2026-27 Russian Abroad Program

The CC Russian Abroad program (Blocks 1-2) takes place in Central Asia, Kyrgyzstan, and Kazakhstan, with a block-break trip to Uzbekistan. Students can choose two blocks of Russian at any level (no prerequisites; fulfills CC language requirement). 

Apply on Summit by March 1. 

The program offers a rich and diverse cultural experience in Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan. We explore the cities of Bishkek in Kyrgyzstan, Almaty in Kazakhstan, and Tashkent and Samarkand in Uzbekistan — the ancient gateways to the Great Silk Roads. We visit the state museums of fine arts and history, concert halls, churches, mosques, and bazaars; Ala-Archa Canyon and National Park; the Ala-Too Mountain range; and the pearl of Central Asia — Lake Issyk-Köl, one of the largest mountain lakes in the world. Students try their hand at felting and cooking traditional dishes. 

The program is organized in partnership with the American University of Central Asia in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. Classes are led and taught by a Colorado College professor, with support from local faculty. Courses are conducted in English and Russian under the Colorado College Block Plan. Students stay with Russian-speaking host families. 

Students who live on campus during the semester their program abroad runs, and who have a full standard meal plan do not pay any additional program fee. All housing and meal costs as well as RT airfare, insurance, and field trips during the CC half-semester away are covered by funds transferred from the room & board charges already paid to Colorado College.

Billing for CC-led semester & half-semester programs can be found at:

Student Experiences

Students Learn Russian Through Cultural Immersion in Kyrgyzstan

Photo by Maggie Davis '27

“The study abroad in Kyrgyzstan was definitely a once in a lifetime experience! I got the chance to learn the Russian language and history along with the culture in Kyrgyzstan and some of the Kyrgyz language. The country is so beautiful and so fun to explore! We lived in the city so oftentimes we would go to cafes, restaurants, and parks, but we also would go on beautiful hikes and got to swim in a lake which is so large it could be mistaken as being the ocean! ALSO the professors are absolutely the most amazing people and made the trip 100000% better. The bond you will make with them, your host families, your classmates, and the other students at AUCA (the college where you study) is unlike anything else… I promise you will have an amazing time!!!” Rietta Thomson ‘25

"Being fully immersed in the Russian language with other amazing CC students was a truly incredible experience. I had no idea what to expect going into the trip and was met with some of the friendliest professors, classmates, and host family that one could hope for. I loved watching movies throughout the two blocks and watching my level of understanding of Russian increase as we went along. Moving from no Russian language ability to a solid understanding of the language's structure…", Natasha Jaddock ’24