In a bid to boost international trade, the government has invested heavily in language schools in an attempt to slowly transfer the business language from Russian to the more commonly used English. Most teaching jobs can be found in either Astana, the capital, or Karaganda, the centre of culture, science and technology, and also Kazakhstan's main industrial city.
Looking for jobs
As teaching jobs are so in demand, it’s possible to find work year round but the best months for applying would be in July or August before the school year begins, as this is when most schools put out advertisements for teachers. Most job listings are posted online but it’s also advisable to email the school themselves and find out if they have any vacancies if you have an idea in mind where you want to work.
Most schools and language centres ask for either a degree or TEFL certificate as a form of qualification but it’s also possible to find work as a tutor without either; just keep an eye out for positions on the jobs forums. Although it can often be difficult to find enough work at first, it’s easy to build up your hours through word-of-mouth once you’ve established a few clients.
Salary and benefits
You can expect to earn between $500 and $1,500 USD dollars per month on average working as a teacher in Kazakhstan, depending on your experience and qualifications. If you have a degree you can generally expect to earn more, and if you get a job working in one of the new international schools that teach primarily in English, you can expect your salary to double or triple.
Although living costs can be a bit pricier than you might have expected - the average rent in Kazakhstan for a one bedroom apartment in the city center is $300 USD - quite a few schools provide their English teachers with housing and cover travel expenses, with some even offer to cover your plane fare. Your school should also help you to arrange and cover the costs of your visa and work permit. Some schools also offer their teachers the chance to learn Russian for free or at a very low cost, which will come in incredibly useful if you’re not already acquainted with the language.
What to expect
Be prepared to find that classroom standards are a little stricter in Kazakhstan than what you’re probably used to, as classroom punishment can be a bit harsher than most Western standards. Students are generally very respectful of their teachers and interact with them in a very formal manner. You will probably get asked a lot of questions about Western culture but take care to respect the Kazakhs’ own customs, even when they come across as very friendly. Your school will also expect you to dress modestly for work and prefer that you avoid wearing clothing with foreign words or logos on it.
All in all, the majority of teachers who go to work in Kazakhstan have a great experience and relish the chance to experience a new culture in a beautiful country. When you’re not working you’ll have the chance to sample the local cuisines, explore all the museums and markets, and hang out in the parks that offer a nice escape from the hustle and bustle of the cities. You can spend your weekends at the beach in summer and then skiing in the winter; or just soaking up some of the amazing natural landscapes the country has on offer.