Kazakhstan Overview
| Main Cities/Areas | Salary range (USD/month) |
| Almaty, Astana | $1500 â $2200 |
Despite strict visa and work permit restrictions, opportunities to teach English in Kazakhstan have been growing in number.
Evidently, some of these positions are for citizens of a wider range of countries than you might expect. For example, since 2009 Filipinos have been encouraged to teach in the country.
A degree and teaching certificate is required although you do not necessarily need to be experienced. Note that accommodation costs are very high and that salaries only go part of the way to reflecting that.
Typical Requirements and Tips
| Degree? | TEFL Certification? | Experience? |
| Yes | Yes | No |
Experienced teachers are advised to see if there are any vacancies at local universities as these positions will usually offer the best terms and conditions of employment.
Because of high accommodation costs, you will probably need some savings to rely on initially.
It is probably not a good idea to mention Borat! That joke is old and overplayed anyway. Don’t do it.
There is a huge amount of bureaucracy to deal with in Kazakhstan. You are supposed to carry your passport with you at all times or potentially face a large fine. Corruption is fairly common but can be avoided by those with sufficient perseverance. Visas should be arranged before travelling to Kazakhstan.
The cost of accommodation in Kazakhstan is surprisingly high but transport costs are low (with the exception of the over-charging for taxis to airports).
Salaries for English language teachers in Kazakhstan appear to be tax-free at present!
Pros and Cons of Teaching in Kazakhstan
Pros:
- A growing number of opportunities for English teachers of various nationalities
- Kazakhstan is a beautiful country with lots of outdoor activities possible on your days off
- A booming economy means demands for the IELTS examination is high
Cons:
- Very expensive accommodation costs
- Recent changes in the law have made it more costly and time-consuming for language centres to employ native English speakers
- It is not especially safe to go out alone at night as crime is quite high
