Top 5 English courses in Kazakhstan

• Affordability

Compared to the prices of English-language programs in European countries, Russia, and a number of Middle Eastern countries, Kazakhstan offers lower prices and more favorable conditions at a comparable level of quality.

• Multilingualism

After completing the courses, students can apply to one of the numerous bachelor's and master's programs at Kazakh or international universities in Almaty, Astana, and other major cities.

• Affordability

With a standard of living comparable to European and Russian standards, the cost of goods and services — including real estate rentals — remains relatively low here, significantly lower than in Moscow, Novosibirsk, Barnaul, or Tomsk.

• Minimal Requirements

Operators of schools offering English study in Kazakhstan are generally undemanding: no entrance exams or selection process is conducted, and the starting level is determined through testing or an interview upon enrollment in the program.

• Visas

Russian citizens do not need to obtain visas to study in Kazakhstan.

• Ability to Combine Work and Study

Kazakhstan's laws are liberal toward expats and allow adult students to combine study and work.

• Emphasis on theoretical training

The Kazakhstani education system — both higher and secondary — suffers from a problem common to all post-Soviet countries: a significant lean toward theory, conditioned by a shared Soviet past. This is precisely why graduates from Kazakhstan have strong grammar skills and reading ability, but insufficient speaking and writing practice. In the case of language schools, the most serious problem is the shortage of native speakers.

• Low income

The average income of a working student in Kazakhstan is modest, not exceeding $300–400. However, low income is offset by low expenses.

• Climate

Summers in Kazakhstan bring heat that only a powerful air conditioner can help you escape, while winters are cold, with heavy precipitation and strong winds, making it uncomfortable for those who are not used to it.

• Limited opportunities for language practice

Expats and native speakers outside of language schools in Kazakhstan are the exception rather than the rule: finding a local who can converse with you freely in English is no easy task.

Language schools in Kazakhstan offer a wide range of English language learning programs:

• General courses

The most popular option, designed for learning English from any level — from beginner to any other. As a rule, the program covers all aspects of the language — listening, writing, speaking, reading, vocabulary building, syntax, and grammar. Intensity can vary within quite a wide range — from 20–25 to 36–40 hours per week.

• Business English

Courses specially designed to help anyone improve their English in business-related fields: students study specialized terminology, work through the specifics of giving presentations and conducting business correspondence. They can be either general or specialized (for economists and lawyers, oil industry professionals, etc.).

• IELTS/TOEFL Preparation

For prospective students and schoolchildren who are planning to take international tests. As a rule, such courses require a fairly high baseline level of language proficiency: students here do not study the language from scratch but intensively prepare for the exams, acquiring the necessary skills to pass them successfully. Practice tests are frequently held.

• Conversational English courses

An ideal solution for those who aim to develop their speaking skills and confidence in verbal communication in English. Most often, students focus on the practical use of the language in specific situations. Classes may be conducted with native speakers or qualified teachers.

• Individual lessons

Some educational centers and private tutors offer a highly effective one-on-one format: students can choose the pace of study and freely set priorities in a way that maximizes their results.

• Academic English

Academic English programs are designed to help students prepare for study at universities where instruction is in English. Here, not only is the language itself developed, but students are also helped to prepare for full immersion in an academic environment: learning to take notes, give presentations, write reviews, and compile bibliographies.