Fall 2026 Taiwan Intensive Semester Language Program (TISLP) application deadline extended to May 30
American Councils is excited to offer an innovative overseas Ukrainian immersion program in Chisinau, Moldova as part of the Eurasian Regional Language Program (ERLP).
Through intensive language instruction, homestays with Ukrainian families, cultural activities, internships and volunteer work, and regular meetings with conversation partners, ERLP participants enjoy the unparalleled opportunity to immerse themselves fully in a Ukrainian-language environment while residing in Moldova’s capital. Expert, native speakers of Ukrainian conduct intensive language classes in small groups or tutorials for participating students at the American Councils Language Center in downtown Chisinau. Courses are designed to engage students at all proficiency levels, ranging from beginners to advanced and heritage speakers. In addition to intensive instruction in Ukrainian language and culture, the program provides students with a rich understanding Moldovan history and mentality.
Chisinau, the capital and largest city of Moldova sits at the heart of Eastern Europe, surrounded by rolling hills and lush, green spaces. Its central position makes it a center for culture, commerce, and travel, offering easy access to Moldova’s renowned vineyards, historic monasteries, and beautiful countryside. Whether you’re exploring the city’s parks or venturing out to nearby villages, Chisinau provides a wonderful blend of urban energy and natural tranquility.
Already home to a large Ukrainian population before Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Moldova has allowed more than two million refugees to enter the country since the war began; of these, more than 140,000 Ukrainians have remained in the country. As a result, Ukrainians today are the country’s largest ethnic minority, comprising approximately 6.6 percent of the total population. Ukrainian is widely spoken throughout Chisinau, along with Moldovan, Romanian, and Russian. Program features and ongoing support from local staff help to ensure students are able to maximize the learning benefits of this rich and complex linguistic-cultural environment.
The ERLP academic program is designed to improve students' oral, listening, and reading proficiency in Ukrainian. Course work typically includes classes in grammar, conversation, reading, and writing. Language courses also cover topics in literature, history, politics, culture, mass media, and area studies.
Language classes are conducted in either small groups of two to five students or in tutorials. Students receive approximately 15 hours per week of in-class contact hours. All classes are conducted by multilingual expert faculty who have extensive experience teaching foreign students in Ukrainian.
Programming in multiple languages or dialects (example: Ukrainian + Russian; Ukrainian + Moldovan/Romanian) may be available upon request for semester and academic year participants.
Participants receive academic credit through Bryn Mawr College, an institutional partner of American Councils.
EURA 320 | Advanced Conversation: Ukranian | 1 Unit/4 Credits
EURA 330 | Advanced Grammar: Ukranian | 1 Unit/4 Credits
EURA 350 | Advanced Conversation: Ukrainian | 1.5 Unit/6 Credits
EURA 360 | Advanced Grammar: Ukrainian | 1.5 Unit/6 Credits
EURA 314 | Readings in Eurasian History and Culture | 1 Unit/4 Credits
EURA 352 | Advanced Conversation: Ukrainian | 1.5 Unit/6 Credits
EURA 362 | Advanced Grammar: Ukrainian| 1.5 Unit/6 Credits
EURA 315 | Readings in Eurasian History and Culture | 1 Unit/4 Credits
EURA 515 | Advanced Conversation: Ukrainian | 1 Unit/5 Credits
EURA 525 | Advanced Grammar: Ukrainian | 1 Unit/5 Credits
EURA 550 | Advanced Conversation: Ukrainian | 1 Unit/5 Credits
EURA 560 | Advanced Grammar: Ukrainian | 1 Unit/5 Credits
EURA 513 | Readings in Eurasian History and Culture | 1 Unit/5 Credits
EURA 552 | Advanced Conversation: Ukrainian | 1 Unit/5 Credits
EURA 562 | Advanced Grammar: Ukrainian | 1 Unit/5 Credits
EURA 514 | Readings in Eurasian History and Culture | 1 Unit/5 Credits
Students on the Eurasia Regional Language Program may participate in a wide range of internships and service opportunities supporting Ukrainian refugees in Moldova through American Councils' partnership with the National Congress of Ukrainians of Moldova (NCUM) and affiliated organizations serving the Ukrainian community. In addition to providing enriching and dynamic speech contexts for Ukrainian, these opportunities are ideal for students interested in refugee assistance, nonprofit work, international development, and engagement with the global Ukrainian community. Facilitated by American Councils based on students stated interests and the needs of the community. ERLP Student Interns engage in diverse, practice-based activities that support educational, cultural, and community initiatives. Internship opportunities may include leading English language tutoring and conversation practice sessions; teaching about U.S. culture, civil society, and systems of government; assisting with employability workshops; organizing public events and cultural festivals; supporting sports, crafts, leisure, and youth creative programs; contributing to art therapy activities; participating in humanitarian aid distribution; providing companionship and support for pensioners; assisting with fundraising and community outreach; and contributing to communications, website development, and collaboration with schools, families, and partner organizations to promote inclusive community engagement.
This collaboration is grounded in shared values of inclusion, community support, and educational opportunity. NCUM supports Ukrainian refugees and ethnically Ukrainian Moldovans through language programs, cultural preservation, and community-building initiatives, while the American Councils Language Center provides expert Ukrainian instruction alongside English courses that strengthen academic and professional pathways. Together, the partners design programming that responds directly to community needs and promotes long-term resilience and empowerment.
Through a combination of homestays, cultural activities, conversation partnerships, and hands-on professional experience, participants gain meaningful immersion in Ukrainian language and culture. This integrated model enables students to build impactful community connections while developing practical skills and intercultural competence, ensuring they leave the program prepared for future academic and professional pursuits.
Program participants live with local Ukrainian host families. Living with a host family provides valuable cultural experience to complement the academic program. Host families expose participants to authentic, everyday life in Moldova while also providing a supportive environment for students to practice their growing language skills. While staying with a host family, participants are provided with a private room, two meals per day, and keys to the apartment or house. All host families are screened, selected, and monitored by local staff at the American Councils office in Chisinau.
As part of the program, participants engage in a number of excursions and cultural activities. Activities outside the classroom are designed to give participants a deeper understanding of life, culture, and history in Moldova while providing contemporary context on its relationships with the EU, Russia, and of course, Ukraine. While excursions and activities vary from year to year and by location, past participants have enjoyed excursions to Soroca Fortress, Old Orhei Monstery, Cricova Winery, and the Dniester River, as well as cultural activities such as pottery classes, music classes, and traditional Moldovan feasts.
Travel beyond Chisinau to fully experience all that Moldova has to offer, including ancient monasteries, vast wine cellars, and distinct local traditions.
Experience cultural traditions of the region through performances, festivals, craftwork, and delicious cuisine.
Explore the evolution of Moldova and Eastern Europe, from prehistory to the modern era.
Explore the food of Ukraine through home cooked Ukrainian meals with host families and get a wider view of Moldovan cuisine through local restaurants.
To aid cultural integration and support academic learning, participants have the opportunity to meet with Ukrainian conversation partners for two hours per week. Conversation partners introduce participants to local people, accompany participants on sightseeing tours, organize cultural activities (cinema, museum, etc.), and provide students with academic support. The conversation partners are expected to speak only the target language to provide extra language immersion.
The American Councils Language Center in Chisinau, Moldova is conveniently located in the heart of the city. Our classrooms are centrally located and easily accessible by public transportation from around the city, making it easy for students to immerse themselves in the local culture. The center offers expert language instruction in Ukrainian by native speakers, delivered by teachers with decades of experience. Whether you’re looking to build conversational fluency, deepen your understanding of regional nuances, or explore the regions rich linguistic heritage, our language center provides a supportive and professional environment to achieve your goals.
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.
Summer participants attend a two-day orientation program on site immediately upon arrival in country (where they are met at the airport by AC Staff). All semester participants must attend a mandatory pre-departure orientation before the program begins. Sessions cover health and safety, academic culture, host-family life, culture shock, and strategies for maximizing language learning. Students meet resident directors, peers, and alumni, with lodging and meals provided.
While abroad, participants receive 24/7 emergency support from in-country American Councils staff, which includes both local professionals and U.S. expatriates. Local offices coordinate academic placements, cultural excursions, housing, and medical assistance. The AC Study Abroad Team in Washington, D.C. maintains regular contact with overseas staff, partner universities, and families to ensure ongoing support and program quality.
Participants are covered by Cultural Insurance Services International (CISI) for the full duration of the program. The policy provides up to $250,000 in medical coverage per accident or illness, as well as complete coverage for emergency medical evacuation. Enrollment is automatic and included in program costs.
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.
