Wednesday, October 14, 202611:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Bunche Hall, Rm 10383
The Center for European and Russian Studies is hosting an information session by representatives of the American Councils Study & Research Abroad (American Councils for International Education) on Wednesday, October 14, 2026 in Bunche 10383. Undergraduate and graduate students with an interest in a language intensive study abroad programs or the thematic programs for 2026 are invited to join us to learn about the programs and funding opportunities available. Learn about new programming in Entrepreneurship, Political Science, International Affairs, Security, and language in the Baltics, Caucasus, and Central Asia. Register here.
Culture, Area Studies, & Thematic Programs
Social Entrepreneurship - collaborative, project-based program in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
A groundbreaking program that focuses on the intersection of business and the needs of local communities. Participants collaborate with AUCA peers, study Social Entrepreneurship and Design Thinking, and prototype solutions in the AUCA Makerspace. Optional Russian or Kyrgyz, immersive host-family living, and field research provide a community‑centered experience that is not only a study abroad program, but a professional development opportunity for participants.
Türkiye Today - contemporary Türkiye: politics, society, and culture in Ankara
Turkiye Today is an eight-week, English-language academic and cultural immersion program that brings together classroom learning, hands-on experience, and personal discovery. Hosted by Ankara University’s TOMER Language Center, in collaboration with American Councils, the program blends academic study with real-world engagement to help students gain a nuanced understanding of Turkiye’s history, culture, and modern identity.
The Baltic States, NATO, and Russia - regional politics and security in Tallinn, Estonia
Participants study regional security and Eastern European society while advancing Russian in small groups. Students live with a local host family and take English‑taught area‑studies courses at Tallinn University. Weekly excursions and expert talks connect coursework to today’s geopolitics.
The Caucasus Today - regional politics, history, and culture in Yerevan, Armenia
In partnership with Yerevan State University (YSU) this program combines Russian language study with English‑taught courses on the social, religious, economic, and political forces shaping Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia. Participants live with host families, attend YSU‑taught classes, and take an extended trip to Tbilisi to broaden regional perspective - earning credit in international studies, politics, and history.
Language Intensives
Russian - language immersion in Armenia, Estonia, and Kazakhstan
Turkish - intensive Turkish language programming in Ankara, Türkiye
Persian - language immersion in Dushanbe, Tajikistan
Eurasian Languages – language immersion across Eurasia (Armenian, Georgian, Kazakh, Romanian, etc.)
Ukrainian - language immersion in Chisinau, Moldova
BCMS (Bosnian-Croatian-Montenegrin-Serbian) - language immersion in Sarajevo, Bosnia & Herzegovina
Scholarships and Funding
View a full list of American Councils' scholarship opportunities here.
About American Councils
For over 45 years, American Councils has been a leader in innovative overseas study programs. Its knowledgeable staff, reputable partners, and expert host-university faculty provide the ideal opportunity for maximum academic achievement.
About the Presenter
Max Shelton leads recruitment, outreach, and institutional partnership initiatives at American Councils Study & Research Abroad. Though now based in Washington, D.C., he has worked on American Councils programs in Armenia, Kazakhstan, Russia, and numerous other countries. He is particularly interested in promoting study abroad in nontraditional destinations and discussing how overseas study can serve as a catalyst for career readiness.
Sponsor(s): Center for European and Russian Studies