I've been living abroad for several years now. I think the image of Americans abroad is hard to explain. Generally, I think we are seen to be friendly but arrogant…at least, that's the vibe I get in the Mid East. In Eastern Europe, it was different. People seemed to think more kindly of us back in the mid 90's. Now, it may not be so. In fact, my general impression of world opinion about Americans is that they liked us more when there was someone that they hated even more than us.

When I lived in Ukrain in the mid-90's, I made friends with a nice guy from Khazakstan. Now, as Khazakstan becomes more widely known, I think about him and wonder how he's doing.

John is right. Americans love food, work too much, and are always interested in other people and cultures. We want to hear about things like horse meat, and that it is expensive. I personally enjoy learning about small things that I won't find on Wikipedia. Things like…

What is your father like? Do mothers work in or out of the home? How many children in an average family? What type of board games to children and adults play? What are the themes of popular books? Who are the mythical or real "heroes" of the country? Do people there believe Americans are like those idiots on TV? Do most people have a dog? And, of course, anything about food!

Please do blog and let us glimpse your world!

I would like to add that the other countries of the Central Asia are also very interesting to know about. For example, Uzbekistan has one of the greatest historical cities and monuments in the world. Unfortunately, their political regime is even more oppressive than the one we have here in Kazakhstan and it is not so easy to travel there. I have always wanted to go there. Kyrgyzstan has may fascinating landscapes and the beautiful Issyk-Kul lake which is very popular for tourists from Kazakhstan.

I am sorry that I could not answer all of the questions which were posted above. I would appeal to all the other students from Kazakhstan to share their opinions here!

(And you’re going to use what I wrote here as TOEFL preparation? Don’t you want your students to PASS the TOEFL? But I jest. Sort of. No, but of course I’m thrilled to play any such role in the lives and aspirations of your students. Thanks!!)

I would respectfully direct you and your interested readers to my blog for today which is titled “Quotes from Ambitious Kazakh Students.” I just finished interviewing 53 applicants from Kazakhstan to the Muskie program with two other skilled interviewers. What is true of Kazakhstan can NOT be said of the other Central Asian countries such as Kyrgyzstan or Uzbekistan. Kazakhstan is blessed with many natural resources such as oil and gas, mining (3rd in world to provide uranium), beautiful lakes and mountains which are good for tourism.

I would challenge any of you dear readers to come visit Kazakhstan, I often quip that it REALLY is the “ends of the earth.” Few westeners feel “called” to this place, however, I’m happy to be back after 13 years away.

Let me introduce myself: My name is Ardak and I am 26.
I am not a student but an alumni of the KIMEP. (the abbreviation stands for the name in russian) . Thank you very much for your genuine interest in my country. I hope that many more people from Kazakhstan will respond to your blog. First of all, there is a lot of information about Kazakhstan that you could find in the internet. Here is the website of the Kazakhstan Institute of Management, Economics and Strategic Research (KIMEP) for example: http://www.kimep.kz
Recently I also found those videos which are quite good. (it is not a propaganda material )
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u4p-oiFOkHE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dO6h18rg1sU

Which language do we speak? The Kazakh is the state language. It belongs to the family of Turkic languages. Almost everybody could also speak Russian because Kazakhstan was a part of the Soviet Union as you probably know. I am native Kazakh but there are many other nationalities living here. So you should refer to Kazakhstani people not only to Kazakh people.

What did I eat last night? Oh, it was really not a typical or national Kazakh food. I made a sandwich and fried two eggs . Our national food is different. We eat horses meat, for example.

What do we think about Americans? I think there is much less anti American sentiments in Kazakhstan than in many other countries. Our people just do not care so much about politics. I think that if one does not like the foreign policy of a country , it shouldn’t translate into some prejudices about the people living in that country. Unfortunately many people mix everything with politics.

I also have a question to you. What do you yourself think about the image of Americans abroad? Do you have any clues? What foreign countries have you been to? What was your experience there?

Ardak – thanks for sharing with us all! I love your take on foreign policy of a country and the people! I wish more people were as enlightened as you (and your fellow country-people).

To answer your questions: I think some people in other countries view us poorly based on our foreign policy and some based on American media (I promise we are not like those portrey on the media unless you happen to be watching a NASCAR race, then at least you will get an idea of me.. ). I think others are like you are realize we are all different and and tend to judge us individually.

I have never been to forugn country (unless you count an accidental trip in Canada).

I am curious one your comment on eating horse meet… there is something I have often wondered about that. Do you just raise horses for meat? Or do you also raise them for riding/work?