Exchange Q & A – Russian Language Training, Bishkek

Russian Language Training in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan at the London School

Applying to The London School

When should I apply to the London School?

• You should be applying no later than March if you want to attend Russian language training in the summer – this will ensure that you have ample time for visa processing and your own planning needs. For example, to go for the summer of 2014, you should be applying latest by March 2014. In particular, this is necessary as you will need a Letter of Invitation to obtain a Kyrgyz visa. Please view the London School’s online application.

Do I require a visa to study in Bishkek?

• Generally, yes you do. You will receive a Letter of Invitation for your visa application after being accepted for summer language training. Please note that in August 2012, Kyrgyzstan implemented a visa-free regime for citizens of certain countries, including Canada. It is possible to visit Kyrgyzstan for 60 days, visa-free, but this does not guarantee the right to study. Hence, the safest route is to obtain a Kyrgyz visa.

Are there any specific medical requirements for the visa?

• At present, there are no medical requirements for a Kyrgyz visa. Please consult the visa requirements page of the Kyrgyz Embassy to the USA and Canada for any details. Besides planning for your normal medication requirements and usual pain killers when traveling, it is highly recommended that you consult a travel doctor for immunizations before going to Kyrgyzstan.

Is funding available?

• You can apply for funding under the Magna Fund for Russian Studies here at Carleton University. Make sure when writing your proposal to emphasize how studying Russian will enhance your ability to conduct research in Russian towards your topic for your MRP or thesis.

Language Instruction and Course Info

Where does the language training take place?

• At the London School in Bishkek. View its location here.

What are classes like?

• If taking the full course load (20 hours of instruction per week + homework), you will attend five hours of language instruction per day, four days a week. Your instruction is divided into separate blocks for grammar, reading comprehension, and conversational class.

Travel, Accommodations, Activities and Other Info

When should I book my flight to Bishkek?

• Like with most flights, the earlier the better. Try using expedia.ca, skyscanner.ca, and kayak.com. There are plenty cheap return flights if you book early enough!

What are the living accommodations like?

• There are two main accommodation styles: a homestay or in the London School dormitory. Both options have their advantages; for example, in a homestay you receive meals but pay a bit more. In the dormitory, you live attached to where you will take classes, but you miss out on living with a local family.

What is there to do in Bishkek?

• Bishkek holds some of the most marvelous experiences you would not otherwise benefit from. You can visit Bishkek’s three bazaars, including one of Asia’s largest bazaars, Dordoy; there is the National Historic Museum at the north end of Ala-Too Square; go for a hike in Ala-Archa National Park; venture into the Tian Shan mountains on horseback; or rest easy on the beach  beside lake Issyk-Kul. Bishkek is only 3.5 hours to Almaty, the former capital of Kazakhstan (visa required).

What is the national currency in Kyrgyzstan?

• Kyrgyzstan uses the som as its national currency. See conversion rates to the Canadian dollar (CAD$1 = ~KGS46).

How much is public transportation?

• The main options for public transportation in Bishkek are the bus, mini-buses (commonly known as the marshrutka), and the tram. Buses and mini-buses are about 10 Kyrgyz som (12 som after 9PM) while the tram is 8 som.

What is the weather like in Bishkek?

• EURUS students most often attend language training during the summer months. Bishkek is hot during the summer; it is not uncommon to have 35-40C for weeks on end during peak summer heat. Many classrooms at the London School are air conditioned while a personal fan is highly recommended for your room. Yet the weather cools to the mid-20s after the sun goes down and you will find most locals come alive at this time of day: parents pushing strollers through parks, teens rollerblading down Chui Prospekt, families heading out for dinner, and a more relaxed mood prevails in comparison to the day’s heat. The winter months can be quite cold, reaching as low as -20C. Heat systems have been known to go off from time to time during winter months.

Is it safe to go to Kyrgyzstan?

• Absolutely! Like any travel destination, there are places and people you want to avoid, but this is true of anywhere. Don’t forget to check the Government of Canada’s site travel.gc.ca for any travel advisories as well as register for Canadians abroad.