Bard-Â鶹´«Ã½ SUMMER PRACTICUM PROGRAM
Â鶹´«Ã½-Bard SummerÌýPracticum Program 2018
SummerÌýPracticum 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 Â鶹´«Ã½ (Â鶹´«Ã½).
The practicum will have three interlinked components:
- 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 Â鶹´«Ã½ Faculty from the Politics and Social Sciences Studies. The program will include some guest lectures held by the invited professors from other programs of Â鶹´«Ã½ and different organizations in the country.
- 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 Â鶹´«Ã½ campus. This component is facilitated by a designated Teaching Assistant /ÌýGroup Facilitator –affiliated with Â鶹´«Ã½ academic department.
- 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. ÌýOptional Russian, Kyrgyz, or other regional language study is available for an additional fee.
Accommodations
Students live in the Â鶹´«Ã½ dormitory with Kyrgyz and other international students or off campus with host families. ÌýBoth options allow students to discover and participate in the daily routines of peers and local residents.
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The 4-week program is offered fromÌý June 6 through July 7, 2018.Ìý
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-Â鶹´«Ã½ Summer Practicum Program application is dueÌýMarch 1st. The application is available online.
Please, be informed that Bard College is the only intermediatory in the USA that provides exchange program to the Â鶹´«Ã½. If you want to apply a for summer school in Â鶹´«Ã½, please, contact Bard Abroad Ìý