Welcome letter

Dear Trainee, welcome to Kazakhstan!

We are glad that you have been matched to our beautiful country – the

Kazakhstan - situated in the heart of Central Asia. Your host local committee

of AIESEC Almaty is waiting you impatiently to show you the traditional hos-

pitality of our nation and help you to discover all the wonderful places that

our country possesses.

This booklet gives you a glimpse of Kazakhstan life. With the help of AIESEC

and this booklet, you will be able to acclimate to your new environment

more quickly and avoid possible surprises and misunderstandings.

We recommend you to read this booklet carefully.

CONTENT

1. About AIESEC Almaty

2. AIESEC in Kazakhstan

3. Introduction to Kazakhstan

4. Almaty — apple city

5. Places to visit

6. Prices

7. Transportation system

8. Festivals and holidays

9. Reception program

10. Your buddy

11. Pre arrival information

12. Contacts

About AIESEC Almaty

AIESEC was introduced in Kazakhstan in

1989, when the local committee of Almaty

was established. In the beginning, LC of Al-

maty was part of AIESEC Soviet Union. In

1992 AIESEC Soviet Union split into AIESEC

Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan.

During last 21 years organization gained

sustainable status and managing more than

80 members in, running successfully more

then 4 EP recruitments annually and realiz-

ing DT and MT projects in ICX area, as well

lately our ER projects oriented to youth

marker such as Development Leadership

Day, Top Talents, School of Leadership

gained popularity.

You will be amazed that AIESEC Almaty is

much more older than AIESEC in Kazakh-

stan (LC is 21 years old, and MC is 4 years).

For term 2010-2011 AIESEC in Almaty is well

known for its amazing results among top

GUN LCs as one of the best EP providers.

Our success is combined effort of our Lo-

cal Committee, Board of Advisors, our

kind partners, members and alumni.

AIESEC in Kazakhstan

AIESEC envisions a world that doesn't have

conflicts that arise from cultural, religious or

any other aspects of differences in Humani-

ty. Underlining everything we do is our fun-

damental belief that the foundation for posi-

tive change in society is people. In partner-

ship with business and higher education and

the global network, AIESEC in Kazakhstan

provides an innovative development pro-

cess consisting of unmatched leadership ex-

periences, international opportunities and

participation in a global learning environ-

ment.

AIESEC in Kazakhstan has been helping the

development of socially responsible leader-

ship in Kazakhstan’s youth for over the past

20 years for the long term benefit of Kazakh-

stani society as a whole and ultimately of

the world.

As a thriving AIESEC country, our initiatives

are thought to enlarge such contribution

and to enable us to be recognized amongst

the top contributors to the global network.

Over the next 18 months, we will streamline

our existing projects to make them work

even better, scale up the opportunities we

provide to students of higher education and

recent graduates and reach uncharted ter-

ritory of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

Kazakhstan has immense untouched landscapes, great, open and free, with a unique mix

of true deserts, steppes, savannas, taiga, tundra, wild forests, pristine lakes and rivers.

Introduction to Kazakhstan Kazakhstan is located on the border of two

continents: Europe and Asia. Situated be-

tween 45 and 87 eastern longitudes and 40

and 55 northern latitudes, Kazakhstan is in

the centre of the Eurasian continent.

The country stretches for 3,000 km east to

the west, from the Caspian Sea and the

Privoldzsk plains to the Altay Mountains, and

1,600 km from the foothills of Tyan-Shan in the

south and south-east to the Western-Siberian

lowland in the north. With a territorial area of

2,724.9 thousand square kilometers, Kazakh-

stan is the fourth largest country in Eurasia af-

ter Russia, China and India, and it is the ninth

largest country in the world. The longest

stretches of border are with Russia (6,846

km), Uzbekistan (2,203 km), China (1,533 km),

Kyrgyzstan (1,051 km) and Turkmenistan (379

km).

More than a quarter of the territory is oc-

cupied by steppes, half by desert and semi-

desert, and the remaining part is made up of

mountains, seas, lakes and rivers. North to

south there are four natural-climatic zones

which replace each other: forest-steppes,

steppes, semi-desert, desert, as well as foot-

hill zones and high-altitude mountain zones.

The climate is mostly sharply continental. The

average temperatures in January range

from -19°С to +4°С, and in July from

+19°С to +26°С. Quite often

Temperatures reach +45°С in the

summer and -45°С in the winter.

There are 8,500 large and small rivers in Ka-

zakhstan. The biggest rivers are: the Zhaik, and

the Zhem which flow into Caspian Sea, the

Syrdariya which flows into the Aral Sea and the

Ertis, Esil, and the Tobol which traverse the

country and flow into the Arctic Ocean. The to-

tal number of large- and small-sized lakes in the

country is 48,000, among which the greatest

are the Aral Sea, Balkash, Zhaysan, Alakol’,

Teniz, and Siletyteniz. The greater part of the

northern and half of the eastern shore of Caspi-

an Sea belongs to Kazakhstan. There are sever-

al mountain ranges in the country. The highest

peak is Khan-Taniri (Khan-Tengri) (6,995 m) in

the Saryzhaz ridge.

Kazakhstan is famous for deposits of hydro-

carbonic raw material, coal, iron ore, manga-

nese, chrome, nickel, cobalt, copper, molyb-

denum, lead, zinc, bauxites, gold and uranium.

Symbolism The national emblem consists of

a picture of a shanyrak (the cupola of a yurta)

on a blue background, from which uyks (body

brackets) are radiated like the rays of the sun

and framed by the wings of mythical horses.

The word «Казақстан” is inscribed in the

bottom part of the state emblem.

The State Flag is represented by a blue rec-

tangle with an image in

the center of the sun,

beneath which there is

a soaring eagle. There is

a vertical strip with a

national ornament

which passes along the

hoist; the ratio of the width of the flag to

its length is 1.5:3.0 m.

Currency: the Tenge was put into circulation

in 1993. It can be exchanged for a foreign curren-

cy in any bank or official bureau de change. The

majority of European and international credit

cards are accepted in good hotels, restaurants

and shops.

The form of state government presidential.

Noursultan Abishevich Nazarbayev is the first Pres-

ident of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

Population: Kazakhstan has a population of

over 15 million people. Astana is the capital of

the country. Political divisions: 14 regions, 86 cities,

160 areas, 241 city-like settlements, and 2,049 vil-

lages (2000 data).

More than 100 nationalities live in Kazakhstan.

Each nation has its own historical culture and it is

possible to get acquainted with features of differ-

ent cultures during tourist ethnographic trips.

Language: The national language of Kazakh-

stan is Kazakh. Kazakh uses the Cyrillic alphabet

like the Russian language. During the Soviet era,

Russian was the main language of the country

and still remains popular today, especially in the

larger cities. Consequently, there are both schools

in which Russian is the main language and schools

in which Kazakh is, nowadays Russian serves as an

interethnic language.

Transport rail is the basis of the transport sys-

tem in Kazakhstan. There are 17 local and 12 inter-

national railway routes in the country. There are six

international airlines and the domestic company

―Air Astana‖, and in addition to these there are 23

foreign airlines operating in Kazakhstan. The re-

public has thirteen airports and is

accessed by international airlines.

Almaty — apple city The name "Almaty" derives from the Kazakh

word for "apple" (алма), and thus is often translat-

ed as a city "rich with apples". The older Russian

version of its name, Alma-Ata, originates from a

mistake (the name literally means "Grandfather of

apples"). You wonder why? What if I say that ap-

ples come from Kazakhstan.

Well, the apple tree originated in the moun-

tains of Central Asia and North-West of China.

Hence, so many wild apple trees in and around

Almaty. In the surrounding region, there is a great

genetic diversity among the wild apples; the re-

gion is thought to be the ancestral home of the

apple.

Almaty is also regional financial and business

centre.

Almaty is situated in the centre of the Eurasian

continent, in the south-eastern part of Republic of

Kazakhstan.

The city of Almaty takes an area of over 170

square kilometres. Main source of the water sup-

ply to the city of Almaty is Mountain rivers and

lakes

If you are in Almaty for some time and think

you've "seen it all", try to meet some local friends as

Almaty people are very imaginative when it comes

to entertaining themselves! They'll take you to a

cool new bar, to a bowling/ carting party, to

friends' dachas (summer houses) for shashlyk or on a

fishing/ rafting trip to the Ili River.

Places to visit Get high!

With only a few days in Almaty, you can see

a lot. Start with the city's most famous attraction,

the tram to Kok-Tyube hill and TV tower, leaving

right from downtown. Grab a meal or beer and

enjoy the view at one of the many restaurants

and bars on top.

Next, try Medeo, an Olympic-level skating

rink, and the highest in the world, a 15 min. drive

from the city.

From there, get even higher at nearby

Chimbulak ski resort, take the lift and enjoy an

aerial view of the city.

On the way to Kok-Tobe

Medeo

View from Kok-tobe

View from Chimbulak

Places to visit Take a 1-day trip

If you have spare day, head to the moun-

tains to Big Almaty Lake and observatory, or

Talgar gorge (trout farm, ostrich farm and

nomadic burial sites where the famous Gold-

en Man was discovered) If not in the mood

for cold mountains, go in the opposite direc-

tion to Kapchagai Lake and the spectacular

Ili River, with ancient Buddhist petroglyphs

and a huge fort built for the movie "Nomad",

or visit local ―Grand Canyon‖ calling

Charyn.

Nomadic burial sites

Big Almaty Lake

Trout Farm

Ostrich farm

Charyn

Shooting Scene for “Nomad”

Ili River

Near Observatory

FOOD PRICES

Here you will be able to find some additional information about prices for food.

Exchange rate: 1 $ its about 147-150 tenge, and 1 euro its about 197-200 tenge

Prices of the most com-mon products and

services

Volume, NR. of Units

Price ($) (1$- 150 tenge)

Price Tenge (KZT)

Loaf of Bread 500 g 0,4 60

Butter 200 g 0,9 140

Tea 25 teabags 1,3 200

Milk 1 liter 1,1 165

Sugar 1 kg 0,8 130

Spaghetti 400 g 0,6 - 2 from 90 – to 300

Tomato Ketchup 250 g 0,6 - 1,4 90 - 220

Cheeps 160 g 1,3 -2,6 200 -400

Fruit Yogurt 320 g(packing) 1,3 195

Rice 1 kg 1 150

Pepsi 1 liter 0,7 105

Mineral water 1,5 liters 0,4 60

100 % Fruit Juice 1 liter 1,3-2,7 200-400

Coffee 100 g 2,6 400

Hamburger 150 g 1 150

Beer (in a shop) 0,5 liter 1 - 2,3 150 - 350

Prices of the most com-mon products and

services

Volume, NR. of Units

Price ($) (1$- 150 tenge)

Price Tenge (KZT)

Beer (in a pub) 0,5 liter 4 - 5,3 400 -800

Potatoes 1 kg 0,6 90

Tomato 1 kg 0,8 120

Meat 1 kg 5,6 850

Chicken 1 kg 3,3 500

Beef , pork 1 kg 5,6 850

Sausage 1 kg 4,6 - 12 700 - 1800

Cigarettes 1 pack 0,7 - 1 110 - 150

Toilet Soap 1 roll 0,4 – 0,6 60 - 100

Shave Foam 450 ml 4 600

Milk chocolate 100 g 1 150

Shampoo 250 ml 2,3 350

Sunflower-seed oil 1 liter 2,3 350

Tooth paste 100 ml 1,6 250

Eggs 10 pieces 1,6 240

Cheese 1 kg 5,3 – 10,6 800 - 1600

Transportation system

There are 2 types of taxis in town. Official

and non official taxis. this means that every-

one that wishes to make some extra money

can take you where you want. This can be

tricky so make sure you somehow trust the

person who stops to take you somewhere.

Another important thing is to deal the mon-

ey of the trip before the cars starts. If you are

not happy you can get out and get another

one. they will just leave.

Official taxis have check board signs all over

and telephone numbers so you will not miss

them. The normal price for a ride in Almaty

goes from 200, 300, 500 tenge for a ride de-

pending the distance of your trip inside the

city. If you want a bigger distance don’t for-

get to deal the money first before you go

with the trip.

You can call for a taxi at this number: 58 or

068. They don’t speak English, only Russian or

Kazakh. You’ll have an extra $1 charge for

calling asking for a taxi.

You can use buses or trolleybuses as well.

Ticket will cost you 50 tenge to any destina-

tion inside of city, and it will save your mon-

ey, but be sure that you know which

bus you should use, and where you

are going.

Festivals and holidays

January 01- New Year Day

All people in Kazakhstan start to celebrate

New Year 31 of December. All family mem-

bers gathering to have festive dinner (young

people gathering together with friends),

give a present and make good wish. After

New Year is coming people go to the street

to make fireworks. 7 of January – Christmas

for orthodox Christian and official state holi-

day. 14 of January – Old New Year people

celebrate it almost the same as New Year

(gathering together, watching New Year TV

program)

March 08 - International Women Day

Global day cele-

brating the eco-

nomic, political

and social

achievements of

women in past,

present and fu-

ture. In this day

men make a pre-

sent for all women (home, work, school) and

women make presents for mothers, grand-

mothers, friend and relatives (female)

Festivals and holidays March 22- Nauryz Meyrami

―Nauruz‖, Persian for ―New Year‖ To wel-

come the spring, relatives gather around a

table and exchange gifts. All who join in the

festivities asked for forgiveness of their sins,

reconciled with relatives and friends.

The main ritual dish is ―Nauryz-kozheh,‖ in-

cludes seven ingredients: Water, Meat, Salt,

Fat, Flour, Cereal, Milk. During the day there

is organized holiday in the streets, squares,

parks and stadiums, where you can observe

and participate in plenty of activities (Horse-

racing, Kazakhsha-kyres (national sport in

which men wrestle while riding a horse), Pa-

rades (marches that teach visitors about the

Kazakh culture and the importance of re-

specting other countries), see Yurt (national

dwellings) and taste traditional food)

May 01- Kazakhstan Peoples Unity Day

Unity day is celebrated as a form of Labor

Day: a day of national, regional, and

global solidarity. Within the borders

of Kazakhstan, many associations,

unions, and communities of ethnic

groups exist peacefully.

Festivals and holidays

May 09 - Victory Day

Victory Day celebrate the Victory of the So-

viet Union in World War II, where is participat-

ed a lot of people from Kazakhstan. During

this day you can participate in big celebra-

tion in Panfilov Park in Almaty, where you will

see a lot of veterans and you can bring a

flower for monument of victory.

August 30 - Constitution Day

Constitution Day is a public holiday honoring

the day Kazakhstan signed and adopted

their Constitution.

October 25 - Republic Day

Kazakhstan commemorates the day in Oc-

tober 1990 when Kazakhstan declared it sov-

ereignty from the U.S.S. R. This day is a day of

Kazakh nationalism, with many speeches,

songs, and performances throughout the

country.

December 16 - Independence Day

Kazakhstan has become independent

country in this day. In honor of this celebra-

tions are held throughout the country, in-

cluding concerts, conferences, exhibitions,

and feasts.

Reception Program We are responsible for your stay in our country. Your buddy will be your first friend here. If

you have any questions or need more information, feel free to contact your buddy. We or-

ganize a number of interesting events for trainees every year, such as Reception week-

ends, educational projects, parties and so on. We would be also pleased if you join our

AIESEC activities and conferences and be the best friends with us.

!!! Please do not forget to take with you various items, characteristic of your country and

nation (flag, postcards, movie presentation, music,…) to present your country at AIESEC

events!!!

Your Buddy’s JD

Tasks before you arrive:

buddy sends you the Reception Booklet

and Buddy profile

communication with you via e-mails

buddy sends you:

- information about the company

(clothes, location, other trainees at the

same company, etc.)

- some contacts: flatmates, other train-

ees, VP ICX, information about the flat.

When you arrive, buddy:

-picks you up at the airport/station and

takes you to the flat

-introduces you to the other trainees in the

flat

-shows where a shop is close to your flat

-gives you a welcome package

-arranges the transportation ticket for you

-arranges a meeting with the TN manager

before the first working day

-goes with you to the foreign police, if it is

necessary

-organizes a welcome party for you

Your Buddy

When you are here:

-takes you to the first LC meeting and intro-

duces you to AIESECers;

-shows and explains to you what kind of

possibilities you have in AIESEC;

-invites you to every LC meetings (can take

you to the University), LC day, conference,

trainings, reception weekends, other

AIESEC events;

-meets with you for an informal meeting, to

be sure that everything is ok with you in the

first 3 weeks: once per week; later: at least

once month;

-asks you to fill in the measurement form;

-organizes a good-bye party.

Additional activities:

If you are ill, and need help, he/she goes

with you to the doctor.

If you will have problem with authorities,

buddy helps you.

Pre-arrival information

Your VISA:

EP has to fill in pre-arrival package sent by

LC Almaty: Volunteer Contract, Excel file,

Copy of passport;

AIESEC Almaty is responsible for providing

you VISA INVITATION which is sent via e-

mail;

VISA invitation is made within 2-3 weeks

usually, in some cases it may be even fast-

er;

EP is applying for KZ visa him/herself: type

of visa should be private other details for

application are available upon request;

AIESEC Almaty strongly recommends you

to make book reservations only till you ac-

tually receive your visa.;

Your Buddy will communicate with you

and assist you in finding accommodation

for you unless it is not DT internship you are

coming to;

In case your country doesn’t have KZ em-

bassy you need to find a country where KZ

embassy exists (fin out for which country

you do not need visa) and LC Almaty will

make you an invitation;

You need to buy medical insurance,

make sure there is a office in Almaty and

provide all contact details of insurance of-

fice to LC Almaty before arrival;

Make sure you have current con-

tacts of your Buddy, VP ICX and

LCP AIESEC Almaty.

Contacts

In order to stay in touch and be fully aware about where we are locating, here is

some of our contacts:

Adress of AIESEC Almaty OFFICE:

2, Abaya str., KIMEP, Dostyk bld., 402 A, Almaty, Kazakhstan.

Phone/fax: + 7 (727) 270 44 51

www.aiesec.kz

Email: aiesec.almaty@gmail.com

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