Middlebury Schools Abroad: Middlebury in Almaty

Designed for students with advanced Russian language proficiency, Middlebury offers a fully immersive academic and cultural experience in Almaty, the country's largest city and cultural center. Guided by the Middlebury Language Pledge, participants strengthen their language skills through daily interaction in the classroom, with host families, and throughout the community while gaining a deeper understanding of Kazakhstan's diverse cultural and historical landscape. 

Nestled at the foot of the Tian Shan Mountains, Almaty combines spectacular natural beauty with the energy of a modern, cosmopolitan city. As Kazakhstan's former capital and enduring cultural and economic hub, the city reflects the country's unique position at the crossroads of Europe and Asia. Students experience a dynamic urban environment shaped by Kazakh, Russian, and other Central Asian traditions, with opportunities to explore museums, theaters, parks, cafés, and vibrant public spaces while practicing Russian in authentic, everyday settings. 

Almaty's thriving academic community and multicultural character provide an ideal environment for exploring the history, politics, and contemporary development of Central Asia. Through meaningful engagement with local peers and complete linguistic and cultural immersion, the Middlebury program in Almaty enables students to develop advanced Russian proficiency while gaining valuable insight into one of the world's most diverse regions.