Job Discussion Forums

travelingirl68 · Posted: Mon Apr 18, 2005 11:12 am Post subject:

I would agree with you Daijing, that it should be relatively easy to find work once in country, that a knowledge of Russian would be VERY helpful to you, that the money is not going to be anything you can bank on (think Western China for salary comparisons).

One thing that I didn't think of before that may impact that possibility though - to gain entry to Kazakstan, you must have an "invitation" from a person, organization or company. It is not something you can get at the airport or during border crossings, but must be arranged well in advance. I could be wrong, but I would assume the same is true for Kyrgyzstan.

dajiang · Joined: 13 May 2004 Posts: 663 Location: Guilin!

Right... the visas for CIS countries are a bit daunting to get...
However, there are visa agencies who can get these invitations for you to arrange a working visa.

It'll cost ya, but it'll be cheaper when you're dealing with visa agencies in your home country. In my experience it's worth paying the extra commission.

And are you sure about going through Kazachstan you'll need an invitation? I asked about visa at the Kazach consulate here and they didn't mention that. Just travel on a tourist visa, or better still, a transit visa. Of course, if you want to stay for over a month you'll need a 3-month business visa, or longer, and then you'll need an invitation.

Have you checked the lonely planet forums on this as well?
they've got practical up to date info on all of this.

seeya
dajiang

travelingirl68 · Posted: Mon Apr 18, 2005 1:17 pm Post subject:

When I was there (2002-2004) you needed an invitation no matter what kind of visa - you needed the invite to get the visa... (But things change all the time!) If you are just travelling through Kaz to get to Kyrgyzstan, you are supposed to only need transit visa - or proof that you have visas into the next country, but I have heard of border officials not honoring this - a little cash can go a long way - or so I have heard... Smile

vespertine · Joined: 29 Mar 2005 Posts: 35

Paul John · Joined: 09 Jun 2003 Posts: 52

This has little to do with the above posts, but my all time favourite ad for EFL teachers came from Khyrgistan. About six years ago when I started getting into the TEFL field and was looking around for possible destinations, I found an ad for a school in Bishkek that offered "free accommodation with unlimited hot water, except for May when they close the local hot water plant down for cleaning"

travelingirl68 · Posted: Fri Apr 22, 2005 12:10 pm Post subject:

Wow Paul John, that is not bad, as many places in the region shut off hot water for the entire summer (May - September)! Not only that, but the heat is on or off by the dates on the calendar as well - such as on from October 15 - March 15 - even if there is snow well before or after those dates!

travelingirl68 · Posted: Sun Apr 24, 2005 3:44 pm Post subject: What happened to Kia?

this whole thread looks crazy now that the infamous Kia has disappeared! (Not that it did not look crazy with his/her writings...)