American Councils (ACTR): Social Entrepreneurship - Community and Innovation in Central Asia
- Location(s): Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
- Program Type(s): Study Abroad
American Councils (ACTR)
American Councils (ACTR): Taiwan Intensive Summer Language Program (TISLP)
Request Info
(For American Students)
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 interest... read more
All Reviews
This program is lonely. If you went on this program leave a review!
About
Hosted by the American University of Central Asia (AUCA), 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.
Program Type(s):
Study AbroadProgram Length(s):
- Fall
- Spring
Instruction Language(s):
- Russian
- English
Minimum GPA:
2.7Website
Take me there!Statistics
American Councils (ACTR) Scholarships
As a way to thank our returning participants, all American Councils Study Abroad Alumni who have completed an AC program at the time of application and enroll in another AC Study Abroad program will automatically receive a $250 credit towards an online program, $500 credit towards a summer program, or a $1,000 credit towards a semester program. Interested alumni should indicate their alumni status within the financial aid section of the online program application.
$250-$1,000
All applicants to American Councils summer, semester, or academic-year online or overseas programs are eligible for partial fellowship awards from this fund. Awards are made on the basis of financial need and academic merit and typically range from $250 to $2,500.
$250-$2,500
Fellowship Snapshot Eligibility Upper-level undergraduates (juniors and seniors) and graduate students are eligible to apply. Applicants must be U.S. citizens. Award Amount Up to $2,000 (summer); up to $6,000 (semester); up to $12,000 (academic year) Available On All American Councils study abroad programs Established in honor of American Councils’ founder and President Emeritus and his four decades of leadership in the field of international education, the Dan E. Davidson Fellowship supports highly qualified and deserving individuals who would otherwise not have the opportunity to build the language skills that allow them to operate, negotiate, and establish ties in countries critical to U.S. economic, political, and social interests through language study and area studies coursework. Carrying on Dr. Davidson’s legacy, fellowship recipients demonstrate a dedication to successful international collaboration and the development of greater mutual understanding between the U.S. and countries around the world. Fellowships of up to $2,000 will be awarded for summer study, up to $6,000 for semester study and up to $12,000 for academic-year programs. To be eligible for the Dan E. Davidson Fellowship, applicants must: Meet the requirements of their selected program; Be a U.S. citizen; Be enrolled in and have completed two academic years of study at an accredited college or university by the start of their program; Demonstrate a commitment to becoming culturally aware citizens, contributing to a mutual understanding, and advancing successful international collaboration; Demonstrate financial need. To be considered for the Dan E. Davidson Fellowship, simply indicate your wish to be considered for financial aid when completing the application for your selected program and complete all the questions and forms that follow. At the conclusion of their term abroad, participants receiving the Dan E. Davidson Fellowship are expected to meet with donors and write an essay about their study abroad experience.
$2000-$12,000
The American Councils Opportunity Scholarship is available to students who have encountered obstacles or challenges when accessing study abroad, educational exchange, and other academic programs. The scholarship is also available to first generation college students, students from low-income families, U.S. military families, and students with a history of overcoming adversity. These awards are based on both merit and financial need. The awards typically range from $250 to $2,500. Scholarship Snapshot Eligibility All applicants for American Councils Study Abroad programs are eligible to apply. Award Amount From $250 to $2,500 Available On All American Councils study abroad programs
$250-$2500
