Turn your most creative ideas into action while making a lasting contribution to local communities in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, a bustling city on the modern Silk Road. In this dynamic, project-based program, you’ll learn about local community interests and aspirations, and work with Central Asian peers to design impactful new products that address real-world challenges. Along the way, you’ll build valuable skills in business planning, product design, cross-cultural understanding, and leadership while developing lasting connections to your host community
Hosted by the American University of Central Asia (ACUA), this extraordinary program empowers students to design, create, and launch products that make meaningful contributions to the growth of local communities in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. While studying the concepts of Social Entrepreneurship and Design Thinking, participants work with local students in small teams to learn about daily life in Bishkek and to design new products that address specific community needs. Working in the AUCA Makerspace, students then create and refine actual prototypes of the product they’ve conceived, develop a sustainability plan for production and marketing, and create a business pitch to be delivered before local experts and potential investors.
This program is ideal for students interested in such fields as business, community and urban development, economics, sociology, and entrepreneurship. In addition to rigorous semester academic coursework in Central Asian Studies, Design Thinking, and Social Entrepreneurship, it provides precisely the hands-on, professional experience most in demand by today’s employers, including problem-solving, leadership, communication, teamwork, and adaptability.
A major emphasis of the program is community engagement: students must be prepared to actively participate in dialogue with local people to learn about their lives and challenges; to consider productive, sustainable strategies that strengthen their host community; and to think empathetically about people whose beliefs and perspectives reflect a history and culture unlike their own.
Optional Russian or Kyrgyz language study is also provided as part of the program.
This is not just a study abroad program. It is a launchpad for changemakers! You will leave Bishkek with new friends, real-world project experience, and a global perspective on what it means to create positive, lasting change.
Work with local innovators to solve authentic community challenges.
Gain hands-on experience in design, business, and social impact.
Learn in a multicultural, entrepreneurial environment at AUCA.
Explore Central Asia’s rich history and modern transformation.
Optional Russian or Kyrgyz language study adds depth to your experience.
A bustling city of 1.1 million people, Bishkek blends the ancient cultures of the Silk Road with modern-day adventure and affordability, making it an ideal destination for university students looking to experience a place beyond the ordinary. Nestled at the foot of the snow-capped Tien Shan Mountains, the city’s architecture reflects a fascinating history of Soviet rule and a new, post-independence drive to express the nation’s unique identity. Its busy markets, bazars, and cafes are matched by a vibrant music scene and lively nightlife. The cost of living is low and the people are warm, making Bishkek an ideal locations for students who crave global perspectives and authentic experiences far from the typical study-abroad destination.
Students complete three semester courses during the program:
(6 credits) The course introduces students to both theory and practice of social entrepreneurship in an experimental and collaborative class environment. Students explore the principle concepts of social entrepreneurship, the mindset of social entrepreneurs, and practical applications of key concepts through real market examples. As part of the course, students learn to develop a business venture designed to address social, cultural, or environmental problems. As students develop their idea and build an actual business model during the course, they gain unique, hands-on skills and experience in the design and evaluation of community-focused business ventures.
(6 credits) A hands-on, project-based course, Design Thinking helps students define and break-down complex problems, generate creative ideas, develop prototypes, and test solutions. Participants work with local students in small teams to research community challenges and develop products that help address those needs. Key learning outcomes include the development of an innovative mindset that prioritizes growth rather than fixed thinking; proficiency in a broad range of design thinking tools and techniques developed through practical application; strong teamwork and communication skills; and the ability to confidently pitch ideas, solutions, and startup ventures to relevant stakeholders and audiences. A significant portion of class time is dedicated to field research and prototype development in the AUCA Makerspace.
(4 credits) This course is designed to help U.S. participants gain a detailed understanding of the Kyrgyz Republic and Central Asia more broadly, paying particular attention to the politics, religious faiths, and economics of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan. Students gain new insights into the governments, daily living conditions, religious make-up, ethnic composition, and major economic challenges of each of the five Central Asian republics. They also gain a nuanced understanding of the major political/economic issues faced by the people of each republic, their history, and their long-term prospects. Historical topics includes the rise and fall of the U.S.S.R., the impact of collectivization, Stalinism, and the rise of the independent republics. Particular attention is paid the Republic of Kyrgyzstan, where the program is based. The course includes guided travel to an adjacent Central Asian Republic for an extended weekend.
Each program participant is paired with an AUCA student who provides help with logistics and cultural adaptation. Participants also work with a small team of local AUCA students to research and develop their projects. University partners are closely vetted, fluent speakers of English with a strong interest in cultural exchange and education.
One of the region’s leading institutions of higher education, AUCA was founded in 1993. The university’s curriculum is delivered in English and English is widely spoken everywhere on campus. AUCA currently enrolls 1,200 undergraduates from throughout Central Asia and offers degrees in thirteen fields, including Anthropology, Business Administration, Economics, International and Comparative Politics, Journalism and Mass Communication, Psychology, and Software Engineering. You can see more of AUCA here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SCXCDyA1SE
AUCA MAKERSPACE
Launched in June 2024, the AUCA Makespace offers students, faculty, entrepreneurs, and local community members a creative environment in which to design, experiment, and invent in the spirit of innovation, entrepreneurship, and practical, hands-on learning. More than just a workshop, it serves as a learning environment where individuals can acquire practical skills, transform ideas into prototypes, and work together on interdisciplinary projects. It supports both curricular and extracurricular activities, enabling students to apply theoretical knowledge in practice, develop entrepreneurial initiatives, and explore solutions to real-world challenges.
In addition to creative spaces for collaborative work, the Makerspace contains 3D printers, laser cutters, CNC cutters, robotics kits, sewing equipment for textile projects, and a computer lab for design and digital work. It is part of a network of more than 2,000 Makerspaces now operating worldwide. To learn more about Makerspaces and to see a global directory or Makerspaces, click here: https://makerspace.com/
To see more of the AUCA Makerspace, click here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q8wEouJ-bgU
Participants live with specially selected and vetted host families, who provide breakfast and dinner seven days per week. Participants reside in fully furnished, private rooms. In addition to invaluable logistical support, host families offer unique insight into daily life in Bishkek and provide in a warm, supportive environment for participants. At least one member of the host family speaks fluent English.
Approximately one day per week of the program is dedicated to cultural activities and excursions in and around Bishkek designed to broaden students’ understanding of Kyrgyzstan and Central Asia. Destinations typically include local bazaars, schools, start-up businesses, and universities, as well as Atal Too Square, Ala Too Theater, the State History Museum, and Burana Tower. Students travel to Almaty, Kazakhstan for an extended weekend as part of the course Central Asia Today.
Multiple sources of funding are available to support participants in paying for programs abroad. Participants are encouraged to apply for private scholarships, federal aid and grants, college/university scholarships, and American Councils fellowships and scholarships.
Semester participants attend a two-day pre-departure orientation in Washington, D.C. before the start of their programs. Orientation sessions cover health and safety, academic culture, host-family life, cultural adjustment, onsite support, and strategies for maximizing language learning. Lodging and meals are provided.
While abroad, participants have access to full-time in-country staff who offer academic, administrative, and personal support, as well as 24/7 emergency assistance. The AC Study Abroad team in Washington, D.C. stays in close contact with students, host institutions, and families throughout the program.
All participants are covered by Cultural Insurance Services International (CISI) for the duration of the program. CISI provides up to $250,000 in medical coverage per accident or illness and full emergency medical evacuation coverage.
American Councils provides visa support for participants for the duration of the program in the host country, if applicable. Students are responsible for obtaining any additional visas required by their travel plans. Visa instructions and forms are provided after acceptance.
