Turn your ideas into impact—where the Silk Road meets the startup world. 

In the heart of Bishkek, a vibrant city surrounded by snow-capped mountains and buzzing with creativity, you’ll learn how innovation and empathy can change lives. This immersive, project-based program gives you the chance to work side by side with Central Asian peers to design, prototype, and launch solutions to real community challenges. 

From exploring Bishkek’s open-air bazaars to collaborating in AUCA’s cutting-edge Makerspace, you’ll experience firsthand how social entrepreneurship fuels change in one of the world’s most dynamic and rapidly evolving regions.

About The Program

Hosted by the American University of Central Asia (AUCA), a hub for innovation and civic leadership, this program empowers students to create products and ideas that make a difference. You’ll take courses in Social Entrepreneurship and Design Thinking, then apply what you learn through hands-on collaboration with local students and community organizations. 

Together, your team will identify a real-world challenge, develop a creative concept, and build a working prototype. You’ll refine your design, craft a sustainability and marketing plan, and pitch your project to a panel of local experts and potential investors. 

The program combines academic rigor with real impact, offering credit in fields such as business, economics, sociology, entrepreneurship, and urban development. It’s an opportunity to build the professional skills employers value most - leadership, creativity, problem-solving, teamwork, and adaptability - while contributing to something bigger than yourself. 

Optional Russian or Kyrgyz language study is also provided as part of the program.

Why You’ll Love It 

• 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. 

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. 

Academic Courses

Students complete three semester courses during the program:

Social Entrepreneurship
(6 semester 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.

Design Thinking
(6 semester 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.

Central Asia Today
(4 semester 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, religions, and economics of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. 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 Soviet Union, the impact of collectivization, Stalinism, and the rise of the independent republics. Particular attention is paid to the Republic of Kyrgyzstan, where the program is based. The course includes guided travel to an adjacent Central Asian Republic for an extended weekend.

The 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 of Makerspaces, click here.

To see more of the AUCA Makerspace, click here.

Cultural Activities and Outings

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.

University Partners

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.

Housing

Participants live with specially selected host families, who provide two meals per day, seven days a week. Participants reside in fully furnished, private rooms. In addition to invaluable logistical support, host families offer unique insight into daily life in Kyrgyzstan; life in a warm, supportive environment; regular advice and assistance; and wide-ranging discussions of cultural nuances as participants adapt. At least one member of the host family speaks fluent English.

The American University of Central Asia

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. Learn more about AUCA here.

Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan

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 location for students who crave global perspectives and authentic experiences far from the typical study-abroad destination.

On-Site Support and Preparation

The American Councils Resident Director (RD) provides ongoing support and 24-hour emergency aid to students as they adjust to life and study overseas. All American Councils RD’s undergo extensive training on such topics as mental health, sexual assault/harassment prevention and response, emergency procedures and protocols, public health policies and protocols, university relations, and communications. The RD reports directly to the program manager and maintains daily contact with the Washington, DC office via email and phone. The RD carries a cell phone and can be contacted 24-hours per day, as can all American Councils program staff in Washington, DC. All participants are enrolled in comprehensive overseas accident and illness insurance as part of their program fee; insurance includes the cost of medical treatment abroad, as well as medical emergency and security evacuation.

Upon admission to the program, students receive a detailed program handbook with extensive information on courses and academic credit, program policies and requirements, onsite support, health and safety, and daily life in their host country. Students also undergo an extensive, multi-day program orientation upon arrival in-country at the program’s start. Orientation sessions address the academic program, classroom expectations and culture, program policies, health and safety, group dynamics, and life with a host family. Workshops and seminars also explore mental health challenges, culture shock, counseling resources available to students, policies to prevent and respond to sexual assault and harassment, and emergency procedures.

Financial Aid

American Councils has several scholarships available for students applying to the Social Entrepreneurship program. Applicants can apply for financial aid in the program application. Learn more about financial aid available on this program.

Program Snapshot

Location

American University of Central Asia (AUCA)

Bishkek, Krygyzstan

Language of Instruction

English

Kyrgyz and Russian courses available upon request

Program Dates

Fall 2026
Dates forthcoming

Spring 2027
Dates forthcoming

Program Cost

Fall: $16,400

Spring: $16,400

Applications Deadlines:

Fall and Academic Year: March 15

Spring: October 15

Program Eligibility

• Minimum GPA of 2.7

• Applicants must be at least 18 years old by the application deadline