Specialization Courses
In the first semester, program participants will audit one subject-area course or seminar alongside Central Asian university students. Program staff will help participants identify a course in the area of current or potential professional interest to them.
Internships
In the second semester, all participants will undertake professional internships reflecting their chosen field of interest at cooperating local or international organizations. American Councils staff will make site visits to internship locations to evaluate the appropriateness of the internship, provide support for the student, and to help build relationships for future participants, where appropriate.
Cultural Program
Central Asia is an intensely beautiful and extremely diverse region with high mountains, boundless steppes and dusty deserts. Exploring Central Asia is by far the best way to experience it and gain a unique insight into its languages, culture and history. With this in mind, we have made frequent excursions and cultural events an essential part of this program.
Excursions and Events
Short and long excursions to various locations around the Central Asian countryside are offered as a part of the Flagship Program. Potential trips could be to scenic locations, historical sites, sporting events, wedding, or other celebrations. These excursions and events serve as learning activities and provide a fascinating opportunity to learn about Central Asian history and culture, while also complementing the curriculum and contributing to steady linguistic progress.
The Homestay Program
American Councils' host-family program began in 1993 and has become a very popular feature of the exchange experience, as it contributes to language acquisition and a deeper understanding of Central Asian culture. The home stay offers a satisfying cultural experience and complements the academic portion of the program in a positive way.
All families are chosen through a careful selection process and monitored throughout the program by the local homestay coordinator. Placements are made with consideration for student preferences and special requirements. In addition, best efforts are made to match students with families who share their interests. Each location is checked for security, relative proximity to the university and transportation routes, fire safety, and overall living conditions.
Funding
Full fellowships are available to qualified applicants from The Language Flagship. For an application and more information please visit the Institute for International Education's website.
Partial overseas funding may also be available through American Councils from the U.S. Department of State (Title VIII) and the U.S. Department of Education (Fulbright-Hays). For more information about these fellowship opportunities, please contact American Councils at:
flagship@americancouncils.org.
Other Sources of Financial Aid
Some of the best sources of funding for American Councils programs can be found at a potential applicant’s home institution. Universities, colleges, and state and federal governments make funding for study abroad available to students through college or university financial aid or international programs offices. Applicants should consult with the financial aid counselors in these offices well in advance of the time they wish to participate in the program. It is the responsibility of the applicant to understand the requirements and deadlines of their home institution regarding all financial aid funds. Since institutions differ in this respect, only the financial aid office can tell an applicant what types of aid they permit to use for the program, and what an individual must do to transfer their aid.
Contact Information
American Councils for International Education is the coordinating organization for the Central Asian Turkic Languages Flagship Program.
http://flagship.americancouncils.org/splash.php