TEACH ENGLISH IN KAZAKHSTAN

About Teaching English in Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan is the 9th largest country by area in the world, but few can probably find it on a map. It is located in both Europe and Asia with the Ural River cutting through Kazakhstan in the west, forming the traditional boundary between the two continents. Fueled by a massive oil boom, Kazakhstan is quickly modernizing its economy and infrastructure, and learning English has become more important than ever in this former Soviet republic.

English teachers in Kazakhstan can find teaching jobs all year round and interviews are usually conducted in advance over the phone or via video chat. It is not uncommon, however, for some schools to request in-person interviews in Kazakhstan. Teachers are typically responsible for their airfare and housing although there are some instances where free housing and return airfares will be provided. Most teachers live in apartments recently vacated by previous teachers, and many share an apartment with other English teachers.

The salary earned in comparison to the monthly cost of living in most cases is break-even, and if you budget correctly, English teachers are still able to live a comfortable lifestyle. Schools offer approximately 20 to 30 hours of work per week, leaving plenty of time to explore.

While a BA is preferred, it is not required to teach English in Kazakhstan, however, a TEFL certification is absolutely necessary. Please also note that while a Bachelor’s degree is not required to secure a job in this country, it still can be strongly preferred by employers. If you do not have a degree, you should be prepared for a more competitive job search. Most of those teaching English in Kazakhstan will find jobs in the major cities of Almaty and Astana.

How to Teach English in Kazakhstan: Requirements

TEFL Certification

A TEFL certification is required to teach English in Kazakhstan. You do not need professional teaching experience but earning your TEFL certification will provide you with the training and qualification you do need to get hired. 

English teachers in Kazakhstan most commonly interview for jobs in advance over via chat. Some schools hire teachers in-person and interview face-to-face, but it's not as common. Because of this, it is most common for students to take one of our TEFL course options listed below.

Native English-Speaking Proficiency

You do not need to be a native English speaker to teach English in Kazakhstan, however, you will be expected to be fluent in English and speak at a native level to be considered for teaching jobs. Citizenship from the USA, Canada, UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa is typically preferred but not always required.

Degree Requirements

While a Bachelor's degree is not required to secure a job in Kazakhstan, it still can be strongly preferred by employers. If you do not have a degree, you should be prepared for a more competitive job search.

How to Find English Teaching Jobs in Kazakhstan

TEFL Jobs in Kazakhstan

The most common teaching jobs in Kazakhstan consist of:

• Teaching adults or children in private language schools.
• Private tutoring for both children and adults.
• Teaching Business English to adults.
• Teaching English Online.

TEFL Kazakhstan: Hiring & Visa

English teachers in Kazakhstan can expect to find jobs year-round. It is most common to interview from your home country via video chat before you move to Kazakhstan.

Teachers in Kazakhstan typically teach on a work visa. Your employer in Kazakhstan will assist you with the process of processing and obtaining this visa before you move. 

English Teacher Jobs in Kazakhstan: Hours

English language schools in Kazakhstan offer approximately 20 to 30 hours of classroom work per week plus additional hours for prep time. This allows for plenty of time to travel and explore. 

Teaching Kazakh Students

It is most common that your students will be children, adults, and business professionals. 

TEFL Kazakhstan Salary & Cost of Living

Start-up Costs

Start-up costs will range from $800 - $1,000 USD. These are expenses you will incur from your arrival in Kazakhstan until you receive your first paycheck and may include things like rent, apartment supplies, transport, groceries, getting your new local cell phone number set up, etc. 

Kazakhstan International School Salary

Teachers can expect to make $350 - $1,250 USD per month. It is common for teachers in Kazakhstan to also teach English online to supplement their income.

There are no flight or housing benefits/stipends provided so you will need to remember to account for accommodation or temporary housing for your first few weeks in your start-up costs until you find an apartment to rent. 

Cost of Living & Savings

The cost of living typically ranges between $700-$850 USD per month.

English teachers in Kazakhstan can expect to break even month over month. If you are hustling and taking on private tutoring lessons and/or teaching English online in addition to your regular teaching schedule, you may increase your ability to save.