Study Abroad Programs in Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan is one of the least densely populated countries in the world, as its heavily mountainous terrain makes consolidation and urban settlement a challenge. Historically populated by nomadic tribes, today Kazakhstan’s population is most rural and extremely diverse; there are people in Kazakhstan that are part of over 130 different ethnic identities, but most are of Kazakh and Russian origin.

Almaty is Kazakhstan’s largest city by far, with about 1.5 million people living in the metropolitan area. Located in the southeastern reaches of the country, very near to Kyrgyzstan and the western plains of China, Almaty is the main economic, cultural, and industrial life vein of Kazakhstan. It was also formerly the capital, before losing its status in 1997.

While most study abroad programs in Kazakhstan are rooted in Almaty, the current capital of Astana is another potential place to study abroad in Kazakhstan. A planned city, Astana is exceedingly modern in its appearance and is a major center for education in Kazakhstan; over 50,000 students are enrolled in the city’s many institutions of higher education.

It is also possible to participate in a study abroad program in Kazakhstan that entails travel to the rural parts of the country; although, permanent academic placements in these areas are rare. About half of Kazakhstan’s population resides in small villages tucked away from urban areas, so this can be a valuable learning opportunity to experience an equally significant demographic of Kazakh life.