Summer Language School
Academic Program
The AUCA-Bard Summer Langauge School (SLS) gives students the opportunity to begin study a new language or improve their proficiency in Russian, Kyrgyz, Dari, Uzbek, Tajik or Uighur, while studying abroad in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, one of Central Asia's most dynamic cities.
The eight-week SLS is an intensive language-learning experience, with 20 hours of class per week. Courses are offered at the beginning and intermediate level. Upon successful completion of the program, participants will earn six credits from Bard College.
Courses are taught at the American University of Central Asia by experienced faculty. Small class sizes encourage an individualized approach to language learning. The classroom experience focuses heavily on vocabulary acquisition, conversation, comprehension, and grammar.
Language instruction is accompanied by a cultural program that introduces students to a wide variety of Central Asian experiences through lectures, films and excursions.
Please check with your home institution prior to enrolling in the program in order to ensure that credits issued from Bard College for SLS will transfer.
The Immersion Experience
The AUCA-Bard Summer Language School strives to provide participants with a total immersion experience and an introduction to Central Asian culture through:
- Intensive language coursework
- Interaction with AUCA students working as peer tutors
- "Language Table" lunches three times per week with instructors and peer tutors
- A "History and Culture of Central Asia" weekly seminar by local and international scholars of the region (in English)
- A weekly Central Asian Movie Night, exploring cultural themes cinematically
- Excursions to cultural sites, museums and venues throughout Bishkek
- A choice of dormitory or home-stay accomodation (apartment rental available for graduate students)
Sample Daily Schedule
| 8:30 AM | Breakfast at the dorm; travel to AUCA |
| 9:30 AM - 12:00 PM | Morning classes |
| 12:00 - 1:00 PM | Language Table with AUCA peer tutors |
| 1:00 - 2:30 PM | Afternoon Classes |
| 3:00 - 4:00 PM | History of Central Asia Lecture (Wed only) |
| 4:00 PM | Return to dorm |
Cultural Program
Sample Event Schedule
| Week 1 | Cultural Bishkek City Walk | Tour of the National History Museum and the Museum of Fine Arts |
| Week 2 | Medieval Cities of the Chui Valley | Excursion to Krasnorechenskoe and Ak-Beshimskoe settlements, the remains of Suyab town, Tokmok city and the Burana tower |
| Week 3 | Jailoo | Excursion and hike at the summer pastures of Kyrgyz nomads |
| Week 4 | Lake Issyk-Kul | Overnight camping trip on the South shore of the lake |
Program Dates, Costs and Scholarships
Dates
The 8-week program is offered from mid-June through early-August. Actual program dates vary slightly from year to year.
Summer 2013 Dates
| June 6 | Departure from USA |
| June 8 | Arrival in Bishkek |
| June 9 | Program Orientation |
| June 10 | Beginning of SLS courses |
| August 2 | Last Day of SLS courses |
| August 4 | Departure from Bishkek |
| August 4 | Arrival in USA |
Costs
Fees vary from year to year, and are subject to change at the discretion of the program.
Summer 2013 Costs
| Tuition | $3,500 |
| Room | $500 |
| Visa Fees | $150 |
| Cultural Program | included |
| TOTAL Billable Cost | $4,150 |
Tuition includes program orientation, academic instruction, peer tutoring, international health insurance, extra-curricular activities, and our extensive cultural program. Tuition does not include airfare. A preferred flight for students wishing to be met at the airport may be announced.
Additional personal expenses will vary. Students’ main expenses include but are not limited to: meals, international telephone calls, cost of cellular phone calls (a cell phone is provided), transportation, entertainment, etc.
Scholarships
Bard College has limited scholarships available for students demonstrating financial need. Instructions for the financial aid application are available within the primary program application.
How to Apply
The 2013 SLS application deadline is April 15, 2013. The 2013 application is currently available online.
Apply now!
For more Information, please contact us at the Institute for International Liberal Education at Bard College.
