- About Haileybury
- Admissions
- Events
- News
- Contacts
- Payment
FOBISIA Heads’ Business Meeting 11th to 14th March 2026
Haileybury Almaty warmly welcomes you to the FOBISIA Heads' Business Meeting for a programme of collaboration, cultural immersion and professional learning.
Haileybury Almaty is the largest British international school in Central Asia and a recognised leader of academic excellence in the region. Since opening in 2008, the school has consistently prepared students who progress to the world’s most prestigious universities — including Oxford, Cambridge, Harvard, Stanford, MIT, Columbia, LSE, Imperial College London, Yale, Cornell, CalTech, UCL and other top universities worldwide. Through its selective admissions, rigorous A-Level programme, and High Performance Learning approach, Haileybury Almaty nurtures ambitious, globally minded young people who thrive both academically and personally.
Payment Terms & Cancellation Policy (FOBISIA)
Please acknowledge the following payment terms and cancellation policy.
The conference fee must be paid in full within 30 days after the invoice is issued, or by 15 January 2026, whichever is sooner.
Refunds are not possible to process.
However, we understand that unforeseen circumstances may arise and at the discretion of FOBISIA HQ and the Board, in the event of illness or other unavoidable circumstances preventing attendance, delegates are welcome to send a substitute from their school in their place at no additional cost. Please notify us of any substitutions in writing to EOM@fobisia.org as soon as possible.
Please note that discretion regarding any exceptions to this policy lies with FOBISIA HQ and the Board and each request will be dealt on a case to case basis.
We kindly seek your understanding that by completing this form, you confirm that you have understood the terms of the cancellation policy, agree to be bound by them should anything prevent you from attending the event.
Event Cancellation Policy:
In the event of the Conference having to be cancelled, curtailed, postponed or abandoned due to circumstances outside the control of the organisers, the Member School/delegates shall have no claim against the organisers for loss of incurred costs or expenses. It is recommended that the Member School arrange appropriate insurance to cover their loss of all potential costs, expenses and deposits arising out of the cancellation, curtailment, postponement or abandonment of the Conference.
Hotel Cancellation Policy:
Cancellations made on or after 11th February 2026 will incur a 100% cancellation fee for the entire duration of the stay.
Travel Tips for Almaty
Currency & Payments
- Local currency: Kazakhstani Tenge (KZT); ~1 USD ≈ 450 KZT
- Credit cards are widely accepted, but carry some cash for markets and taxis
- Standard tipping: 5–10% in restaurants
Transport
- Taxis: Use Yandex Go or Uber apps — safe and affordable
- Metro: Clean, safe, beautifully designed (limited network)
- Walking: Downtown Almaty is pedestrian-friendly
Connectivity
- Power: European plugs Type C & F, 220V
- Wi-Fi: Reliable in hotels, cafés, and the school
- SIM Cards: Beeline, Kcell, Tele2 — $5–10 USD, available at the airport and malls
Local Customs & Safety
- Almaty is safe, especially in the central areas
- English is spoken in hotels/restaurants; Russian and Kazakh are the main local languages
- Learning a few basic phrases in Russian/Kazakh is appreciated
Practical Notes
- Time Zone: UTC +5
- Water: Bottled water recommended
- Emergency numbers: Police 102 | Ambulance 103 | Fire 101
- Dress Code: Business attire for meetings, smart casual for dinners, warm casual for excursions
Excursions & Local Highlights
Haileybury Almaty will support you in booking your preferred excursions
Shymbulak Ski Resort
Take a scenic 15-minute gondola ride from Medeu to the alpine slopes of Shymbulak for just around $8. Add-on ski-lift access costs approximately $15–$22, depending on the day.
Note: March is still ski season in Almaty, so downhill skiing is possible and conditions are usually excellent at this time of year.
Medeo Ice Rink
Experience the thrill of skating at one of the world’s highest‑altitude rinks—surrounded by breathtaking mountain scenery. Adult tickets cost around 1,500 KZT (~$3.70 USD) per hour, with skate rental additional.
Panfilov Park & Zenkov Cathedral
A historic and cultural landmark featuring beautiful green spaces and the iconic Zenkov Cathedral, one of the world's tallest wooden churches.
Green Bazaar
The Green Bazaar is one of the oldest bazaars in Kazakhstan. In 1875, the "Gostiny Dvor" was built here, in which merchants from all over Central Asia traded. Trading was also conducted during Soviet times, but a covered building was built here only in the 1970s.
Charyn Canyon (1-Day Tour)
Explore Kazakhstan’s "Valley of Castles". Prices vary by group size:
Shared tour: $80–$120 per person.
Private small group: $125–$200 per person.
Larger groups (≥4): from $30 per person.
Solo private tours are available (~$290–$375), depending on provider.
Big Almaty Lake
Visit this high-altitude turquoise lake—group tours cost around $40 per person, while a solo private tour may be about $190 per person.
Almaty Museum
Visit the Almaty Museum of Arts. Admission fees are usually minimal or included in visit arrangements; details will be confirmed closer to the event.
Kasteev Museum
Discover Kazakhstan’s artistic heritage at the A. Kasteev State Museum of Arts, the country’s largest and most significant art museum. Explore everything from folk decorative traditions to contemporary works, with chronologically arranged exhibitions that trace the evolution of Kazakh art. Rotating collections ensure there’s always something new to see.
Baiseitova Opera & Ballet Theatre
Almaty’s cultural jewel, is a landmark of architecture and performing arts, blending Stalinist, Neoclassical, and Kazakh motifs. Tickets cost about 4,500 KZT (~$9 USD), offering exceptional value for world-class performances.
Kok Tobe & Abai Square
Take a gondola ride (~$4.50 USD) to Kok Tobe Hill for breathtaking views over Almaty and the Tien Shan mountains. Enjoy cafés, walking trails, and art displays at the summit. Combine this with a visit to nearby Abai Square—home to the Abai Opera House—for a perfect blend of nature and culture.
Kolsai Lakes
Escape to Kazakhstan’s alpine gem, often called the “Pearls of the Tien Shan.” Day trips cost from $50–80 USD per person, while private tours start at $120 USD. Ideal for hiking, photography, and experiencing unspoiled mountain scenery.
Oi-Qaragai
A four-season mountain resort offering skiing, hiking, zip-lines, and more. Prices start from $20–30 USD per person for activities, with ski passes around $25–30 USD.
Ile-Alatau National Park
Just outside Almaty, Ile-Alatau offers hiking trails, alpine lakes, and stunning mountain landscapes. Entry costs only $1 USD, with guided excursions starting at $30 USD per person.
Swissôtel Wellness & Spa
Spend a weekend at the Swissôtel Alatau Almaty and unwind in luxury. Spa passes start from $40 USD, with treatments from $50 USD—the perfect way to recharge during your stay.
Gorilla Zipline Adventure
Launch into an exhilarating high-speed soar from Medeu base—555 meters long, 137 meters descent, up to 80 km/h—offering spectacular panoramic views of the city and mountains.
Cost: Approximately $11 USD on weekdays, $16 USD on weekends. A heart-pounding highlight for adventure seekers!
Further details and sign-up information will be made available following confirmation of attendance and payment.
Payment Form
All fields are required
For any queries, please contact:
.jpg ", Deputy Head")