About shannywade

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Some Forum Posts:

Kazakhstan: Bringing a Baby:

Sorry my post may be a bit late but I am just getting around to reviewing some recent posts now after all the holiday hoopla! First, pardon my ignorance but I do not know what NIS is and where you would be located (that could make a big difference in Kazakhstan). I have been living with my family in Kazakhstan for over 3 years now, we came over with a 3 and 1 year old and then I got pregnant one year after arriving and we now have a 6 1/2 year old, 4 year old and 1 1/2 year old. All are thriving here. I did not give birth in Kazakhstan (it was against both my husband's company policy and the local SOS clinic, so I returned to Canada for the birth). I was in Kazakhstan until I was about 32 weeks pregnant. As it was not a complicated pregnancy there were no issues with me remaining until close to my due date. I returned to Kazakhstan when my baby was 2 months old (and would've come earlier if visa paper work was ready). I feel we have had excellent care here (medically as well as support from the expat community). My children love it here and my older two have no memory of living anywhere else and view it as 'home'. There are definitely struggles (food can be an issue in my part of Kaz, it can be very difficult to get fresh produce for example), supplies, weather and travel are all more of a challenge here. I do believe you get out what you put into a situation. In the summer it is very hot here and it can be hard to be outside during the day, so we make games inside (and usually travel for 2-3 weeks to break up the summer). If anyone in your family has any medical concerns then that would be a reason to NOT come (as it can be difficult to find quailty care or any specialists). My middle child has recently been diagnosed with several food allergies and we are having to travel out of country for speicalist appointments for example. I hope this little bit of information helps!

Kazakhstan: NIS Update:

That sounds terrible. We are fortunate (the expats) here in Aktau as we have a ver small international school (American curriculum). I know I would not feel comfortable sending my child to a local school There is apparently one school here in Aktau that is very good, but it's also very strict and lots of children leave due to stress. The rest are considered poor quality (there was a story the first year we were here of the children cleaning the school, including standing outside in winter cleaning windows (even on the second floor)) Kazakhs in general seem pretty threatened by interntional workers although the younger generations (20's and under) are generally curious about us and interested in speaking with us about life way from Kazakhstan. That is really too bad that foreign teachers are treated so poorly in the local schools. If you want to teach in Kazakhstan I recommend teaching at an International school if possible.

Kazakhstan: New in Aktau:

Hi: My family and I have lived in Atkau for 2 years now. There is a small but strong expat community. I am currently away from Aktau but should be returning soon. If you message me we can exchange some information and I can maybe set you up to meet my husband (he is in Aktau right now). Did you move with a family (spouse/children) or are you a single expat? Lifestyle tends to be a bit different if you have a family, but there is a strong group of singles in Aktau as well.

Kazakhstan: Atyrau?:

Hello. I live in Aktau, Kazakhstan, which is south of Atyrau, but on the same coast in Kazakhstan. I also have 2 young children and overall I find life here manageable. I have friends that have lived in Atyrau before coming to live in Aktau and they all say life in Aktau is 'better' meaning better amenities (more restaurants, more things for children to do). It is VERY important to do a sight-visit so you get a feel for the area and for the specific needs of your family. There are some challenges such as less selection when shopping, added expense of goods as everything is imported and travel (we are pretty isolated in this part of Kaz). Good luck making your decision, I hope this helps!

Kazakhstan: I want to learn dutch in Astana:

I lived in The Netherlands for almost 4 years and my only real suggestion would be to check out any international schools to see if there are Dutch families in the area. They could probably point you in a good direction or maybe they would be willing to help you maintain your language skills. Good luck with your search!

Kazakhstan: I Wish I had Known... Before Moving to Kazakhstan:

I am new to Kazakhstan (been here just a couple of days). Would be really interested to hear what others have to say regarding this. Maybe I'll write something in about 6 months!

Date Joined:

11/17/2011

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