Job Discussion Forums

Dedicated · Joined: 18 May 2007 Posts: 972 Location: UK

Does anybody have any on-the-ground knowledge about the new university which will be opening in Astana in September 2010?

This is apparently going to be a high-profile university with foundation programmes taught by a UK university. Jobs will be advertised internationally from the end of March.

Any information would be greatly appreciated.

Spin duck · Joined: 26 Nov 2005 Posts: 25

University College London (UCL) seem to be taking this on. The salary and conditions appear commensurate with their EAP Teacher/Tutor equivalents in the UK, plus 25% on top, possibly as some kind of 'hardship' payment, flights, accommodation, teacher induction in London etc. This makes it look a pretty attractive propostion, disregarding the inevitable set up problems (and cold winter weather!). The Foundation programme, I assume, will be exported, and therefore well-established within UCL, UK. UCL, if you're not already familiar with it, is a reputable university, part of the umbrella 'University of London'. This job appears to be one of the more interesting new 'overseas' EAP jobs to have come on stream in the last few years. More info at UCL's website: http://www.ucl.ac.uk/language-centre/vacancies/vacancies260310EAPTeachingFellow.shtml.

Dedicated · Joined: 18 May 2007 Posts: 972 Location: UK

Hello Spin Duck,

Thanks for taking the time to reply. I know about UCL, which is currently rated 4th in the world, above Oxford, but I was more interested in anybody in Astana right now, who could pass on any on-the-ground details.

UCL is aiming to recruit about 50 EAP qualified teachers, and I wondered if there are any already in Kazakhstan who might be interested and know how the construction work etc is coming along. It sounds like a huge project, recruiting 500 students in its first year.

mchrh · Joined: 09 Sep 2009 Posts: 1

I'm on the ground in Astana, and at least from the outside, it's completed. It (like many other buildings in Astana) looks like something from Star Trek. It's located directly across from the Pyramid of Peace.

In terms of living in Astana - it gets an unfairly bad rap, in my opinion. It has enough cafes, bars, etc. open now that it's quite livable, and more things are opening all the time. Don't listen to what all the people from Almaty will tell you! That said, yeah, the winter is f*ing cold. However, the spring right now is absolutely lovely.

abones · Joined: 19 Jun 2010 Posts: 3

I'm going to be running one of courses in Astana for UCL. I'm happy to answer any of your questions. What do you want to know?

moscowres · Joined: 09 Feb 2009 Posts: 8

Are the EFL jobs open to anyone or does UCL employ only UK passport holders?

abones · Joined: 19 Jun 2010 Posts: 3

No. Anyone can give it a go.

Here's the New University's website:

http://eng.nu.edu.kz/

astanavista · Joined: 26 Jun 2010 Posts: 4

abones · Joined: 19 Jun 2010 Posts: 3

As you know, this is a new venture, so I'm not currently in Astana. Maybe some other people on this forum can help you. I'll be happy to help you with information about the job.

astanavista · Joined: 26 Jun 2010 Posts: 4

Thanks abones. Too bad UCL isnt giving this type of info.

TOMMY-GUNN · Posted: Mon Jun 28, 2010 9:10 am Post subject: Re:

I'm thinking about taking a job at this university and would like some more info please e.g

How long have you lived in Astana?
Do you get power cuts in winter? - I read there are some
What are the best type of clothes to wear when its -40? I'm guessing it might be cheaper to buy warm clothes before I arrive
Is there a/c in summer?
I've heard that personal safety can be an issue - is this true in Astana? How do you deal with this?

Thanks for any info you can give.

Firstly, good luck to those about to go and work in Astana, or have plans to. I have to say that I have spent some time there over the past few years, and thoroughly enjoyed my experience, come rain or shine (or wind or snow).
I don't want to read like a travel brochure and give an all singing and dancing account however, as my time there was personally good; it might not be horses for courses though.

Certainly, as purported winters are cold and long. You should expect a cocktail of snow and ice for around five months plus of the year. Summers, conversely are very hot, but a/c does exist! It can't be said in every building you will enter but as a new city with alot of new flats and buildings, such ammenities should be around. Power-cuts? maybe happened to me once in quite a few months last year but it's something that may happen for a few hours, as opposed to a few days! Just a life thing to get on with!

Spot-on about clothes. Being a fairly remote place, stuff is shipped in from all over the place with add-ons in prices therefore. Certainly, if you want to kit yourself out in trendy ski stuff or fur stuff, get ready to break out the credit card big-time. Generally guys in KZ don't dress like it's minus 40 and it's a case of following what you think is best, even if that means becomming a 'kapycta'!

Safety - good question on this one. On the one hand, certain areas may be deemed safer, ie: there are alot of governement ministries around and therefore policemen sitting in kiosks around these parts (some may argue that this in turn could be a bigger problem if you are a foreigner). On the other however, like any city crime does happen. So it's a case of following common sense as best you can. Be wary of walking around late at night (especially, as the streets at the best of time can seem sparse of people to call upon if need be) and get to know which districts have a better rep that others. For the record, I knew one chap who had his phone stolen in broad daylight in a snatch and run job on a main street, and another who got attacked and beaten by 5 guys, whilst minding his own business and walking home at night.

Hope that gives an insight, even if uncomprehensive.
Regards

astanavista · Joined: 26 Jun 2010 Posts: 4

TOMMY-GUNN · Posted: Thu Jul 01, 2010 6:31 am Post subject:

You're welcome 'astanavista'.

I can't say you're far wrong with your next piece of research about expensive bars etc.... Certainly there are many which are catering more for expats or those with a few more dollars in their pockets. I'd say at an average for a half-litre of beer in a bar, from my experience, you're looking around 5 dollars. Of course, like anywhere in the world, you can find cheaper than the average place or more expensive than so.

Bar-wise, there are quite a few alternatives, but club-wise it seemed to be more limited in range and price range (maybe 7-8 dollars a beer average).

Astana is architectually, quite a unique place now, but as for living there, when this novelty may wear-off, it's pretty standard fare for any city ie: you have malls, bowling centres, billiards clubs (and the aforementioned bars and clubs). There is a fairly nice river (at least in the summer), where they have made a (small) artificial beach. Looks weird, but at least they are trying to do something there. Not too far outside of Astana (by car/train), are wonderful places of real nature......

Hope that helps!

astanavista · Joined: 26 Jun 2010 Posts: 4

Certainly does help TOMMY-GUNN. There's a lot of great places in central asia to see and plenty of holiday on offer so I think Im going to give it a try. Cheers!

txmsk · Joined: 10 Apr 2009 Posts: 58 Location: The World

I wonder what experience and qualifications UCL is looking for. I mean, other than what their site says, what are they really looking for?

Employers often put up a few standards, but that doesn't mean an entry-level candidate can get those types of positions, even if some of their requirements are met.