Caravanistan

Does anyone have any experience or have any suggestions on where to go for Russian school? I prefer attending classes at a university or in a group rather than just individual lessons. I think I saw somewhere in Almaty for $90 a month, but I am open to suggestions..

Thank you so much!

Bishkek is the place where most foreigners go: easy visa and cheapest rates + lots of young "expats" like yourself to hang out with.

Most people I have heard of go to the London School and that seems to have a good reputation. If you google study Russian in Bishkek you come across a few more TT threads and suggestions.

Hope that helps!

steven wrote:Bishkek is the place where most foreigners go: easy visa and cheapest rates + lots of young "expats" like yourself to hang out with.

Most people I have heard of go to the London School and that seems to have a good reputation. If you google study Russian in Bishkek you come across a few more TT threads and suggestions.

Hope that helps!

Hi Steven, it did! I was looking into the London School, but I don't think they do group lessons. Also I've heard some things about Bishkek not being so safe at night, so I'm a little worried (and my parents). Do you know of any other places/know anyone with experience? I've done a ton of research on this, but still not so sure where to go.

Thank you!!

I would still suggest Bishkek. I am quite sure London School does group lessons, you should mail them. Mostly though, Bishkek is more fun because there are hundreds of Western underemployed 20-somethings hanging out in Bishkek doing some project like yours, and it's really fun. Together with thousands of young Kyrgyz eager to get to know you.

Is Bishkek dangerous at night? It's not Johannesburg, I never heard of anyone getting stabbed or shot, it's more about rowdy drunk guys you might encounter in a city without lights (I never encountered them, but I know it's possible). But anyway, it should not be an issue. Just go with friends if you are hanging out late, and order a Namba taxi (local Uber) for 1$ to take you home. You will see plenty of young women out at night. It's a party town.

Almaty is "nicer", super-safe, but all the foreigners are 40+ businessmen. Price-wise it came down a lot, but it is still a bit more expensive than Bishkek. If you are concerned about the flight, just fly to Almaty and take a bus across the border to Bishkek, you'll be there before lunch.

I live in Almaty and I love it, right near the mountains, gorgeous, uber-hip people, real cafe culture in the summer, ... But if I would be your age I would choose Bishkek.

So that's my advice. Everything in Central Asia happens very ad hoc, so whichever you decide to go with, know that you can very easily ditch it and move on to the other city if you decide you like that one better. Renting a room happens same day, same would go for the Russian course I assume. There is not so much need to plan ahead as in the West.

In any case, welcome!

steven wrote: In any case, welcome!

I know some people in Almaty, but I also have heard Bishkek is a lot better for younger people. I reached out to the London School and currently am waiting for a reply.

Thank you for all the info!

Minsk can be an option, slightly less complicated visa than Russia for most citizens. Same for Kiev.

Finally, you can also go to Riga, a good part of its citizens are native Russian speakers and you can also get some school to study it. No visa for EU and North American citizens.