Since 1974, American Councils has designed and operated groundbreaking programs to provide undergraduate and graduate students a unique understanding of less commonly studied cultures and languages that are critical to U.S. national interest. First established to enable American learners of Russian to study abroad in the Soviet Union during the Cold War, American Councils has maintained a long tradition of empowering participants to explore countries and communities that often lie beyond the beaten path for many Americans. Today, our students learn languages, study contemporary events, and engage with local communities in Armenia, Estonia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, South Korea, Tajikistan, Taiwan, and Turkiye.
While many of our programs are best known for foreign language study, we are also proud to offer a wide range of English language courses in such fields as political science, international studies, entrepreneurship, and sociology. All of our programs are predicated on a belief that supported immersion in new cultures and the unique global perspectives gained through dialogue with local communities are critical to individual growth and the strengthening of U.S. national security.
American Councils Study Abroad programs are recognized and trusted for:
Superior academic programs that engage leading faculty at overseas host institutions; provide intensive, student-centered instruction; and expand classrooms into local communities.
Language classes taught in small groups by university faculty who specialize in the instruction of non-native speakers.
Research data to measure student gains and ensure strong learning outcomes. For more than 30 years, American Council has conducted pre- and post-program testing in speaking, listening, and comprehension to measure student proficiency gains on all our language programs.
Creative English-language course offerings that explore some of the most important issues of our day, including NATO and security in Eastern Europe, conflict resolution in the South Caucasus, and social entrepreneurship in Central Asia.
Highly experienced, accessible resident directors and onsite staff who maintain daily contact with participants and directly oversee academic, residential, and cultural programs;
Comprehensive support services that include 24-hour emergency assistance from expert onsite staff and comprehensive overseas medical and accident insurance for all participants
Academic credit from a U.S. higher education institution to facilitate credit transfers for all participants. American Councils is proud to provide academic credit for its programs through Bryn Mawr College.
Participants greatly benefit from individual attention in our small classes and from interaction with host faculty who have extensive experience teaching American students. In addition to rigorous academic learning standards in the classroom, American Councils emphasizes immersion opportunities outside the classroom through:
Housing with host-families, where participants gain unique insights into local culture, cuisine, and language (students not enrolled in language programs are placed with English-speaking families).
Innovative and enriching extracurricular activities designed to help students gain meaningful insights into their host country through cultural programming, discussion groups, excursions, and opportunities to pursue personal interests and hobbies; and
Volunteer opportunities during semester programs at local schools, charity organizations, community groups, and international NGOs.
