Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Warning: Adventure Awaits August 01, 2025

By (Russian, Wellesley College) - abroad from 08/24/2024 to 04/29/2025 with

Middlebury Schools Abroad: Middlebury in Astana

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I greatly improved my Russian language skills. I also had the opportunity to learn some Kazakh language. Studying Russian in Kazakhstan also gave me a more nuanced understanding of the weight this language carries and what it means to different nations. Through the Middlebury program, I participated in a research project at Nazarbayev University where I got to study social issues at a deeper level than otherwise possible. I also had thee opportunity to do a small internship tutoring English at a local school. Through these experiences, I gained a more nuanced understanding of Kazakhstani society. I also developed close relationships with my professors and intend to keep working with them in the future. Most of all, I gained confidence, not only in my language skills but also in my ability to adapt. I learned how to navigate a foreign society. I feel prepared to return to Kazakhstan and work someday.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Astana felt super safe. I was never afraid to be out on my own of be out late at night.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Finances

* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 80
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Don't be afraid to haggle when it's appropriate.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

Middlebury's language pledge was crucial for my improvement. I do not think I would have improved nearly as much without this component of the program.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Intermediate
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? 300 (advanced) level
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Just talk to people. You will sound stupid. Nobody cares. You will only improve if you put in the effort. No one else can speak the language for you.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • great professors
  • good outings and excursions
  • overall flexibility
* What could be improved?
  • could be more organized
  • better communication
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Astana is not an easy city for foreigners in comparison to more traditional study abroad destinations (e.g. Oxford, Paris, Rome, etc.). You will likely have to work a bit harder to find the things you enjoy. Popular destinations for foreigners have more tourist infrastructure, and people are more used to dealing with tourists. This is not Astana. However, I think this is a major advantage of studying abroad there. People will tell you what France is like, and you will probably have expectations: wine and cheese, Parisian cafes, lists of popular tourist sites. No one will get to tell you what Kazakhstan is. This means that your entire experience is up to you. You will have to explore places on your own, put effort into making friends with locals, and be willing to feel uncomfortable sometimes (it's called growth!). You get to explore the country for yourself and develop your own understanding of Kazakhstan. Over time, you will figure out how to navigate the place, and you will build connections with locals, who can (and will) help you out. This can be daunting, but I believe that it was a worthy task (for me, at least). If you're looking for adventure, look no further than Kazakhstan.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.