Village Homestay Program
Participants of this program are required to know at least a Pre - Intermediate level of Kyrgyz, or to have taken Intensive Kyrgyz previously. In this Program, foreign students live with Kyrgyz host families in villages on the southern shore of Lake Issyk-Kul. Students get a chance to experience Kyrgyz family life first-hand. Kyrgyz language tutorials are covered in the mornings, with pre-arranged cultural events taking up most afternoons. Lessons with local artisans can be arranged - learn how to create traditional handicrafts, play a Kyrgyz Komuz or prepare Kyrgyz meals! On weekends students can hike in the mountains, go horseback riding and swim in the world's 2nd highest mountain lake. Program length depends on the student goals, but 2 weeks is suggested.
Intensive offline and online programs
Online Russian/Kyrgyz classes
There are programs that combine online reading materials with Skype sessions. All the assignments are multiple choice tests and proctored exams can be arranged. Contact us for more details.
Kyrgyz language programs
Program includes 20 hours of Kyrgyz language classes per week. This program is ideal for students who want to learn Kyrgyz for academic purposes or for use in their careers. The course length is entirely up to the student; 2 weeks being the suggested minimum.
Peer tutoring services
We provide peer tutoring services during our summer programs for 70+ US students. This service can be organized for individual students taking intensive language classes. Our trained tutors will help you practice language skills outside of lectures.
Kazakh/Yzbek/Tadjik/Turkmen
The school does not usually provide Intensive courses in Kazakh, Uzbek, Tajik or Turkmen because of the limited number of applicants for these programmes. However, part time study is available in these languages and if there were sufficient students interested in taking an Intensive course, this could be arranged.
Other school services
Central Asian Studies
Central Asian Studies is an innovative program preparing students for international careers. This program is offered in partnership with The School of Russian and Asian Studies. For program details, and to enroll, please see their site: http://www.sras.org/central_asian_studies.
Homestay Program
LSLC provides homestay options with 2 meals and private room for $23 per day. We have a large database of verified homestay families which will help you improve your language skills and immerse in the local culture.
Summer Adventure with Horse riding
Students live in home stay families and have two weeks of language courses at our center (20 hours a week). In the third and fourth weeks, students go either horse-trekking or hiking in the mountains. The length of treks depends on the applicants and may vary from one to two weeks. Between hikes over peaks and river-crossings, students camp in tents or yurts.
Volunteering
This is teaching English to village children and assisting the local village community in development. Volunteers will undergo two weeks of training at LSLC, and will follow this up with 1 or 2 months of actual teaching. Volunteers will be provided with a monthly stipend from the school budget as well as a free home stay including all meals.