Summer Kazahkstan 2009: The UN and Global Politics on the Silk Road

OVERVIEW
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COUNTRY: Kazakhstan |
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(link to photo album |
INTRODUCTION
The California State University Long Beach is pleased to offer a unique opportunity for students to study in scenic Almaty, Kazahkstan. More than just a study abroad program students will assist in direct international development as this program will also include a large number of Kazahstani and Central Asian students by exposing them to your views and opinions we are helping to prepare the next generation of
Kazakhstani leadership for the realities of a modern world.
It will also provide the opportunity to travel to the cultural crossroads of the 21st century: Central Asia and expirence the hospitality of it’s people. The program will include travel, social and cultural opportunities so students can make the most of there time there
WHY KAZAHKSTAN?
Kazakhstan stretches over a vast expanse of Central Asia. In area, it is the ninth largest country in the world. A portion of its territory west of the Ural River is actually part of Eastern-most Europe. Kazakhstan borders Russia to the north, the Peoples’ Republic of China to the east, and Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan to the south, as well as the Caspian Sea to the west. Kazakhstan was part of the former Soviet Union until declaring its independence on December 16, 1991. Today, Kazakhstan is a member of the Commonwealth of Independent States(CIS), Organization of the Islamic Conference(OIC) , Shanghai Cooperation Organization and other international organizations.
It’s strategic location and vast oil resources, and space industry will continue to increase it’s importance in the 21st century.
CULTURAL HERITAGE
Experience an exciting culture a bridge between the East and West. Kazakhstan offers a unique opportunity to observe, Asian, European and post Soviet cultures. Indeed in addition to native Kazakhs and Russians make up the two largest ethnic groups. Other important minorities include Koreans, Volga Germans, Uzbeks, Ukrainians, Azeris, Kurds and Armenians who blend together to create a distinct Kazahkstani national identity and in Almaty combine to create Central Asia’s most cosmopolitan society.

NATURAL WONDER
Almaty sits at the base of the Tien Shan mountains. Indeed Kazahkstan is rich in biodiversity where Bears, Elk, Foxes, Camels, Deer as well can be found
Indeed many birds of pray including large Falcons still roam through Many of KAzahkstan’s main cities.
The Tien Shan offer oppurtunties to hike, paragliding, mountain bike and horseback excursions. In winter time snow sport oppurtunites
Also abound.
Several hours from Almaty Charyn Canyon AKA “the mini-Grand Canyon” is truly one of the natural wonders of the world.

THE CITY OF ALMATY
Alamty is home to 1.5 million residents and the former capitol of independent Kazahkstan before the capitol was moved too Astana. The city is to an impressive array of monuments, Soviet architecture, beautiful Mosques, historic Orthodox Churches and old synagogues can all be found in the city. Other scenic sites and opportunities to view the city from above can be found the surrounding mountains. The people of Kazakhstan are acclaimed to be very hospitable and friendly to tourists and treat them with a great deal of respect.
The city is also home to the famous Barholka flea market which is equivalent in size to the CSULB Campus! Other shopping opportunities include the Green Bazaar and the Soviet style Zangar shopping mall where souvenirs and traditional crafts from through out Central Asia can be purchased. As the sunset’s over the Steppe’s of Kazhakstan, Almaty offers the best nightlife in Central Asia with such venues as “Admiral Nelson” and other venues with DJ’s spinning the latest international music to large crowds. For a more of a relaxing lounge atmosphere in the lap of luxury the city offers Wang, Coffedilia and Crystal. Traditional Café’s also abound.








CSULB SUMMER PROGRAM IN ALMATY
This multiple week program organized by the CSULB MUN Team and Political Science Department. The program will be led by Dr. Larry Martinez of the Political Science Department
ENRICHMENT ACTIVITIES
Leisure-time activities may include city tours, cultural activities, discussion groups and visits to performances, as well as trips to nearby cities such as Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.

ACADEMICS
COURSES
PARTICIPANTS
LANGUAGES
English will be used as a language of instruction. Kazakh and Russian are the two official languages of Kazakhstan. Other spoken languages include Korean, Armenian, Kurdish and a wide variety of Turkic languages.
LOCATION
ACADEMIC SESSION
ACCOMMODATION & MEALS
Accommodation and some meals will be included in the program fee.
PROGRAM COST
FINANCIAL AID & SCHOLARSHIPS
Participants in this program may use their CSULB financial aid to help pay for the program. Study Abroad Scholarships and a variety of external funding options are available to those who qualify.
ELIGIBILITY
APPLICATION PROCEDURES
DEADLINES
Application deadline: