Bard College Russian in Central Asia Summer Program

Program Dates: June 6 to August 3, 2024.

Application Deadline: April 15, 2024.

For more information and to apply visit the website.

Program Overview 

The Summer Program combines intensive Russian study with an academic course to contextualize Central Asia’s historical, cultural, and contemporary ties to Russia and the former Soviet Union. This 8-week program consists of two 4-credit courses: Post-Soviet Central Asia: Sovereignty, Community, and Cultural Self-Expression and Russian Language Course.

Academic Program 

Track 1

● Beginners to Intermediate: Transitional Russian Language Course

Track 2

● On the Road to Proficiency: Russian from Intermediate to Advanced

In addition to daily Russian Language classes, both programs include:

● Post-Soviet Central Asia: Sovereignty, Community, and Cultural Self-Expression Course (4 credits)

● Russian Table lunches, which encourage casual conversation in Russian

● Guided homework sessions with peer tutors.

Cultural Program and Extracurricular Activities

Participants experience the culture, history, society, and natural beauty of Kyrgyzstan through weekly excursions in Bishkek, and trips to sights of interest in Kyrgyzstan including the stunning Lake Issyk-Kul and Ala-Archa Nature Park.

Homestays

Participants live 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.