Resources for Your Experience

The choices you make and how much you prepare yourself largely determine your success before, during, and after your time abroad. The following is a list of resources and steps to take to prepare to go abroad after you have been admitted to your program, while you are abroad, and when you return back to Kazakhstan.


Preparing to Go Abroad

• If necessary, apply for a visa. This process can often be lengthy and detailed; work with your international coordinator to assure you are following all procedures correctly.
  
  
• Confirm essential details with your host university, such as: housing logistics and location, internet and cell phone options, your class schedule, how to get to the university from the airport, bank and currency exchange information, orientation details, and essential contacts.
  
  
• Upload a map of the city to your phone/computer if you will not have internet access when you arrive and know how to get from the airport to your final destination.
  
  
• Find and download the best websites and apps to use in your destination abroad.
  
  
• Check out where the closest medical centre, grocery store, farmacy and shops are located near your accommodation.
  
  
• Check with your international coordinator abroad what documents you will need to provide and procedures you will need to follow upon arrival.
  
  
• Check with your international coordinator abroad if there are any recommended student organizations or international student groups to join, and if there are any students from Kazakhstan.
  
  
• Check with your international coordinator abroad if there is a welcome program for international students such as a buddy/ambassador program.
  
  
• Save important contact information in your phone and on paper, such as: your host university international coordinator, the international office, the local police, your embassy abroad, and your own emergency contacts.
  
  
• Know how to get to your embassy and closest police station from your accommodation and save any embassy and police emergency contact information in your phone and on paper.
  
  
• Make a copy of your passport and visa, and have it available on your phone and in print.
  
  
• Review words and phrases in the local language of where you will go abroad so your mind is refreshed when you arrive. Download the Google Translate app to your phone. This will make your transition easier.
  

While Abroad

Within your first week abroad, complete the following steps:

• On the very first day of your arrival, confirm your arrival with your international coordinator, your family back home and your Narxoz international coordinator. Send them all a digital copy of your passport, visa, and entry stamp (as applicable).
  
  
• Contact the host university academic department for your schedule and academic information.
  
  
• Get a campus tour or take yourself on a tour. Discover interesting places and find all of your classrooms before your first day of class so you will know where all of your classes are and you won't be stressed on your first day of classes whilst trying to find the classrooms.
  
  
• Get in touch with a buddy and other foreign students to get help with further steps and start making friends.
  
  
• Attend any mandatory and optional orientation events.
  
  
• Buy a SIM-card for your phone and make registration of the mobile number if necessary.
  
  
• Buy a public transportation card.
  
  
• Provide your international coordinators at home and abroad any requested documents (e.g. 3x4 photo, X-ray copies, transcript, etc.).
  

Throughout your time abroad:

• Check your home and host universities email account every day for important emails about your program, and news and announcements.
  
  
• Participate in university and community events; there will be special ones for international students.
  
  
• Join a student club and enjoy sports activities.
  
  
• Practice local languages and get to know locals.
  
  
• Visit nature places and explore the city.
  
  
• Volunteer with local community organizations, like feeding the homeless and pet shelters.
  
  
• Share Kazakhstan's culture, history and diversity with the people you interact with.
  

Upon Return

Education abroad experiences are often life-changing. We hope that you have had an exceptional experience abroad and that you will capitalize on this by continuing to interact in global activities at Narxoz and in your communities. Additionally, you will need to complete some last steps before your experience can be considered complete.

• Academic credit transfer process
  

Provide a transcript and any other requested materials (e.g. syllabus) to your international coordinator in the International Development and Partnership Office for the subsequent transfer of courses you completed abroad. Foundation subjects that have been taught during your time abroad are not counted for transfer credit.

• Financial aid records process
  

If you paid for your program abroad through the Kazakhstan government grant, email receipts of payment for flights, accommodation, visa and insurance (e.g. boarding pass, dormitory paid invoice, receipts, etc.) to your Narxoz international coordinator.

• Share your time abroad on Narxoz social media pages and with your family, friends and classmates
  

Share your experience during your time abroad so others can learn about different cultures and ways of life around the world, and so they can learn about the amazing transformation you went through. We also believe that your feedback, photos and videos are the best motivation that will allow other students to take their first steps to go abroad.

• Be a part of the Narxoz global community
  

Explore our global engagement section for more information on how you can reflect, connect and look ahead by getting involved with Narxoz' student organizations and global initiatives!

• Be kind to yourself and keep growing
  

Students who return from experiences abroad are forever changed because you gained new independence, interacted with people from around the world, and you saw how things are different outside Kazakhstan. When you come home, it is common to experience reverse culture shock since you got used to a new way of living abroad and you may see the world differently now. Keep in mind that this is completely normal and something everyone goes through. Take time to reflect on your feelings and give yourself time to get used to being back home and the new you that you have become. Writing, exercise, meditation and spiritual activities often help. Meeting up with other study abroad alumni and international students is also a great way to find people who understand what you are going through.