Kazakhstan, the world's largest landlocked country, stretches from Central Asia to Eastern Europe. Known for its vast, windswept steppes, dramatic canyons, and snow-capped Tian Shan mountains, it bridges ancient nomadic traditions with striking modernity. Students can explore futuristic architecture in Astana and a historic cultural hub with a vibrant café culture in Almaty. With world-class universities, affordable living costs, and a famously hospitable culture, Kazakhstan is perfect for adventurous students seeking an off-the-beaten-path academic experience in the heart of Eurasia.
Questions about study abroad?
Get Application Support
Connect with our advising team to get your questions answered and start planning your study abroad experience! Here are some of the advising options available:
- Interactive workshops to set goals, explore academic and funding resources, and prepare your application.
- Drop-in advising to speak with region-specific advisors.
- Individual virtual sessions for specialized guidance focused on your target region.
- Don't forget to meet with advisors at your home UC campus for academic planning, major credit petitions, and campus financial aid.
Academic Planning for Study Abroad
Stay on Track to Graduate
Studying abroad integrates into your degree when you plan ahead. Discover how UC credit transfers, explore courses that satisfy major or general education requirements, and read student tips on planning what courses to take abroad. Connect with your campus advisor early to build a schedule that aligns with your graduation timeline.
Family and Support
Involve Your Support Network
Bringing your family into your study abroad plans early helps everyone feel confident and prepared. Share key details about health, safety, finances, and academic credit using our family and support network guide. For advice on starting informative and constructive conversations, check out our tips for talking with your family and friends about your global goals.
Funding and Affordability
Paying for Study Abroad
Your UC financial aid, grants, and scholarships travel with you, and some programs cost less than a term on campus. Explore the Making Study Abroad Affordable Guide (written by UC students who've done it) for budgeting tips, estimating your expenses, and making your global experience fit your financial plan.
Planning Steps to Study Abroad
Mapping Your Study Abroad Journey
Preparing to study abroad takes up to a year, and the best way to avoid missing out is to start right now. Deadlines for program applications, travel documents, course approvals, and scholarship applications arrive quickly. Check our interactive timeline to pinpoint your next step for this term and keep your plans on schedule.
I believe my study abroad experience was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that cannot be replicated with any sum of money or length of time. Every morning, was like unwrapping a present. I would imagine what the day had in store, and I knew it would be a unique and unforgettable gift I would cherish forever.
When first considering studying abroad, all I could think of was wanting to go somewhere that would genuinely change me. I wanted to experience a new way of thinking, a new daily routine, and different ideologies. The students at Lund University taught me a profound lesson—grades are just a small part of who you are. Coming from a highly competitive environment, a lot of my self worth was placed on performing in school, but life has too much to offer to only worry about grades and career prospects. Swedish students and the friends I met all showed me how necessary it is to connect with people around the world, to explore new places, eat new foods, and most importantly, create a healthy and encouraging social circle.
The opportunity to study abroad and intern in Germany was a dream come true. I learned valuable skills that opened my eyes to creating connections with people, and I learned how to conduct myself in a professional environment. I made so many new friends and memories – it will always be an experience I cherish.
This was a life-changing experience and I would do it a million times over again!
