Reed College
Reed College

International Programs Office

American University of Central Asia (AUCA-Bard)

Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan

The Bard-AUCA study abroad program offers intellectually adventurous students a unique opportunity to study side by side, in English or Russian, with peers from 25 different countries at the region’s most prestigious university. 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.

LIBERAL ARTS TRACK
The Liberal Arts Track offers classes in a wide range of subjects including anthropology, sociology, economics, international comparative politics, and environmental studies in Central Asia. Visiting students can try out new topics or continue their primary course of study in small, seminar-style classes with a student-to-faculty ratio of 10:1. 
RUSSIAN LANGUAGE TRACK
The Russian Language Track is open to students with at least two years of college-level Russian. Students will use Russian in and out of the classroom, in home-stays, with student peers, and in daily life. With a rich history and culture of its own, a shared-Soviet experience and common customs and cultural traditions which transcend borders, Kyrgyzstan is a fascinating place to study Russian outside of the European context and experience post-Soviet society. 

Program Information

Terms Available: year, semester

Type of Program: Study Abroad

Languages of Instruction: English, Russian

Language Prerequisite: Courses at the Liberal Arts Track are taught in English. The Russian Language Track is open to students with at least two years of college-level Russian.

Application

Application Deadline: Summer: March 15; Fall/Academic Year: April 1; Spring Semester: November 1
Program Application
Program website

Housing: Residence Dorm, Host Family
Students may choose from two housing options: Host family: Homestays foster language acquisition and provide a support network outside of AUCA. Our host families know that language acquisition is important to students and are often ready to spend time talking with them, answering their questions, and sometimes even helping with homework. Students have a private room, with access to a washing machine, and are provided two meals a day. The host family also provides clean linens. Families chosen to host Bard Abroad students are interviewed at home by members of the AUCA on-site staff. Residence hall: Located in the 6th Microdistrict, a residential area of Bishkek, the residence hall is close to movie theaters, bowling, shopping, and the new AUCA campus. Bard Abroad students have access to Wi-Fi, laundry, study area, a common space, kitchen, and large courtyard. The rooms are doubles with linens, blankets and one towel provided. Students can prepare their own meals in the kitchen area or purchase meals at local eateries. There is a bazaar with shops in front of the dorm where students can buy food. There are also two restaurants in the bazaar and several nearby cafes that offer regional and Turkish food.

Financial, Immigration

Cost to attend:

Housing fees vary because the Host Family option includes some meals, so is more expensive at $2,900 a semester as opposed to the dorm at $850 a semester. To learn more about the costs of the program, look at it's website under the "Applying" section, down the page in the "Program Dates and Costs" area. Updated March 2024.

Visa Deadlines and Requirements:

At the time of application, students must have a valid passport, be in the process of obtaining a new passport, or be in the process of renewing a current passport. According to US immigration regulations, passports must be valid for a minimum of six months after the program end date.