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Bard Abroad in Bishkek (Outgoing Program)

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  • Locations: Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
  • Program Terms: Academic Year, Fall, Spring
  • Homepage: Click to visit
  • Restrictions: Pomona applicants only
  • Dates / Deadlines
Fact Sheet:
Fact Sheet:
Language of instruction: English, Russian Housing options: Homestay, Residence Hall
Areas of study: Anthropology, Arabic, Archaeology, Chinese, Computer Science, Development Studies, Economics, Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, European Studies, Film, French, Geology, German, History, Human Rights, International Relations, Internships, Japanese, Kyrgyz, Literature, Mathematics, Media Studies, Peace & Conflict Studies, Politics, Psychology, Russian, Sociology, Spanish, Tajik, Turkish, Urban Design, Urban Studies, Uzbek Class standing: 1 - Second Semester Sophomore, 2 - Junior, 3 - First Semester Senior
Program type: Direct enrollment Language level: Russian 2 or the equivalent
GPA: 3.0
Program Description:
The Bard Abroad in Bishkek at the American University of Central Asia (AUCA) program offers 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 enroll directly in university courses at AUCA. 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.
 
Language Studies
Russian, Kyrgyz, Uzbek, and Tajik, all identified as strategically important languages by the U.S. State Department, are the most commonly spoken languages in Central Asia. While Kyrgyz and Russian are the official languages of Kyrgyzstan, the country is host to substantial Uzbek and Tajik populations. Students of Russian will find the language widely spoken both at the university and throughout the city, providing ample opportunity for linguistic immersion. AUCA also offers courses in Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Japanese, Spanish, and Turkish.
 
Cultural Program
Bard Abroad in Bishkek includes a cultural program designed to complement participants’ coursework. Excursions both inside and outside the city expose students to a wide variety of Central Asian experiences.
 
Internship Opportunities
With over 100 NGOs operating in Bishkek, there are many opportunities for students to volunteer or intern with an organization working in an area related to their field of study or other interests. Many students choose to take advantage of these opportunities to gain practical skills, engage with civic life, and develop insight into Kyrgyzstan’s social, economic, political, and cultural institutions. 

Academic Program
Students take courses taught at AUCA alongside local and international peers.

Students enroll in 12-16 U.S. semester credits to equal 3-4 Pomona credits, including a Russian language course and at least one elective course with significant content related to the host country or region (e.g. history, culture, literature, etc.).

Russian Language Track option
Students enroll in a two-week intensive Russian course at the start of the program.
Students take between 9-11 U.S. semester credits of Russian language.
Students may choose English- or Russian-taught elective courses for their remaining elective credits.

Host Institutions
Bard Abroad
American University of Central Asia

Faculty Liaison
Larissa Rudova

Travel Advisories
U.S. Department of State 
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Dates / Deadlines:
Dates / Deadlines:
Term Year App Deadline (Pacific Time) Decision Date Start Date End Date
Spring 2025 09/08/2024 10/04/2024 TBA TBA