The programs are hosted by the American University of Central Asia (AUCA), Bard’s dual-degree partner since 2009, and offer students a rigorous academic experience alongside deep linguistic and cultural immersion in Central Asia. Program descriptions and application details are included below.
RUSSIAN IN CENTRAL ASIA SUMMER PROGRAM 2026
Program Dates: June 5 - August 1, 2026.
Application Deadline: March 15, 2026.
For more information and to apply visit the website.
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.
Homestays
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.
FALL 2026 BARD-AUCA STUDY ABROAD PROGRAM
Program Dates: August 17 - December 22, 2026
Application Deadline: April 1, 2026.
For more information and to apply visit the website.
The Bard-AUCA study abroad program provides students a chance to engage deeply with the languages, cultures, and politics of Central Asia while living and studying in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. With coursework in fields such as Anthropology, Central Asian Studies, Political Science, and regional languages, the program is especially fitting for students interested in the post-Soviet space. Russian language development is supported across all levels, and students can choose one of three academic tracks based on their academic goals and language proficiency:
Beginning Russian Language Track
Intermediate/Advanced Russian Language Track*
Liberal Arts Track
*Students with at least one year of college level Russian can apply for the Intermediate and Advanced Russian Language Track.
Key aspects of the program include:
One-week Russian Intensive
Russian Language Courses
Russian-speaking Home-Stays
Enrollment in 2-5 academic courses
Additional program highlights:
Cultural program
Support from peer tutors
Student clubs, extracurricular activities, and civic engagement projects
Volunteering and internship opportunities
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