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Bard Abroad
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Bard Abroad in Bishkek

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American University of Central Asia
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.
American University of Central Asia's COVID-19 Response

Adventure Awaits in Bishkek! 

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.

Apply now!

Russian Language Track

Russian Language Track

In addition to our variety of liberal arts course offerings, Bard Abroad is excited to announce the Russian Language Track through the AUCA-Bard Study Abroad Program in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. This track is open to students with at least two years of college-level Russian. Students can apply through the AUCA-Bard Study Abroad Program application.

Although more than 30 years have passed since the dissolution of the Soviet Union, Bishkek remains largely a Russian-speaking city, with Russian used as the common language between the many groups of people that call Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan and Central Asia home. Students will have the opportunity to use Russian in and out of the classroom, in home-stays, with student peers, and in daily life. With a rich history and culture of its own, a shared-Soviet experience and common customs and cultural traditions which transcend borders, Kyrgyzstan is a fascinating place to study Russian outside of the European context and experience post-Soviet society.

Russian Language Track

Program Highlights
  • 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 student Russian language tutor.
  • 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 2-3 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. 
    • Recent courses taught at AUCA include:
      • Hybridity and Identity in Central Asia 
      • Novels of the Russian Golden Age
      • Literature and Art from the Soviet Union
      • Moral Imagination through Literature
      • Literature in Imperial and Soviet Central Asia
      • Empire, Identity, Modernity: Ethnic Classifications in Imperial and Soviet Central Asia
      • Central Asian Politics
      • Political Regimes/Democracy in post-communist countries and East Asia
      • Foreign Policy of Post-Soviet States
      • Internal History of the USSR 
      • Political History of the USSR 
      • Politics and Development in Post-Soviet Central Asia 
      • Russia and Central Asia
      • Russian Foreign Policy 
      • Russian Politics 
      • Government & Politics of USSR & CIS
      • Identity Politics in the Post-Soviet Space
      • Politics of Russia and CIS
      • Language Policies in Central Asian Republics: Soviet and post-Soviet Periods 
  • 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

Apply now!

Questions about the Bard-AUCA Program?

Contact [email protected]

 

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