Clean Kazakhstan: A Foreign Student’s Perspective on Cleanliness and Order in Almaty”

Almaty is a city that welcomes visitors not only with the majestic peaks of the Zailiysky Alatau mountains but also with a unique atmosphere of comfort and tidiness. This is exactly how first-year foreign students majoring in "Russian as a Foreign Language" saw it during a tour of  KazGUgrad — the student campus of Al-Farabi Kazakh National University.

The tour was led by M.N. Kaiyrbek, a lecturer at the Department of Russian Philology and World Literature, who not only introduced the students to the history of the university but also helped them see the city and campus through the eyes of an attentive observer.

For many foreign students, Almaty became the first city in Kazakhstan where they began their studies. They were particularly impressed by the cleanliness of the streets, the neatness of the alleys, and the well-maintained greenery.

The students noted that the order on the campus creates a favorable environment for studying and socializing. Spacious alleys, well-groomed trees, lawns, and modern academic buildings contribute to a sense of harmony and respect for the space.

Al-Farabi Kazakh National University’s campus is often referred to as a "city within a city." It has everything necessary for a comfortable student life: academic buildings, dormitories, sports facilities, and recreational areas.

The foreign students emphasized that the university grounds are well-organized and safe. Clean pathways, bins for separate waste collection, and informational signs all indicate a systematic approach to maintaining order.

During the tour, M.N. Kaiyrbek drew the students’ attention to the fact that cleanliness is not only the work of municipal services but also a reflection of the residents’ culture.

Foreign students remarked that in Almaty, they rarely see litter on the streets or careless treatment of public spaces. This contributes to a positive image of the city and the country as a whole.

The tour of KazGUgrad was not just an introduction to the university territory but also an important step in helping foreign students adapt. The cleanliness, orderliness, and well-maintained environment of Almaty helped them feel comfortable and confident in a new country.

Almaty appeared to them as a modern, dynamic, yet cozy city where cleanliness, order, and educational traditions are valued.

Kaiyrbek M.N.

Al-Farabi KazNU