CLS Closing Ceremony 2023

August 7, 2023

On Tuesday, August 1st, the closing ceremony of the CLS (Critical Language Scholarship) summer program 2023 was held at the walls of the AUCA campus. The closing ceremony of the CLS program was a grand celebration of language, culture, and international friendships. During the program, students attended intensive Russian classes with teachers, participated in cultural activities with guest speakers, and spent time with language partners. The program aimed to provide them with a solid foundation in the language, enabling them to communicate effectively in various real-life situations.

The Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Program is a summer study abroad opportunity for American college and university students to learn languages essential to America’s engagement with the world. CLS Program Scholars cover one year of university-level study over the course of a summer, and develop essential intercultural fluency in regions that are critical to U.S. national security and economic prosperity.

This evening was filled with entertainment and joy, albeit some sadness, from saying goodbye to the students, and the program itself gave the event a touch of memorability. The ceremony started with a welcoming speech of Aselia Umetalieva, the Program Director of CLS. She thanked all the gathered students, program teachers, language partners, and also representatives of host families for the fruitful collaboration throughout these two months and wished future success to program participants. Invited respective guest, Olivia Stevens, the American Council Country Director in Kyrgyzstan, shared parting words. She noted that the CLS Program has partnered with AUCA for five years, and during this time, the program developed rapidly due to the help of all those who came for this event.

After the greetings part, students prepared a bunch of entirely different performances. They showcased newfound linguistic abilities through captivating performances in both Russian and Kyrgyz languages. The performances were diverse and showcased various aspects of Russian and Kyrgyz culture. Some students recited famous Russian poems or performed traditional Kyrgyz dances, while others sang popular songs from both cultures. The audience was captivated by these displays of talent and linguistic prowess.

The CLS closing ceremony ended with a certificate awarded to language partners and a heartwarming speech of teachers who led students during these two months. After the official part of the event, all participants shared happiness at the buffet table with a special cake in honor of the end of the CLS program 2023.

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