Throughout my time in Kazakhstan, I found the classes and professors immensely helpful to my language learning. I made significant progress in Russian grammar, phonetics, and literary tropes, supported by hours of structured instruction each day. By the end of the program, it was clear that my entire cohort had improved markedly. Still, for me, the most valuable parts of language learning occurred outside the classroom.
These opportunities weren’t always obvious. While language partners were organized through American Councils, many additional chances to practice emerged outside official settings. And in Almaty, I believe there’s something for everyone.
I have a range of interests that don’t always align neatly. I’ve been a musician for as long as I can remember, but I’ve also practiced combat sports since elementary school. I enjoy hiking in the mountains, but also spending time in cozy cafes. Through each of these interests, I met local friends and discovered things I otherwise never would have.
Early in my stay, I visited a boxing gym recommended by a former participant. I strongly suggest speaking with people who’ve done the program—they know the city and can point you in the right direction. I remember that visit clearly because it was one of the first times I attempted an administrative task entirely in Russian: signing up for a gym membership. I was quickly humbled by how unprepared I was. Real-world, unstructured interactions have a way of revealing gaps. I didn’t know the words for “membership,” “subscription,” or “coach,” but somehow managed to sign up. I began going almost daily, learning not only gym-related vocabulary but also broader administrative terms.
Learning the dombra
Another major part of my Almaty experience was learning the dombra, a traditional Kazakh instrument. I met my teacher by chance—on the way to the banya one Friday afternoon. I struck up a conversation and within minutes he realized I was new to Russian. I soon learned he was a professional dombra player and instructor. We exchanged contact information, and before long I was visiting his apartment weekly for private lessons. I picked up words like “string,” “key” (in the musical sense), and “tone,” and also made a friend I’m still in touch with today.
I also made friends at local coffee shops, where I regularly spoke with locals and learned a great deal from them. One friend, who often joined me for weekend hikes, shared my interest in politics. As a political science major, I found our in-depth conversations about global history and politics especially rewarding—and my language skills steadily improved through those discussions.
If I had one piece of advice for incoming students, it would be this: get outside your comfort zone. Take full advantage of the resources American Councils provides—and then go beyond. Explore the city independently, make local friends. It’s easy to fall into the American student bubble, but the best language learning happens with locals. And there are endless ways to connect, especially by pursuing shared interests.
Hiking with friends
by Lucas Daley
Fulbright-Hays Fellowship Recipient
Advanced Russian Language and Area Studies Program (RLASP)
Al-Farabi Kazakh National University (KazNU)
Almaty, Kazakhstan, Spring 2025