In recent years, Kyrgyzstan has become an attractive destination for students pursuing Russian language studies due to political instability in Russia and Ukraine. To explore the experiences of two students who have studied abroad in Kyrgyzstan, Center for Slavic, East European and Eurasian Studies Intern Jo Baldwin talked with Summer 2024 FLAS Fellows Kale Fuller and Luis Angelo Juarez, who used their Fellowships to study advanced Russian through SRAS’s Russian as a Second Language program in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan .  

Why Kyrgyzstan?  

While immersive language study was a driving factor in their decision, Kyrgyzstan’s rich cultural diversity gave an added push to study there. Kale Fuller mentioned that “Studying in Kyrgyzstan was incredibly affordable, and ultimately I really think that studying there was the best decision I could have made.” 

Angelo shared a similar attraction but emphasized the importance of learning about Kyrgyz traditions and history. "Knowing a language isn't just about grammar and vocabulary; it's about understanding how people view the world," Angelo reflected. The chance to experience Kyrgyzstan’s unique traditions, combined with the stunning landscape of Lake Issyk-Kul, made the decision easy for him. 

Living Situations: Host Family or Independent Living? 

Kale and Angelo had contrasting living arrangements, which shaped their language learning experiences. Kale chose not to live with a host family, worrying it would add unnecessary stress while adjusting to a new country. Despite this, Kale found that his language skills flourished due to his determination to practice Russian with local friends. "I made it a goal to speak Russian as much as possible," he said, adding that his living situation did not hinder his language progress. 

Angelo, on the other hand, lived with a host family for ten weeks. He credited this experience with dramatically improving his comprehension of Russian. "My Russian vocabulary grew significantly over this period," Angelo remarked, noting that his host family always spoke to him in Russian. This immersive environment accelerated his learning in ways that a classroom experience in the U.S. could not have achieved. 

Overcoming Challenges Abroad 

Both students faced challenges during their time abroad, but they found ways to overcome them. For Kale, adjusting to a new academic environment was the most significant hurdle. "The program had a different teaching style, and it took time to adapt," he admitted. However, once he understood the system, he was able to thrive. 

Angelo was faced with homesickness, compounded by the pressure to learn Russian in a limited ten-week period. "Knowing I was thousands of miles away from home sometimes made me feel a bit lonely," he shared. However, trips to places like Issyk-Kul helped him recharge and stay focused on his language goals. 

Career Impact 

The experiences in Kyrgyzstan had a lasting impact on both students' career goals. Kale left more certain than ever that he wanted to focus on Central Asian history and culture. His time abroad significantly accelerated his language skills, which will allow him to dive deeper into historical research in Russian. "I fell in love with the region in a new way," Kale said confidently. 

For Angelo, studying abroad in Kyrgyzstan reinforced his desire to use Russian in a future career. As a future physician, he hopes to take part in charity medical missions in Russian-speaking countries. For now, he is excited to share his experiences in Kyrgyzstan with students as a future Russian teacher. 

Advice for Future Students 

Both Kale and Angelo emphasized the importance of keeping an open mind when studying in Central Asia. Kale urged students not to approach the region with preconceived notions, "Central Asia is incredibly multi-faceted," he said, stressing that it is essential to understand each country on its own terms. 

Angelo echoed this sentiment, encouraging students to leave their fears behind and be open to different worldviews. He highlighted how safe Kyrgyzstan felt during his time there, often walking alone late at night and feeling at ease. "This is a good period to explore other Russian-speaking nations," Angelo said, noting that Kyrgyzstan presents a unique opportunity for language and cultural immersion.