Admissions Questions:

Q: Am I eligible for the program if I am not currently enrolled at a university?

A: Yes, you are eligible for the program.

Q: What is the selection process?

A: Admission to American Councils programs is determined by American Councils staff and independent selection committees comprised of at least two professors with particular expertise in the teaching of Eurasian languages. Program selection has grown increasingly competitive in recent years due to rising application numbers. Acceptance is based upon the following factors (listed in no particular order): academic standing, letters of reference, language proficiency, and a demonstrated maturity and cultural sensitivity necessary to succeed in study abroad.

Q: Who should I ask to write my letters of reference?

A: At least one of your letter writers should be able to evaluate your language skills. Of course, if other referees can also speak to your skills in the target language, this will only help your application. All reference-writers should be able to speak to your overall maturity, cultural sensitivity, and ability to adapt to sometimes demanding conditions. If you have studied abroad in previously, your former resident director or group leader should be among your referees.

Q: I've already been to my host country before, why do I need to go to pre-departure orientation?

A: ALL STUDENTS MUST ATTEND THE PRE-DEPARTURE ORIENTATION. Orientation sessions address health and safety, academic culture abroad, host-family life, culture shock, strategies to maximize language gain, and first-day survival phrases. This is a mandatory part of the program.

Q: How do I apply for a visa?

A: Upon acceptance into the program, you will receive more information on the visa process. Kyrgyzstan has strict rules for international visitors. The fee for the visa application fee is covered in the tuition costs – American Councils will arrange visas for all participants that need them.

Pricing Questions:

Q: How much does this program cost?

A: Please see our Fees and Dates section at http://www.aceurasiaabroad.org/node/31

Q: Does tuition cover the cost of my flight to D.C. for pre-departure orientation?

A: No, you must make your own flight arrangements to Washington, D.C. and you must cover this cost.

Q: Does tuition cover the cost of my flight to the host country?

A: No, that is a separate fee.

Q: Can I transfer my student loans to pay for program costs?

A: Yes. Please contact the Washington D.C. - American Councils Outbound office to discuss the specifics of your loan arrangements. Telephone: (202) 833-7522; Email: outbound@americancouncils.org.

Program Questions:

Q: Can I conduct research while I'm on the Eurasian Regional Language Program?

A: Yes, you can conduct some research while you are studying on this program. You must attend the required courses, however. Your research can not interfere with your coursework.

Q: Can I study more than one language on the Eurasian Regional Language Program?

A: During the fall and spring semesters you can, but during the summer semester you can not. In Osh, Kyrgyz and Uzbek are the predominant languages spoken by each ethnicity; however, Osh maintains a sizeable Russian population and Russian is still the lingua franca throughout most of former-Soviet Central Asia.

Q: Will I have access to a Resident Director while I'm studying in Osh?

A: Students are assisted by the staff in our regional office and its director is available in case of an emergency. Students are also able to ask questions or advice to the American Councils Country Director in Bishkek via email or telephone.