Bard-AUCA SUMMER PRACTICUM PROGRAM

AUCA-Bard Summer Practicum Program 2018

Summer Practicum Program

Development and Social Change: Contemporary Issues in Central Asia

The four-week summer practicum program in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, offers intellectually adventurous students the opportunity to explore a fascinating country at the crossroads of powerful historical, political, economic, and cultural forces. The program combines unique practicum experiences with an overarching seminar-style course and cultural excursions. Bard College is pleased to offer this opportunity in partnership with the American University of Central Asia (AUCA).

The practicum will have three interlinked components:

1. Interdisciplinary coursework with readings that provide a theoretical and methodological foundation for the participants to delve into the connections between theory and the work of development NGOs and policy organizations in Kyrgyzstan's dynamic multi-ethnic society. This coursework will be delivered in a classroom lecture format by a designated AUCA Faculty from the Politics and Social Sciences Studies. The program will include some guest lectures held by the invited professors from other programs of AUCA and different organizations in the country.

2. Visits with development organizations whereby students gain first-hand exposure to key development stakeholders - local as well as international - in the region. These visits will be followed by critical reflection and group-work back at the AUCA campus. This component is facilitated by a designated Teaching Assistant / Group Facilitator –affiliated with AUCA academic department.

3. Cultural programs representing both Kyrgyzstan’s rich traditions as well as the vibrant contemporary art and civic life in Bishkek. The Office of International Students will organize these cultural activities.

Excursions and activities may include:

• A trip to lake Issyk-Kul, a spectacular alpine lake in the Tian Shan mountain range, where students can see petroglyphs from the Turkik era and go swimming
• A visit with nomadic sheephearders in a yurt village
• Travel to a nearby city in Kyrgyzstan
• A camping trip by horseback, with an overnight stay in yurts
• Expeditions to sites of traditional falconry, folklore, and horse games

Language Study

Students who have not studied Russian will be offered a survival Russian course at the beginning of the program.  Optional Russian, Kyrgyz, or other regional language study is available for an additional fee.

Accommodations

Students live in the AUCA dormitory with Kyrgyz and other international students or off campus with host families.  Both options allow students to discover and participate in the daily routines of peers and local residents.

Dates 

The 4-week program is offered from  June 6 through July 7, 2018. 

Estimated Costs

Fees vary from year to year and are subject to change at the discretion of the program.

Scholarships

Bard College has limited scholarships available for students demonstrating financial need. Instructions for the financial aid application are available within the primary program application.

How to Apply

The Bard-AUCA Summer Practicum Program application is due March 1st. The application is available online.

Apply now!

Please, be informed that Bard College is the only intermediatory in the USA that provides exchange program to the American University of Central Asia. If you want to apply a for summer school in AUCA, please, contact Bard Abroad here.