About Biologymann

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Some Forum Posts:

Kazakhstan: Banking:

Setting up your bank account ahead of your first pay should not be a problem. I think you have to sort out your "TIN" number first. Personal banking still has the personal touch in Uralsk. It may not be the most efficient banking but you will be greeted with a genuine smile and they will do their best for you.

Kazakhstan: New NIS educator:

I have seen motorcycles in Uralsk, but I think only once, when there were a whole load of them. Also saw a very old machine while running off-road. The months where you would use it are probably few as you will be on holiday for a lengthy period in the summer, unless you intend touring Kazakhstan. I would imagine that it is possible to be a biker in Kazakhstan but do not expect it to be easy. Everything is a little more difficult than it should be and requires patience and you may need to call on local friends for help. As for fishing, people do fish - this is most evident during the winter months when the fishermen cut a hole in the ice. I think it is mainly carp and the like rather than what we would refer to in the UK as game fish (trout, charr and salmon). As with everything, you need to network. I am sure that you will form some very special relationships with some Kazakhs who will do everything they can to help.

Kazakhstan: Bringing a Baby:

My wife was two months pregnant when I started at NIS. We decided that it was best for my wife and elder son to stay at home. While the doctors will be well meaning, do not expect their knowledge and expertise to be up of western standards. Things may be very different in Astana or Almaty. Clearly, most babies flourish or there would be nobody in Kazakhstan. Once the baby becomes a toddler, you are unlikely to have a garden for him to run around in. There are few parks and these lack green grass for him/her to play. I know that my 7 month son has a much better life in England. Also be aware that your apartment may be very dirty on arrival. My second apartment at the start on my second year was covered in a layer of dirt, there was mouldy butter in the fridge, left food in a pan on the cooker and a used condom on the floor in the corner of the lounge. It is a personal decision, but personally, I would not consider taking my family to Kazakhstan with me. PS. Also be aware of the NIS medicals: chest x-rays, rectal swabs, blood tests and gynaecological examinations for female staff. Their justification for the latter is that women sit on toilets! For some, all this is no big deal. For others like me, it is. The medicals are something they do not put in the recruiting adverts! Neither are they mentioned at interview.

Kazakhstan: Expats with Children in Kazakhstan:

Firstly, I would restate some of my previous comments on this site. The Kazakh people are wonderful and it is a delight to teach their fine young people who will always greet you with a smile and a wave. If you are considering working with NIS, the education allowance will not come close to covering the fees of the international schools. If you are intending working for one of the better International schools such as Haileybury, I suspect that they offer free places for your children but I do not know that for fact. One thing that you should be aware of if you are working with children in Kazakhstan is that it is the law in kazakhstan that you will need to undergo a medical examination. This will include: Fluoroscopy (medical X-ray Imaging). Rectal Swab. Gynaecological examination for Women. My wife and two sons remain in England.

Kazakhstan: Anyone in Astana??:

Has someone picked you up now? I have the number of my team leader who I believe is still in Astana for the "orientation". If you need it, email me at mann_s@ura.nis.edu.kz as I do not want to post his private number on the forum.

Kazakhstan: Need visa info ASAP!!!:

Medical insurance is with Interteach: http://www.interteach.kz/ I cannot help with the temporary address. My visa is still valid and I plan to renew it within Kazakhstan. Try contacting Ms. Assem Zhakupova" manager of the Administrative division of AEO "Nazarbayev Intellectual Schools', (zhakupova_a@nis.edu). She was the point of contact on my letter of invitation. However, staff change so I cannot guarantee that this route will be fruitful. Good luck!

Kazakhstan: NIS Update:

Hello Misstalkchalk I am a Biology specialist in Uralsk. 1. The school works on a four term basis but not necessarily with a holiday between terms. That is a term can finish on a Saturday and the new term start on the following Monday.International staff are not contracted to work on Saturdays. There are summative tests at the end of each term. 2. You can expect 20 x 40 minute periods per week, most of which will be team teaching. My groups are 8-12 students but younger groups are larger - I only teach Grade 9 and above. My workload is significantly less than my previous two jobs. 3. There is a settling in allowance paid in two instalments but no bonuses. Leave is something like 4.6 days per calendar month. A peculiarity is that they include the non-working Saturdays and Sundays as part of your leave but not national holidays. Many teachers take additional unpaid leave, which for most is not too much of an issue as the NIS remuneration package is one of the best in the world. http://www.ticrecruitment.com/school-information/nazarbayev-intellectual-schools/

Kazakhstan: NIS Uralsk, Kazakhstan:

I am very happy here and have no regrets. I suspect that it is not for everyone though.

Kazakhstan: Travelling to Uralsk (Oral):

Does anyone know the best route to Uralsk from the UK. The flights seem to be cheaper to Almaty than Astana though Astana is closer. There only seems to be two airlines offering flights to Uralsk, one of which has had a recent crash in January. I understand that the runway is under reconstruction at Uralsk airport. Is it better to take the train? What are the travel times from Almaty/Astana to Uralsk by the fastest trains? Any advice/shared experiences appreciated.

Kazakhstan: Life in kokshetau:

Thank you for posting this. Regarding TMichael's post. Can you confirm what he/she has said? Are you still in Kazakhstan? I am heading for Kazakhstan (NIS) in a couple of months.

Date Joined:

7/25/2013

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