Before moving to Bishkek

Hello everyone:

I'm thinking of applying for a librarian job at the University of Central Asia in Bishkek. Before doing so I want to do a bit of homework and get a sense of the city and the country. I would be coming in from Toronto, Canada should I be offered the job and I decide to take it.

Here are some questions that I have for the group:

1. What are some things that I should know about the city of Bishkek?

2. Are there any Canadians or other English speakers living in Bishkek? How easy is it for someone who does not speak Russian or Kyrgyz to get around? If I were to learn one of the two languages, which of the two would be better to learn?

3. What do you wish that you knew before moving to Kyrgyzstan that you know now?

Thank you all in advance for your advice.

Best,
Mark