Study Abroad: Russian and Kazakh (Nazarbayev U)

Deadline for Applications: February 25, 2018

Nazarbayev University (Astana, Kazakhstan), in collaboration with the University of Arizona, is pleased to announce our next session of the Summer School in Russian and Eurasian Studies (SSRES). We are now accepting applications from undergraduate and graduate students, as well as working professionals for our 2018 summer sessions.

American students have an option to apply to the program through The University of Arizona Global Initiatives and earn US-based academic credits. The University of Arizona offers full health insurance coverage, pre-departure orientation and advising sessions, and 24/7 counselling services to all program participants.  For more information, visit the program’s website.

With any questions about how to apply though the University of Arizona, contact Director for the Arizona in Kazakhstan Program, Dr. Liudmila Klimanova (klimanova@email.arizona.edu)

All questions about applying through Nazarbayev University, as well as general questions about the program should be addressed to the SSRES Program Director, Dr. Victoria Thorstensson (victoria.thorstensson@nu.edu.kz). For more information about the program, including its cost, course descriptions, and the cultural program, visit our website.

Program dates for SSRES 2018:

8-week program: May 25-July 27 (equivalent of one academic year)

5-week programs:

Session 1: May 25-June 30 (equivalent of one semester)

Session 2: June 22-July 30 (equivalent of one semester)

Application deadline is February 25, 2018.

Languages offered:

Russian (all levels)

Kazakh (various levels, pending student interest)

Students can also enroll in one elective course in the Eurasian Studies taught in English. The list of available electives will be available in the beginning of 2018.

In the summer of 2017, students were offered the following electives:

  • HST 100 History of Kazakhstan (6 ECTS or 3 Carnegie)
  • HST 104 Central Asian History II (6 ECTS or 3 Carnegie)
  • WLL 230 Survey of Post-Soviet Russian Literature and Culture (6 ECTS or 3 Carnegie)

In additional to the core program, the students will have an opportunity to learn some elementary Kazakh and get an introduction to Kazakh culture by taking a weekly non-credited practical course in Kazakh Language and Culture (once a week on Fridays, free, and included in the program).

Nazarbayev University is a world class research university in Astana, Kazakhstan. The language of instruction at the university is English. The academic processes at the University are based on international educational standards. This is the first university in Kazakhstan that is committed to working according to international academic standards and guided by the principles of autonomy and academic freedom. The mission of the university is to be a model for higher education research and modern research in Kazakhstan and to contribute to the establishment of Astana as an international innovation and knowledge hub.