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May be relocating to Astana, Kazakhstan - paging Dr. Detroit (1 Viewer)

flufhed

flufhed

Footballguy
My wife is looking at a professor position at a Medical School in Astana, and I would be tagging along of course. This would be the craziest thing we have ever done, if we do it, but the more we learn about the region the more we feel drawn to it for some reason.

I need to find something to do. Would be nice to make some money of my own, but I would consider even volunteer positions if it would give me some marketable skills. I am attorney by trade, but am looking at things broadly given the challenges associated with a move like this.

Also would appreciate anyone with knowledge of the region (Doctor Detroit? others?) letting me know what we are getting ourselves into.

Biggest challenge is that, while I know some Russian, I am far away from being fluent. Studied it a long time ago, and have tried to keep up with some through the years, but my Russian was never strong to begin with and has fallen to a pitiful state. But if I was in a place where people spoke it I feel like I could pick up on it fairly quickly.

But for purposes of any advice assume my Russian is at a beginner level.

I have already learned that fermented camel's milk is the adult beverage of choice. So there's that.

If anyone has connections to or contacts in the region, would appreciate some assistance.

 
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Sheik, my understanding is they are trying to make Kazakh more prominent in order to promote their culture, but in the business world Russian is the quasi-official language.

 
eoMMan said:
With that's going on in that general area of the world, why do this?
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Don't say anything, but I have it on good authority that there are some people there getting ready to unveil the new terrorist airline. Only have one triple 7 right now, but they are planning on expanding at an explosive rate.

 
flufhed said:
Sheik, my understanding is they are trying to make Kazakh more prominent in order to promote their culture, but in the business world Russian is the quasi-official language.
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This could be true, and to be honest, I really don't know. I was supposed to go on a business trip to Almaty a couple years back, but I was out of the country in South America and missed out on the trip. The description I got of the country was that it was a nice place, but very Soviet era styled. I was always bummed that I missed that trip.

Again, I don't know much about it, but I would say that it is a world of difference between anywhere in America and there.

 
flufhed said:
Eo, it is approx. 2,000 miles from Astana to Baghdad.

:shrug:
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But you're also bordering Russia and China....2 of the bigger dickbag countries in the world. And who knows if/when any of those terrorist groups will set up shop in Kazakhstan at some point.

Honestly, unless you're household income is going up at least 500%, I don't see why you would want to leave the great USA.

 
flufhed said:
Foosball God said:
TheIronSheik said:
Foosball God said:
Are you white? As a white American man you couldn't pay me enough to live in that area of the world right now.
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The people of Kazakhstan are pretty white. Actually, more Asian looking. At least the ones I met.
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It's more about standing out as a white dude from America.
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Thanks for all of your helpful insight and advice. :thumbup:
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:shrug:

Just sharing my feelings. Too much unrest in that part of the world for my taste. If you go I wish you safety and an amazing time.

 
TheIronSheik said:
Foosball God said:
TheIronSheik said:
Foosball God said:
Are you white? As a white American man you couldn't pay me enough to live in that area of the world right now.
Click to expand...
The people of Kazakhstan are pretty white. Actually, more Asian looking. At least the ones I met.
Click to expand...
It's more about standing out as a white dude from America.
Click to expand...
I don't think you'd stand out as much as you think. Of course, all you white people kind of look alike.
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From my experience Americans stand out when going to Europe, etc. Different styles, sneakers, ball caps, etc.

 
How long is the move for? Do you not work now, hard to believe the new opportunity will pay more than the combined in the US....what is the tax rate like there? Most European countries taxes extremely high. Are you able to get a work visa or whatever is needed there...you are going to be the illegal stealing local jobs now ;)

 
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Age? Kids? If you're young and have no kids, I would vote to do it.

Good luck.

 
has Doctor Detroit been there?

:blackdot:

I'm putting the odds very low that anybody has worthwhile info for you about Kazakhstan. (although that Expat pro/con link seemed pretty useful)

 
sbonomo said:
How long is the move for? Do you not work now, hard to believe the new opportunity will pay more than the combined in the US....what is the tax rate like there? Most European countries taxes extremely high. Are you able to get a work visa or whatever is needed there...you are going to be the illegal stealing local jobs now ;)
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If we did it would most likely be for a couple of years, and then reassess. I work now, and am assuming our combined salary will be less there than here. Would be more about the adventure than the money.

 
Jebus. I get wanting to explore the world and all but there? Will that experience help your wife in the long run? Tons of grads from those types of medical schools driving cabs here which makes me think a professor from that school won't get any credit for their tenure. Even if the school is somehow accredited, I think most people will discount the experience simply because of the location. How long would you be over there?

 
They hate Jews there. They have this thing called the running of the Jews. I saw it in a documentary once

 
While in college, I knew two brothers that were from Kazakhstan. Their dad had spent pretty much his entire life savings to send them to America when they were 8 and 10.

That's about all I got. :shrug:

 
flufhed said:
My wife is looking at a professor position at a Medical School in Astana, and I would be tagging along of course. This would be the craziest thing we have ever done, if we do it, but the more we learn about the region the more we feel drawn to it for some reason.

I need to find something to do. Would be nice to make some money of my own, but I would consider even volunteer positions if it would give me some marketable skills. I am attorney by trade, but am looking at things broadly given the challenges associated with a move like this.

Also would appreciate anyone with knowledge of the region (Doctor Detroit? others?) letting me know what we are getting ourselves into.

Biggest challenge is that, while I know some Russian, I am far away from being fluent. Studied it a long time ago, and have tried to keep up with some through the years, but my Russian was never strong to begin with and has fallen to a pitiful state. But if I was in a place where people spoke it I feel like I could pick up on it fairly quickly.

But for purposes of any advice assume my Russian is at a beginner level.

I have already learned that fermented camel's milk is the adult beverage of choice. So there's that.

If anyone has connections to or contacts in the region, would appreciate some assistance.
Click to expand...
it's makes an OUTSTANDING white russian, ironically enough...

 
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