Kazakhstan

Located in Central Asia, the peaceful Republic of Kazakhstan has long been a crossroads of diversity.

Situated with Russia to its north and China to its southeast, Kazakhstan is the ninth largest country in the world and offers a varied population of over 100 nationalities including Kazakh, Russian, Ukrainian, Tatar, and German. Of the 46 religions practiced in the country, Muslim and Russian Orthodox are the most common. The variety in the country can be readily seen in local cuisine, which has been influenced by Russian, Middle Eastern, and nomadic fare.

Although the official language is Kazakh, over two-thirds of the population speaks Russian, which is used often in everyday business. With a high literacy rate, Kazakhstan encourages study of English as the language of international affairs and business.

Prior to the Russian expansion of the 19th century, the Kazakhs were known for their great nomadic empire. After the dissolution of the USSR in 1991, President Nursultan Nazarbayev was elected and Kazakhstan became a member of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). Today, the country and its people are laying the groundwork for a prosperous future.

Summer Program

Discover Kazakhstan
On this new summer program, you can spend seven weeks in beautiful Almaty, Central Asia's most cosmopolitan city, learning about life in Kazakhstan by living with a host family. The capital city of Kazakhstan until 1997, Almaty offers an abundance of open spaces, parks, and greenery and is surrounded by the picturesque Zaili Alatau mountains.

Upon your arrival, there is a six-day orientation with YFU volunteers. Then, for five weeks, you will attend Kazakh and Russian language classes for four hours per day, five days a week.

During your stay, a number of culture expedition trips will be offered - to locations such as the capital city of Astana, Semipalatinsk, or the ancient city of Turkestan - for an additional fee of $150-200 each.

Programs, Departures, and Costs

Online Resources

To learn more about Kazakhstan, we recommend:

• E-mail YFU Alumni from the Alumni Referral List with your questions
• Visit your local library to find reference books, travel guides and essays, Russian language dictionaries, and many more country resources 
• Use an internet search engine to find informative web sites 
• Embassy of Kazakhstan in Washington, DC web site

"My experience was wonderful. It has enriched my sense of the world." - Stephanie Madia

All YFU Programs are subject to change or cancellation without prior notice.
Last Updated: August, 2007