Study Abroad in Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan is a state in Central Asia bordering Russia, Kyrgyzstan, China, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan. А leader in the fields of economics, innovation, education, and international business in the post-Soviet space, Kazakhstan is in a period of dynamic development while striving to preserve its national flavor, its history, and its rich culture.

Our program will take place in the capital city of Astana, a new city with extraordinary infrastructure and architecture. Taking inspiration from advanced megacities such as New York, Shanghai, Dubai, Moscow, and Tokyo, the country’s government quickly built a vibrant, convenient, clean and safe city with a population of over 1 million people. The best architects in the world have been invited to carry out this ambitious project, and it now boasts wide avenues, modern buildings, skyscrapers, and excellent service.

Academics

Students will take Russian language courses and Middlebury-organized electives designed for language learners at our host universities, Nazarbayev University and Kazguu School of Liberal Arts, with the chance to take mainstream courses alongside Kazakh students. All coursework will be in Russian under the Middlebury Language Pledge. 

In addition to Russian language, examples of courses organized for our students may include:

Russian Intellectual History from the Enlightenment to Eurasianism
International Relations of Eurasia
Introduction to the Politics of Central Asia
Stalinist Central Asia
History of Kazakh Music

Housing

Students will live in dormitories.

Calendar

Fall 2023

Arrival: by August 25^th (students may arrive earlier in August to move into their dorm room)
Program orientation: August 26-27
Middlebury-arranged courses begin: August 28
Direct enrollment courses at KAZGUU begin: September 1
Middlebury-arranged courses end: December 8
Direct enrollment courses end: December 15

Spring 2023

Students can check into the dormitory beginning January 16, 2023, and should arrive no later than January 20th.
Middlebury orientation will take place January 21 and 22.
Classes will start during the week of January 23d.
Spring semester classes will end May 19, 2023

2023-2024 Fees

Semester Tuition (includes health insurance): $17,810
Year Tuition (includes health insurance): $35,620

Middlebury will also bill students for their university dorm room: $1,490/semester or $2,980 for the full year.

Middlebury College students pay an additional $1,900 study abroad fee per semester.

Estimated Out-of-Pocket Expenses

Note: Personal expenses cover some basic necessities (local transportation, cell phone, bank fees, program-sponsored excursions, etc.) and do not include your discretionary spending (e.g. entertainment, fitness, and travel). All fees subject to change. Exchange rate used: $1 = 508 KZT.

2022-2023 Fees

Semester Tuition (includes housing in dorm and health insurance): $18,760
Year Tuition (includes housing in dorm and health insurance): $37,520

Middlebury College students pay an additional $1,900 study abroad fee per semester.

Estimated Out-of-Pocket Expenses: Astana

Eligibility

This program is open to students with the equivalent of two years of college-level Russian or the equivalent. Students must have achieved an average of B or better in their major and language courses, and an overall average of B- or better. 

Applying

Final deadlines for complete applications are as follows:

Schools Abroad General Handbook

We have a General Handbook in addition to handbooks specific to each school. Students and their families should read each carefully.

Russian Program in Kazakhstan Handbook

Our Russian Program in Kazakhstan Handbook will help students prepare for their upcoming experience. Students should refer to this handbook for more information on packing, arrival in Kazakhstan, academics, housing, etc.

Contact Us!

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