Kyrgyz

About the Indiana Online and Overseas Kyrgyz Programs

Learn the Language then Study Abroad!

Students who study Elementary Kyrgyz in Indiana University's Summer Language Workshop or Central Eurasian Studies Department can combine 2 semesters of language study with an optional 4-week language and culture program in Bishkek.

First, Learn Intermediate Kyrgyz

To join the Bishkek program, you must have Intermediate Kyrgyz skills. There are three ways to acquire them:

  1. The Indiana University Online Summer Language Workshop: Kyrgyz 101 and 102 delivered in live classes, 18 hours/week for 8 weeks, online;
  2. The Indiana University Central Eurasian Studies Department Fall Kyrgyz 101 and Spring Kyrgyz 102 courses.
  3. In equivalent courses in other institutions, confirmed by a placement test.

Then, Study Kyrgyz Culture in Bishkek

Earn 3 college credits with Indiana's on-site introduction to Kyrgyz Culture, designed specifically to be taught in Kyrgyz for students with Intermediate levels of proficiency.

The Indiana University Online Workshop provide 2 semesters of accelerated study to you develop intermediate speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills quickly.

You will complete 1 full year of language training in only 2 months in real-time classes conducted in the language of study, emphasizing the development of real-time interpersonal communication skills, and preparing you to study abroad with confidence at the end the program.

In Indiana's Online Workshop you will study 18 hours per week in live online classes with an instructor and with other students for 8 weeks, receive college credit for 2 semesters of language study, and will engage in a range of cultural activities with visiting scholars, performers, and practitioners.

The small class sizes, expert instructors, and highly motivated students of the program provides a stimulating setting for you to develop your oral and written communication skills rapidly.

In the Online Workshop, you will be part of a diverse group of talented language learners, including advanced high-school students, undergraduates, graduate students, scholars, professionals, and others.

Once you complete Indiana's Online Kyrgyz Workshop or Indiana's Central Eurasian Studies elementary courses, or otherwise acquire intermediate Kyrgyz, you are eligible to join Indiana's cultural immersion program in Bishkek.

The 4-week Bishkek Cultural Immersion program provides 3 college credits and 18+ hours a week of instruction -- in the classroom and in extramural activities and excursions -- conducted in Kyrgyz at the Intermediate Low/Mid level.

To apply for the Bishkek Program, for the Online Kyrgyz program, and for funding,  complete the:
LANGUAGE WORKSHOP APPLICATION

 

  • Kyrgyz Online
    • Dates: May 27 – July 18, 2025
    • Times: Monday – Thursday, 11:00am-3:00pm, eastern daylight time, Fridays 11:00am-1:00pm.
  • Kyrgyz Culture in Bishkek
    • Dates: July 21 – August 15, 2025
    • Times: Monday – Friday, 8:00-11:00am, plus extramural activities & excursions (times may vary depending on activity/excursion schedules)

KYRGYZ CULTURE IN BISHKEK PROGRAM ($4,650*)

  • Included in Program Fee:
    • Tuition and Academic Fees
    • Visa processing costs
    • Activity, Excursion, and Tutoring Costs
    • Meals
    • Host Family Lodging
    • Local Transportation
    • Traveler's Insurance
  • Not Included in Program Fee:
    • International travel
    • Passport fees

*Estimated fee. Subject to change.

This program offers 4 undergraduate credits.*

*Indiana University graduate students receive 3 graduate credits.

For details on the Bishkek program workload, see the Bishkek Handbook

  • Indiana University's Program in Bishkek is open to anyone who:
    • Has completed the Indiana University Online Kyrgyz Workshop;
    • Has completed the Indiana University Central Eurasian Studies Elementary Kyrgyz sequence
    • Has otherwise completed no fewer than 2 semesters and no more than 3 semesters of Kyrgyz language and who passes a placement exam;
    • Is at least 18 years old on day 1 of the program

Students who have 2 semesters of Kyrgyz but who did not attend the Indiana University Online Summer Kyrgyz Workshop or the Indiana University Central Eurasian Studies elementary Kyrgyz sequence may apply for the Bishkek program. Such students will complete a placement exam and interview to confirm that their mastery of Kyrgyz is at the appropriate level for this program.

Graduate students studying in Indiana's Bishkek Workshop are eligible for Title VIII Graduate Fellowships, regardless of whether they participate in Indiana's Online Kyrgyz Workshop or not.

Undergraduate students who participate in both the Online Kyrgyz Workshop and the Bishkek Workshop are eligible for Women Engaging Globally scholarships or Hamilton Lugar scholarships.

For full program details, read the program handbooks. 

Program Handbooks