Shymkent is the third largest city in Kazakhstan after Astana and Almaty. It is not as cosmopolitan as the other two but has charms of it’s own. The people are by and large delightful and always delighted to practice their English with you. If you get the chance to work here you will be noticed immediately (if you are an old, blonde English woman as I am). My local shops recognised me on my second visit and bar none could have been more helpful and accommodating. They are mostly Muslim here, and like the Middle East, you will probably only get one day off a week. My days off consisted of getting coffee at one of the local shopping malls (who after one visit, welcomed me with open arms and always tried to speak English). In the evening I would usually get a pizza, and again they bent over backwards to help me -on several occasions, they asked for any English speakers to translate for them (a bit embarrassing to be truthful!)
On the professional side, English teaching in schools is not done to a very high standard and you may have to “unteach” some peculiarities of the local teachers. I didn’t find this a problem and the local teachers embraced feedback from a native speaker. As to entertainment for children, there are lots of soft play areas, a trampoline hall, parks, gaming centres, outdoor and indoor swimming pools etc.
The weather is too hot to play outside in the summer, but the above comes in very handy as everywhere is air conditioned.
Shymkent is a wonderful place, full of very friendly, happy people. They are very proud of their traditions and crafts. My flat in England now resembles a Kazak yurt! Their traditionalism and local crafts and skills need supporting as their government (it seems to me) are trying too hard to establish a European outlook and have even banned Muslim students from wearing scarves at school and banned the traditional female all body swimsuits from their pools. I think this is a shame.
I worked in Shymkent for two years. I was lonely at times, but think that is more down to me than the town. There are a couple of English clubs to join but I didn’t have the time as I only had one day off.
I would recommend working here. However, if you are a vegetarian, or vegan, think twice! The National dish is horse meat and pasta. Very tasty actually, and I am squeamish!. The people couldn’t have been nicer and I do miss their smiles (now in Moscow!)
If you get the chance to visit Astana, do so. The new city centre is like something out of a film set! Purpose built and stunning. Thanks to English Nanny I has a wonderful opportunity to visit these places!
