Founded in 1993, AUCA develops future leaders for the democratic transformation of Central Asia. The university is an international, multidisciplinary learning community in the American liberal arts tradition, fostering global reach and a deep commitment to the values of critical thinking.
Adventure Awaits in Bishkek!
The Bard-AUCA study abroad program offers intellectually adventurous students a unique opportunity to study side by side, in English, with peers from 25 different countries at the region’s most prestigious university. Students interested in anthropology, Central Asian studies, political science, Soviet studies, or Russian and Central Asian languages will find an exciting and rigorous liberal arts curriculum that develops students’ skills and cultural aptitude, both of which will foster sensitivity to the region’s rich traditions, as well as an adaptability to its democratic development.
The Beginning Russian Language Track focuses on developing students’ reading, conversation, oral comprehension, and writing skills, from the introduction to Cyrillic alphabet and Russian cursive to the foundations of grammar, syntax, and everyday idiomatic speech. Students will earn four Russian language credits with the remaining credits being earned in academic courses of their choice.
Beginning Russian Language
The Beginning Russian Language Track focuses on developing students’ reading, conversation, oral comprehension, and writing skills, from the introduction to Cyrillic alphabet and Russian cursive to the foundations of grammar, syntax, and everyday idiomatic speech. Students will earn four Russian language credits with the remaining credits being earned in academic courses of their choice.
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.
Beginning Russian Language Course - students will take 4 credits of Russian language each semester. The course offers students an opportunity to immerse themselves in the basics of conversational Russian within a well-structured linguistic curriculum while experiencing the everyday life and culture of Kyrgyzstan's most Russian-speaking city.
Russian-speaking Homestays - 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 3-4 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.
A cultural program, which will explore the culture, history, customs, cuisine and natural beauty of Kyrgyzstan and its diverse population. The cultural program includes bi-weekly organized events with outings to the specific theaters.
Participation in student clubs, extracurricular activities and civic engagement projects with Russian-speaking peers from across Central Asia.
Volunteering and internship opportunities at various organizations in Bishkek.
Intermediate and Advanced Russian Language
The Intermediate/Advanced Russian Language Track is open to students with one year of college-level Russian. Students enroll in a minimum of nine Russian language credits, earning the remainder from academic courses of their choice; options include classes in Russian, Central Asian, and post-Soviet area studies.
Intermediate and Advanced Russian Language
The Intermediate/Advanced Russian Language Track is open to students with one year of college-level Russian. Students enroll in a minimum of nine Russian language credits, earning the remainder from academic courses of their choice; options include classes in Russian, Central Asian, and post-Soviet area studies.
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 - students will take between 9 and 11 credits of Russian language each semester. Courses are designed to build proficiency and help students work towards mastery of Russian, taking advantage of Bishkek's Russian-language environment. Students also have weekly meetings with an AUCA Russian language peer tutor.
Russian-speaking Homestays - 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 2-3 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.
A cultural program, which will explore the culture, history, customs, cuisine and natural beauty of Kyrgyzstan and its diverse population. The cultural program includes bi-weekly organized events with outings to the specific theaters.
Participation in student clubs, extracurricular activities and civic engagement projects with Russian-speaking peers from across Central Asia.
Volunteering and internship opportunities at various organizations in Bishkek.
Liberal Arts
The Liberal Arts Track offers classes in a wide range of subjects including anthropology, sociology, economics, international comparative politics, and environmental studies in Central Asia. Visiting students can try out new topics or continue their primary course of study in small, seminar-style classes with a student-to-faculty ratio of 10:1.
Liberal Arts
The Liberal Arts Track offers classes in a wide range of subjects including anthropology, sociology, economics, international comparative politics, and environmental studies in Central Asia. Visiting students can try out new topics or continue their primary course of study in small, seminar-style classes with a student-to-faculty ratio of 10:1.
Academic courses from 15 undergraduate and 10 graduate degree programs.
Russian language courses of any level are available.
Courses in Kyrgyz, Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Japanese, Spanish and Turkish languages.
Encounter the region’s rich traditions while witnessing its democratic development.
Students may choose from two housing options: homestay or residence hall.
A cultural program provides a chance to become better acquainted with the region's history and beauty.
Participation in student clubs, extracurricular activities and civic engagement projects with English-speaking peers from across Central Asia.
Volunteering and internship opportunities at various organizations in Bishkek.
AUCA-Bard Program Staff
Tatiana Orlova
Eurasian Programs Manager | [email protected] Tatiana Orlova is the Eurasian Programs Manager, overseeing the AUCA-Bard Study Abroad Program and the Russian in Central Asia Summer Program. In this role, Tatiana is responsible for student recruitment and coordination with AUCA staff and administration.