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Bard College Russian in Central Asia Summer Program 2026
March 15
Program Dates: June 5 – August 1, 2026.
Application Deadline: March 15, 2026.
For more information and to apply visit the website. www.bard.edu/bardabroad/bishkek/summer/
Program Overview
The Russian in Central Asia Summer Program combines intensive Russian study with an exploration of the region from historical, political, ideological, and cultural perspectives. During this 8-week summer program, students will be enrolled in two 4-credit courses: a Russian language course, in which students are placed according to their level of proficiency, and Post-Soviet Central Asia: Sovereignty, Community, and Cultural Self-Expression.
This program is hosted by the American University of Central Asia (AUCA) in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, a Bard College dual-degree partner since 2009.
Academic Structure and Requirements
Russian Language Course (4 credits)
- Beginner Russian: Multiculturalism in Central Asia
- Beginners to Intermediate: Transitional Russian
- On the Road to Proficiency: Russian from Intermediate to Advanced
Post-Soviet Central Asia: Sovereignty, Community, and Cultural Self-Expression (4 credits) meets four times a week. It is a requirement for all program participants.
In addition to daily language classes, the program includes:
- Russian Table lunches, which encourage vocabulary practice and conversation
- Guided homework sessions with peer tutors from AUCA who provide valuable one-on-one interaction, language exercises, and communication tips.
Homestay
Students reside with local Russian-speaking families in Bishkek, experiencing daily life in Kyrgyzstan while immersing themselves in a Russian language environment. Homestays include two meals a day during the week and three meals on weekends.
Cultural Program and Extracurricular Activities
Participants experience the culture, history, society, and natural beauty of Kyrgyzstan through weekly excursions and museum visits in and around Bishkek. They also go on trips to sights of interest outside of the city, including the stunning Lake Issyk-Kul and the Ala-Archa Nature Park.
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