The International Affairs Office (IAO) welcomes you to the American University of Central Asia! We are glad to have you with us, and we look forward to working with you to make your time at AUCA valuable and enjoyable.

The IAO staff has extensive experience assisting international students with housing, visa and registration issues, and by supporting orientation, recreational events, excursions and cultural exchange programs.

The IAO also houses the International Students Coordinator, who is here to help international students successfully adjust to a new cultural and educational environment by

• Assisting with apartment and roommate searches
• Providing registration assistance
• Helping to resolve non-academic problems, such as apartment rental issues.

The International Students Coordinator, in conjunction with the Student Affairs Coordinator, also organizes the World Club and cultural and social events, including Diversity Week and city orientation tours.

Below, you will find important information regarding your arrival in Bishkek, renting an apartment, and additional services.

Arrival & Check-in
International Student Orientation
Renting an Apartment
University Medical Office
Bishkek References

Arrival & Check-in

We look forward to your arrival in Bishkek! Within 2 days of your arrival, please bring your passport to the International Affairs Office (IA)). During check-in, IAO staff will verify your visa and registration status, help you fill out the necessary forms, give you additional information about IAO’s services, and answer your questions.

If you have any questions about your arrival please e-mail: international@mail.auca.kg

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International Student Orientation

At AUCA’s Orientation Week in August, you will receive a Student Handbook which includes a section for international students on housing, visas and registration. During orientation week, IAO also invites international students to a one-day orientation session where the International Students Coordinator and the Visa Support Coordinator are introduced and IAO services are explained. After the session, international students will enjoy a tour of Bishkek.

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Renting an Apartment

Below are some tips for finding and renting an apartment in Bishkek.

1. First, visit the International Students Coordinator who can provide a list of available apartments to begin your search and help you contact potential roommates. Please note that the International Students Coordinator assists with apartment searches but cannot participate in negotiations between you and the landlord.
2. When you check in at the IAO office on arrival, you will receive a sample lease covering the main conditions for renting an apartment in Bishkek. Before signing any lease, read it carefully and make sure you understand your responsibilities and obligations, as well as those of the landlord.
3. Before signing the lease, determine with the landlord who will pay for utilities, including water, gas, electricity, and local phone. You can pay your international phone bills at any Kyrgyz Telecom office.
4. If any damages occur in the apartment due to your actions or neglect, you will be required to pay for or perform the required repairs or renovations. Use furniture and other facilities in the apartment with care, and always be sure to turn off water faucets so that you do not flood downstairs neighbors.
5. Respect your roommates:
   
   • Do not play music loudly; use headphones.
   • Use only your personal clothes and accessories.
   • Keep the noise down at all times and do not hold parties after 10 p.m.
6. If you decide you must change apartments, you first must inform the International Students Coordinator, who will assist you in canceling the current lease and signing a new one. Remember, you will have to stay in the current apartment until the end of the paid period. Whenever you change apartments, you must first inform the International Students Coordinator.

For more information about renting an apartment or other issues, please contact the International Students Coordinator:
Larisa Kalyuzhina
International Students Coordinator
(996 312) 661-091, ext. 285
kalyuzhina_l@mail.auca.kg

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University Medical Office

The University doctor can provide treatment for minor health problems, such as headaches, colds, stomach ailments, diarrhea, cuts and bruises and assist in arranging consultations with medical specialists.

University Medical Office
American University of Central Asia
Room 219, Main Building
0312-661-113, ext. 217
Hours: 8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and 12:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.

Emergency: Call 103 or Rescue Service at 161 (You may be required to pay for services.)

For a full medical examination, make an appointment at one of the following clinics:

Diagnosis Center
27 Kievskaya Street (at the intersection with Shopokova Street)
0312-298-702

Student Clinic
8 Ryskulova Street (at the intersection with Manas Avenue)
0312-217-205 (registration office)

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Bishkek References

Telephone Information: 109, 160, 654-321
Taxi Services: 152,156, 166, 182, 188
Emergency: Call 103 or Rescue Service at 161
Maps: http://mappery.com/fullsize-name/Bishkek-City-Map or http://www.vircity.kg/system/pages/map/php/vircity2.0/vircity2004v2.0.html?id=373141079 

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