Deadline: November 1, 2024
Spring 2025 Bard-AUCA Study Abroad Program in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. The program is hosted by the American University of Central Asia (AUCA), a Bard College long-term dual-degree partner. Undergraduate (typically second-, third-, and fourth-year) students are invited to apply. Below is the program description.
We now offer three academic tracks for the spring semester:
- Beginning Russian Language Track;
- Intermediate/Advanced Russian Language Track*;
- Liberal Arts Track.
*Students with at least one year of college level Russian can apply for the Intermediate/Advanced Russian Language Track.
Key aspects of the program include:
- One-week Russian Intensive: The program begins with a one-week intensive Russian course to introduce students to daily life in Bishkek, acquainting them with the city and local customs.
- Russian Language Courses: Courses are designed to build proficiency and help students work towards mastery of Russian, taking advantage of Bishkek’s Russian-language environment.
- Russian-speaking Home-Stays: Students will have the option of staying with Russian-speaking families or living in a dormitory with AUCA peers, providing the opportunity to speak Russian daily outside of class and interact with the language and culture in a real-world context.
- Enrollment in 2-5 academic courses from among the variety of courses taught at AUCA, which include many courses in Russian, Central Asian and Post-Soviet area studies. Most academic courses are taught in English, but students are welcome to enroll in courses taught in Russian, which include studio art, theater and physical education offerings.
Other program highlights:
- A cultural program, which will explore the culture, history, customs, cuisine, natural beauty of Kyrgyzstan and its diverse population.
- Working with peer tutors.
- Participation in student clubs, extracurricular activities and civic engagement projects with Russian-speaking peers from across Central Asia.
- Volunteering and internship opportunities in Bishkek.
Program Dates for Spring 2025: January 3 – May 20, 2025.
Application deadline: November 1, 2024.
For more information and to apply visit the website.