Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A Wonderful Study Abroad in Astana June 30, 2026

By (Russian, Williams College) - abroad from 01/15/2026 to 05/05/2026 with

Middlebury Schools Abroad: Middlebury in Astana

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I think I not only learned how to speak the language more fluently, but also how to gain my independence in a foreign country.

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.

I really liked the Academic rigor involved with this program. It wasn't too hard, so I was able to travel while striking a very good work/life balance. In one of the classes, Kazakh music history, I was able to work on projects with Kazakh students, which allowed me not only to integrate with the student body, but to also practice my russian skills.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The administration was good. I appreciate the trips that the leader organized.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I really loved living with a Kazakh roommate; she was so sweet, and we clicked wonderfully. I was also able to practice my Russian with her, which provided to the immersive experience.

* Food:

The food was good in the dining Hall--but I highly reccomend going out to eat anywhere in Astana, the food is cheap and delicious.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The local culture is very welcoming.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

HEALTH CARE IS FREE! I went to the hospital for a infection and got treated free of charge.

* Safety:

It was incredibly safe and the taxis were cheap and plentiful. I never had a moment where I felt unsafe.

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

I loved the immersive experience and the culture. I would choose Kazakhstan again in a heartbeat.

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)

Kazakhstan is a very cheap country for Americans, and the prices are reasonable.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Around 50 dollars.

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

I only spoke in Russian while I was there, and I was able to start reading faster as I read more and more in my classes.

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? Advanced Russian 201
How many hours per day did you use the language?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Practice talking a lot!

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?
  • The people and the immersive aspect.
* What could be improved?
  • Nothing!
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? If I were going to do this again, I would prepare myself for the amount of cultural knowledge I would gain!

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!