Summer in Eurasia 2011

American Councils' summer programs recently completed another successful summer session in Eurasia. Nineteen undergraduate and graduate students from across the U.S. spent eight weeks studying on the Eurasian Regional Language Program in Armenia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Russia and Tajikistan. Nine students received funding from the U.S. Department State (Title VIII program) and two received scholarships from the U.S. Department of Education (Fulbright-Hays program).

In recent years, Tajikistan has become American Councils' largest site for programs in Eurasia. In 2011, four different programs ran simultaneously in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, with a total of 33 students.

The summer 2011 programs began in June with a pre-departure orientation in Washington, D.C., where participants learned what to expect while abroad. The orientation addressed such topics as health and safety, Eurasian academic culture, host-family life, culture shock, and strategies to maximize language gain. Student also had a chance to meet and get to know their fellow participants. At the end of the orientation, one participants wrote, "Orientation meetings exceeded my expectations and touched on subjects that I had not yet thought of."

Upon arrival in their host countries, students also participated in a day-long in-country orientation. American Councils local staff provided specific information about obtaining cell phones, Internet options, ATMs, medical facilities, post offices, and major landmarks.

Classes began on June 13 and continued through August 5, 2011. The academic program consisted of 18 to 20 hours of intensive language instruction led by native faculty from leading local universities. Robert, a participant who studied Buryat in Ulan-Ude, Russia, exclaimed "this is one of the most amazing academic experiences I have ever had and I'd love to repeat it." Dena, who spent the summer in Almaty, Kazakhstan wrote, "Classes were intense as I got through material that usually takes a year. But I made a lot of progress in conversation, listening comprehension, reading and writing."

In addition to regular classes, program participants had the opportunity to meet with peer tutors twice a week for informal conversational practice. Students usually enjoy meeting their host-country peers and often develop long-lasting friendships. This year was no exception as Grace, a participant in Tajikistan commented, "[it was] always good practice speaking to a young person and of course also becoming friends."

While abroad, all participants lived with host families who provided additional contact with native speakers. Most of the students found living with host families to be a valuable experience and a large factor in improving their language abilities. "I would not have made nearly the same progress otherwise," one student remarked. Others echoed the positive comment, stating, "They were awesome, love them." "[My] family was great fun - very relaxed, very understanding, very kind."

American Councils organized cultural activities and educational trips to local historical and cultural sites for the program participants. Resident directors and office staff provided logistical support throughout the program and were available 24/7 in case of emergency.

As the summer comes to a close, American Councils is looking forward to the upcoming 2011-12 academic year as it continues to provide unique language opportunities and enriching experiences in overseas immersion settings.