in the world, though also one of its most ethnically diverse. Kazakhstan’s 18.75 million people are spread across cities, towns, and villages, identify with more than 120 different ethnic groups, and speak over 113 languages and dialects. Kazakhstan’s tourism slogan, “Very nice!” is a playful nod to the 2006 mockumentary, Borat! Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan, but there’s more than just humor behind this buzzy catch phrase. The country is home to no shortage of stunning natural landscapes, impressive UNESCO World Heritage Sites, rare architectural wonders from the days of the Golden Horde, and an unexpectedly haute cuisine – very nice indeed! History Today, Kazakhstan is a presidential republic with an urbanizing population and thriving uranium and oil industries. In the past , however, daily life was heavily informed by nomadic culture. Kazakhstan’s name literally means “ land of wanderers ,” and to this day you’ll still be able to spot traces of the country’s nomadic past in its traditional dishes, architecture, and literature. Russia, likewise, has had a large impact on Kazakhstani culture – the Republic of Kazakhstan was in fact the Kazakh Soviet Socialist Republic from 1936 …

Each country has its own requirements and qualifications when it comes to teaching. Some require a bachelor’s degree in any field. In others, you’ll qualify with only a high school diploma and your TEFL certificate. Some countries have strict visa requirements that may disqualify you based on your citizenship or criminal background. Let’s take a look at the qualifications needed for teaching English in Kazakhstan. Education A bachelor’s degree is not required to teach in Kazakhstan, but it is highly preferred by employers. Those who do not have a bachelor’s degree will still have some options to teach in Kazakhstan. Citizenship There are no specific citizenship requirements to teach English in Kazakhstan. Kazakhstan is also a potential teaching market for teachers whose first language is not English. English Fluency If you do not speak English as a first language, you will need to have a high fluency in English, and you might need to be more flexible about your school and location preferences to compete with native English-speaking candidates. Nevertheless, non-native speakers of English qualify for teaching positions in Kazakhstan. Background Check A clean background check is occasionally required to work in Kazakhstan. If you’re from the United States or planning to apply for a residence permit in Kazakhstan, it’s highly recommended that you obtain a criminal record check before arriving in the country. Additionally, some international schools in Kazakhstan might require te…

Kazakhstan presents a strong and growing market for English teachers. Though the country’s two official languages are Kazakh and Russian, there’s been increasing demand for English language learning opportunities as the nation continues to establish itself within the global economy. As a result, there are ample opportunities to find work teaching English in Kazakhstan today. Most TEFL certified English teachers will find jobs at private language schools, though it is also possible to secure a position at a private or international school in Kazakhstan if you meet the required qualifications. Teaching contracts in Kazakhstan, regardless of the type of school you work for, are typically 12 months in length. Private Language Schools Private language schools are privately run and typically for-profit language training centers that can cater to students of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities. Many school-aged students will attend private language schools to supplement their public or private school language education, and adults will often attend private language schools to develop their foreign language competency and thereby advance their professional and career options. Unlike public or private schools, private language schools specialize solely in the teaching of foreign languages. Class sizes at private language schools will typically be small – teachers might instruct a handful of learners of the same language level, or conduct private one-on-one lessons. Private language s…

Now that you’ve explored the job types available to you, it’s time to begin the application process! There are several steps to take to find a job teaching English in Kazakhstan, and we have them all outlined here below. Heads up! The timelines for your job application process and for gathering documents for your visa may overlap. You’ll want to be working on both processes at roughly the same time. Be sure to check out our Kazakhstan Timeline , as well as the Applying for the Visa section for more information and to make sure you are staying on top of your visa documents while applying for teaching positions. Step 1: Prepare Your Initial Application Materials Resume & Cover Letter Your resume and cover letter are the keys to connecting with schools and beginning the application process. International employers look for specific elements in a resume that may differ from what you’re used to seeing domestically. To take a deeper dive into international resumes and cover letters, visit the Resume and Cover Letter section ! Once you’ve updated your resume and cover letter to meet the recommended international standards, submit your draft to your Student Affairs Advisor for review. Step 2: Determine Your Preferences A major part of the teaching abroad experience is enjoying where you’ll actually be living! Do you have a preference when it comes to your daily routines and surroundings? Do you want to live in vibrant, colorful Almaty? Or would you prefer calling the futuristic cit…

Congratulations on your job offer(s)! If you’ve been offered a position from a school in Kazakhstan and you’ve followed our previous advice, you’re already off to a great start. But what’s next? Determining whether or not the offer is right for you . To help make this decision, follow the recommendations below by reviewing the basics. Whether you have one offer or several, the key elements you’ll want to take note of are: salary, working hours, vacation days, sick days, housing, airfare, insurance, and bonuses. Let’s take a closer look at what to expect with each of these elements. Review the Basics Salary The average starting salary for a first-year English teacher in Kazakhstan is 126,000 – 474,000 KZT (Kazakhstani Tenge) per month. Anything significantly lower or higher should make you ask a few questions. If the reason for the pay difference is obvious, like you’ll be in an especially rural location with a low cost of living or working longer than average hours, you may find that you’re okay with it. But don’t accept a contract that is paying you less for doing the same amount of work the average English teacher does, or one that doesn’t fit into your work-life-travel balance. Working Hours Teaching English in Kazakhstan is typically a full-time gig, as you’ll need to be formally employed in order to stay in the country on the C3 work visa. However, there’s more than just the total number of working hours per week (typically 30-40 hours) to consider. Will you have to work…

The word “visa” tends to provoke daunting images of endless red tape and paperwork, but we’re here to ease your anxiety and hopefully have you zipping through this visa process like a pro. Below, we’ll outline the most common visa routes for foreign English teachers in Kazakhstan, and then dive into a deeper look at the required documents for a work permit and work visa there. As is always the case with any of the visa advice we provide, please be sure to cross-check this information with your local Kazakhstan embassy or consulate to ensure you are getting the most up-to-date, accurate, and personalized instruction there is! Visa Types C3 Work Visa/Work Permit What is it? In general, a work visa is a signed and stamped document issued by immigration authorities that allows you to legally enter your host country to work. In order to obtain a work visa, you typically need to have a work permit. In most cases, your new employer will obtain the work permit on your behalf and send it to you to apply for the work visa. In Kazakhstan, the most common type of work visa for foreign English teachers (and their family members!) is the C3 work visa, which is issued to applicants who intend to enter Kazakhstan for work. The C3 work visa is available as a single entry or multiple entry visa, though it’s not required for teachers from Azerbaijan, Armenia, Belarus, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Russia. How do you get one? Typically, you’ll apply for the C3 work visa from the Kazakhsta…

In the days, weeks, and months leading up to your move abroad, it’s more important than ever to stay organized and ask yourself: What are the logistics I have to consider and the loose ends I have to tie up in order to thrive in my new home? Do I have to worry about taxes? What about health insurance? And what the heck do I do about a cell phone? Fear not, TEFL teacher. In this section, you’ll find the tips, resources, and wisdom to tackle these questions and more! Review the Basics Health Insurance Although in a perfect world an apple a day would keep the doctor away, in reality, even teachers get sick. Cue health insurance. Regardless of the country you end up in, you should always inquire about health insurance before accepting a position. If health insurance is indeed provided by your employer, it’s imperative that the relevant details are outlined clearly in any contract you sign. Health insurance is sometimes provided by schools as part of the compensation package in Kazakhstan, though it is not a guarantee. Check out the Accepting the Right Offer section to learn more! Savings & Banking In Kazakhstan, it may take a month or more before you receive your first paycheck. Therefore, you’ll want to plan accordingly! We recommend having between 301,050 Kazakhstani Tenge (KZT) and 376,300 KZT in your bank account before you arrive in Kazakhstan to tide you over until you get paid. Once you’ve started receiving paychecks from your school, you may want to look into having a ban…

You have finally made it to the end of the Kazakhstan section, no small feat! Here is all of that wonderful information from the previous section laid out step-by-step and month-by-month before your intended departure date for Kazakhstan. This timeline is not only for the planners and checklist lovers (although you will love this too!). It is strongly encouraged for anyone planning a move to Kazakhstan to help keep you on track and organized as you make your way through the process. Finding a Job in Advance The hiring season in Kazakhstan is all year round. That being said, schools typically do not hire during major holidays, such as Nauryz in March or New Year’s Day. Take your desired start date and subtract from there. While it may be possible to move some parts of the process along quicker, follow this timeline as closely as possible. 4 months before departure: Begin your research ___List out your preferences and priorities. ___ Network with ITA alumni and watch alumni Instagram takeovers . ___Read through ITA’s resources, watch a Student Affairs webinar. ___Read about Kazakhstani culture. ___Ensure your passport will be valid three months past your anticipated return date or order a new passport. ___Start saving up so you have enough money in your bank for start-up costs. It’s recommended to have between 301,050 – 376,300 KZT saved by the time you arrive. 3 months before departure: Begin compiling your documents ___Finalize your international resume and cover letter. ___M…

Kazakhstan is a mixture of Asian and Russian cultures. The people are mostly friendly but very direct. Public transport include trams, buses, metro and taxis. All prices are pretty low but you can expect to pay more for taxis as a foreigner. The nightlife scene here is very active and has a good mix of local and expat clubs. You better like karaoke though. If you want to travel Kazakhstan is a good location, getting to all of Central Asia, south east Asia and the Middle East is cheap and easy. Jeffrey S. Almaty, Kazakhstan Immersing myself in another culture has only brought me closer to people from all walks of life. I've grown in empathy, humility, and love. Traveling has given me access to personal growth incomparable to anything else in my life. Nazia K. Kazakhstan Oftentimes from where I was [previously] based I was forced to perfectly fit a square into a circle, but working abroad, especially in Kazakhstan, I've been gifted with the autonomy I could previously only imagine. I'm tremendously grateful to have had the freedom, flexibility and trust to experiment with and diversify my teaching methods to the best of my students interests and capabilities. Nazia K. Kazakhstan