When María Javier Brugarolas, a young engineer from Pamplona, Spain, arrived in Almaty in 2003, she expected a short professional assignment — but Kazakhstan quickly became her lifelong home. Over the next 22 years, she built a career, learned a new language, and led the Kazakhstan Foundation for Cultural, Social and Educational Development — KFCSED, empowering women and communities across the country. She shared her favorite spots in the city, surprising experiences, and advice on life in Kazakhstan.
María Javier Brugarolas, President of KFCSED, linkedin
Living and working in Kazakhstan
Living in Kazakhstan for over 22 years has given me many opportunities to explore its culture, traditions, and landscapes — and I’ve found so much to admire.
One of the aspects that struck me most from the beginning is the strong sense of hospitality that runs deep in Kazakh culture. It’s not just a custom, it’s a way of life. Family is seen in an expansive sense — the extended family is always welcome and present. That openness is beautiful and has enriched my understanding of community. Of course, in today’s world, where individualism is growing, this openness comes with challenges too — especially for younger generations and women, who also need personal space, not just physically but emotionally, to grow and thrive. But at its core, this spirit of inclusion is something I deeply respect.
Over the years, I’ve had the chance to visit many places across the country. Around Almaty, I’ve explored the natural beauty of Kolsai Lakes, Charyn Canyon, and other stunning landscapes. In my earlier professional work as an engineer, I also traveled to cities such as Atyrau, Aktau, Karaganda, and Astana — each with its own unique character and rhythm.
While I haven’t seen every corner of the country, I’ve met people from many different regions and communities. What I’ve consistently found is a country full of potential — and a strong cultural foundation based on welcoming others. I believe that if this spirit of hospitality can be preserved while also creating space for individuals to truly flourish, especially women and youth, Kazakhstan can continue to grow in a very inclusive way.
Favorite city
I live in Almaty and I don’t know if it’s my favorite city because of what it offers, or simply because I’ve built my life here. It’s hard for me to choose a favorite place, honestly. I’m someone who tends to find beauty and peace wherever I am. I believe it’s the people who truly make a place special.
That said, I do have a deep love for nature, and Almaty’s mountains have always inspired me. Being surrounded by such natural beauty helps me recharge, reflect, and dream. I love hiking, being outdoors, and simply feeling the calm that nature brings.
Of course, the city itself has developed beautifully over the years — with new parks, cafés, museums, and public spaces that are truly admirable. But what I value most about Kazakhstan is its untouched natural richness. There are still so many places that feel wild and unexplored, where you can connect with something much bigger than yourself.
Sometimes, though, I feel sad when I see natural areas affected by careless behavior — trash left behind by visitors, for example. It’s something that happens everywhere, not just here. But I think we could all do more to protect these beautiful spaces. I always carry a bag with me to pick up any litter I find — it’s a small gesture, but I believe nature deserves our respect.
Most surprising features
Living and working in Kazakhstan brought many surprises — some beautiful, others more difficult to process. Two aspects, in particular, stood out to me, perhaps because of the values I grew up with.
The first was related to family. I come from a close-knit family — I’m the fourth of nine siblings — and even though we now live in different parts of the world, we speak regularly, and stay connected thanks to the efforts of our parents, who passed on a strong sense of unity, mutual respect, and shared values.
So, when I began meeting many families here — especially in the early 2000s — I was struck by how many were broken or struggling. It was painful to see how the family unit had been affected by past hardships and transitions. Of course, there is a beautiful aspect in Kazakh culture of embracing the extended family — being open, generous, always welcoming others — and that’s something I admire deeply. But I also believe that the strength of a family lies in how each member is respected, not for what they have or do, but for who they are. That kind of respect builds deep love — the kind that requires sacrifice, patience, and daily acts of giving. It’s what truly makes us happy: to love and to be loved.
The second cultural shock I experienced was in the workplace. Early on, I noticed a tendency — especially in large companies — for employees to see their work as a routine task that simply justifies a salary. Initiative was often missing, and there was an expectation of top-down control, sometimes down to the smallest detail. But I believe that work is meant to be much more than that — it’s a path for personal development, a way to contribute something unique to society.
Whether someone works in housekeeping at a hotel or as a CEO, every role has the potential to help a person grow, to give, to learn, to add value that no one else can offer in quite the same way. In KFCSED, we’ve worked hard to build a culture based on responsibility — not control. We don’t move things forward just because someone in authority tells us to. We move because each person feels responsible and empowered. And that creates a workplace where people grow, and the organization grows with them.
I truly believe that the development of society doesn’t depend on just a few visionary leaders. It depends on each person feeling indispensable where they are and being treated as such by those around them. That sense of dignity, of being needed and trusted, is what can really transform a culture.
Advices
My first piece of advice to any expat — especially women — is to cultivate a sense of admiration. When we’re faced with differences, we can either criticize or be curious. Choosing admiration opens the door to understanding. Every cultural habit, every nuance, usually has deep human roots — and when you approach them with respect, you build trust, and you learn so much more.
As women, I believe we often bring a natural capacity for multitasking, intuition, and a wide-angle view of things. That can be an incredible strength — but it can also be a challenge. Sometimes, we suffer more because we feel responsible for everything. My advice is to keep things simple when possible. Don’t try to control everything. Leave space for those around you to respond creatively. You’re not here to carry the whole world on your shoulders.
In my experience, what really makes a difference is perseverance — quiet, steady resilience. Not a combative fight to prove you're right, but a patient ability to keep building. I’m not someone who leads by force or who needs to convince others loudly. I prefer to let actions speak for themselves — to build something carefully and let the results shine on their own.
In the end, what changes people and moves things forward isn’t a speech or a plan — it’s a life lived with consistency, generosity, and truth. Lead by example. That’s where real impact begins.