Experience in Almaty, Kazakhstan by Rano

What is it like to live in Almaty? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

Almaty is relatively safe compared to many other cities around the world, so it is very nice and easy to live in the city, which does not cause stress. You will notice how much space there is in Kazakhstan (density of population is 3266 people/sq. m).

Almaty is both the cultural and business center of Kazakhstan. It is the heart of central Asia and a dynamically developing city. You will find there whatever you want. Be ready for quite cold winters and hot summers. Be ready to see not only Kazakh, but also Russian, Ukrainian, Uzbek, German, Tatar, Uygur nationalities, over one hundred different nationalities reside in the country. And if you are not sure of someone’s ethnic background, the safest thing is to refer to them as Kazakhstanis. Perhaps nowhere in the world you will meet such a harmonious combination of a westernized way of thinking and respect for the old traditions.

You will probably learn two languages, both Russian and Kazakh because Kazakhstan is a bilingual country: the Kazakh language, spoken by 5 millions of people, 4% of the population, has the status of the "state" language, while Russian, which is spoken by almost all Kazakhstanis, is declared the "official" language, and is used routinely in business and daily life.

In Almaty there is a huge number of beautiful and well-functioning fountains that add freshness and tranquility in the hot summer evenings. In addition, the city has many areas where preserved old wooden and stone buildings that remind us of the history of Almaty.

What is the student lifestyle like in Almaty?

Your exchange period will be certainly dynamic. Your student lifestyle will completely depend on the university you are in and the students. As a KIMEP student I would say: be prepared to be energetic and full of enthusiasm, because there are plenty of organizations you would like to be involved in, like KIMEP Pie (party), KIMEP Swag (radio), KIMEP Pictures (cameras), KIMEP Friends (parties), KISA (int’l students), DIGIDOC (movies), KELT (theatre), KIMEP Legal Clinic (Law), KIMEP Titans (American football) and others.

How much does it cost to live in Almaty?

Considering the costs of restaurants, markets, transports, utilities (monthly), sports and leisure, clothing, rent per month, I would say it could be around 500-1000 Euro. Like in any situation, your experiences, personal life, and personal outlook will play an important role to determine how much you will spend.

Is it difficult to find accommodation in Almaty? Is there any advice you can give?

As soon as you are exchange student, in terms of accommodation, you only have two options, whether to live in a student dormitory or rent an apartment. It is not difficult to find accommodation in Almaty. There are lots of options for rent, but you will probably need an interpreter (buddy/tutor will help you )to find it on the websites. Regarding hotels, for the first days, in case if you didn’t find accommodation yet, there are some 5 stars hotels like RIXOS (close to airport, Seifullina – Kabanbai Batyra), Intercontinental (located near the central stadium), Donatelo ( in the mountains). All these hotels are quite expensive but luxurious and comfortable. As a student, you can find other hotels like Kazzhol, Saltanat Residency, and Zolotoi Drakon. But, anyway, the cheapest way would be to rent an apartment. Usually, there is a high opportunity to get the dormitory (at least at KIMEP University) for international students, so you don’t have to worry.

What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?

Once you find a couple of Kazakhstan friends and understand how to navigate in the range of Ramstore, Green Bazaar, Interfud and Capital (Stolichnii), you will find delicious and fresh food. These markets are all close to KIMEP University. You can find the range of meals, like Kazakh, European, Russian, Uzbek, Uighur, Dungan food... You'll find Chinese and Korean restaurants and lots of fast food. My favorite dish is Lagman. Some food are meant to be eaten by hands and in more rural settings, you may sit on the floor, so don’t be surprised. There are lots of natural cheap natural milk and meat products.

What places would you recommend visiting in Almaty?

Mountains are the attraction number one in Almaty (visit Medeo, Kok - Tobe, and Chimbulak), it captures and inspires foreigners (you will have volunteering trips around south capital). Secondly, you should visit the Lake Issyk - it is for about an hour by private transport or by taxi. Lake is blue. It is located deep in the mountains. You probably have never seen the view like this. I would suggest going to Kapchagai with all international students, orchestra parades will be held very close to KIMEP University. Go to Panfilov Park - take a walk through the park to admire the newly-married couples on the weekends, visit the memorial to the heroes of the war, look at the Ascension Cathedral of architect Zenkova, and listen to the old men playing the accordion here. You should visit Charyn Kanyons, also, I suggest going to the very south of Kazakhstan, to the cities like Shymkent and Turkestan. Visit the most important strategic object- Baikonyr. You should go and see Astana (our capital) for sure. Take a chance of being in the very heart of central Asia and visit Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan during summer seasons. Living in Almaty, you can easily visit other exotic places of the region - from Samarkand to Ashgabat.

Is it good to eat out in Almaty? Can you tell us your favourite spots?

It is really common to eat out in Almaty. Kaganat (opened 24 hours) is the best option for students, the food is delicious and cheap, the portions are big and Kaganat is close to KIMEP University ( 5 min walk). Considering more expensive options, it could be Ambar, Line Brew, Dublin or Coffedelia.

Is the nightlife good in Almaty? Where is good to go?

Almaty’s nightclubs environment has something to offer for you. I would suggest Guns and Roses and Mojo (close to KIMEP), Assorti, Tinkoff, Nebar, Kazantip, Sinii Fun To Mass, London Grad, Cuba and Circus. Be prepared to pay $20 plus for clubs. But once inside, it’s definitely a good time with world class cocktails, top DJ talent, private VIP rooms and dance floors full of locals happy to be young and free.

What advice would you give future students heading to Almaty?

When invited to someone’s house for dinner, it is polite to bring something for the hostess such as pastries. Kazakh’s are very hospitable people and enjoy hosting dinners at their homes. Kazakhstan is the country that is famous for its hospitality and cultural diversity and tolerance, so you will feel 100% comfortable there. Any exchange semester is all about people you meet in the particular country. Kazakhstan is all about kind and most welcoming people. You will have to know in advance the weather for the current day because it can be extremely different.

I wish you endless supply of positive emotions in Asia. Any exchange semester gives you opportunity to value what you have in your home country, but also you can take the best things from another country. You will start to value relationships between people differently especially when it comes to your family and friends. Life can be so unpredictable. I think that Kazakhstan, the pearl of Central Asia, cannot be described simply by words, so you should see this wonderful country yourself.

Greetings from Kazakhstan and inviting you to the local region,

Rano