Overview: 

The Department of Russian and Slavic Studies at the University of Arizona, in collaboration with Uzbekistan State World Languages University (USWLU), invites you to join us for an exciting 3-week study abroad trip to the heart of Central Asia, the City of Tashkent.  This program opens a brand-new destination for the University of Arizona Summer School for Russian and Eurasian Studies (SSRES) and offers students an opportunity to explore a fascinating country and culture of Central Asia, and a former Soviet republic and now a culturally diverse independent state.

The program is based in Tashkent, the vibrant capital of Uzbekistan, often described as a blend of tradition and modernity for global learners. Tashkent offers an unparalleled fusion of ancient history and cutting-edge progress, making it an enticing destination for study abroad students. As a city that has stood at the crossroads of the Silk Road, it boasts a rich tapestry of cultures and epochs reflected in its architectural marvels, from the grandeur of the Khashti Imam Complex to the sleek modernity of its metro stations. Beyond its historical allure, Tashkent provides a cosmopolitan atmosphere with its lush parks, bustling bazaars, and diverse culinary scene. Students benefit from the city's blend of Central Asian traditions with contemporary academic institutions, facilitating both cultural immersion and a top-tier educational experience. Whether exploring its ancient neighborhoods, engaging with warm-hearted locals, or attending guest lectures and workshops at USWLU, Tashkent promises a holistic and enriching study abroad journey.

Academics

The USWLU offers intensive conversation classes in Russian and Uzbek, and program participants will have an opportunity to practice Russian and Uzbek language skills with local students.

Participants will be enrolled in two UA courses:

RSSS 395A - Topics in Slavic and Eurasian Culture (2-3 units): the course offers a glimpse into a variety of cultural, social, and political features of Eurasian society. In this course we will focus specifically on Uzbekistan, its historical heritage, linguistic and cultural diversity. The classes begin one week prior to the departure to Tashkent, and students will be asked to propose an individual culture project as part of their coursework.

RSSS 208 – Intermediate Russian Conversation (1 unit): This course focuses on advancing students' knowledge of spoken Russian and their understanding of linguistic registers. The goal is to expand student's vocabulary and improve students' speaking fluency as well as their ability to speak in Russian with nuanced diverse speech acts. In addition to speaking practice in Russian, students will be introduced to the basics of Uzbek language and will learn simple phrases and expressions in Uzbek.

UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA FACULTY: Professor Liudmila Klimanova klimanova@email.arizona.edu

Housing and Meals

Students will be housed in campus dorms. Please note that air conditioning is not standard. The USWLU campus features Free Wi-Fi and study and lounge spaces. Students can enjoy meals at USWLU’s dining hall and local restaurants.

Activities and Excursions

During the week students will have classes in the morning and daily excursions and cultural activities in the afternoon. We will visit, among many other places and cultural centers, the following local attractions:

The State Museum of the Temurids - One of the must-visit attractions in Tashkent. Its exhibits acquaint visitors about the history of Uzbekistan during the reign of the Timurid dynasty. Among the most popular exhibits are a wide collection of ancient jewelry, clothing, musical instruments, tools, and other items of the Middle Ages. A copy of the Osman Koran, the Holy book of Muslims, is kept in the Central Hall.

The State Museum of Applied Art - Located in the heart of Uzbekistan's capital, showcases the country's long-standing traditions in the decorative and applied arts, featuring Suzani embroidery, Ikat Fabrics, beautiful Central Asian woodwork and pottery.

The Khasti Imam Complex is a timeless journey through Islamic art & architecture. nestled in the old town, this ensemble of majestic structures offers a peek into the spiritual and architectural soul of Uzbekistan.

The program also includes cultural cooking classes and local craft workshops. On weekends students will have two-day trips to Bukhara and Samarkand, two most historic cities in the region.

Bukhara is one of the ancient cities of the Silk Road, boasts over 2,000 years of history, serving as a pivotal center of trade, culture, and religion. Home to the architectural masterpiece, the Ismail Samani Mausoleum, it stands as a testament to the city's rich heritage from the Samanid dynasty, one of the last native Persian empires before the Muslim conquest. With its myriad mosques, madrasahs, and bazaars, Bukhara is a UNESCO World Heritage site, encapsulating the essence of Central Asian history and architecture.

Samarkand - a radiant gem of the ancient Silk Road, has witnessed the rise and fall of countless empires over its 2,500-year history. Revered for the stunning Registan Square, with its trio of grand madrasahs showcasing exquisite Islamic architecture, the city also houses the mausoleum of the great conqueror Tamerlane, a testament to its once formidable Timurid Empire. As a UNESCO World Heritage site, Samarkand's breathtaking monuments and vibrant bazaars reflect a harmonious blend of diverse cultures and epochs.

Uzbek State World Languages University (USWLU) in Tashkent is situated in a vibrant area of the city with various attractions and places of interest nearby. Here are some of the notable places located near the university:

Tashkent Television Tower — As one of the tallest structures in Central Asia, this tower offers a panoramic view of the city from its observation deck.

Navoi Opera and Ballet Theatre— Named after the famous poet Alisher Navoi, this theatre is an architectural marvel and a hub for Uzbekistan's performing arts.

Independence Square (Mustaqillik Maydoni) — A significant landmark symbolizing Uzbekistan's independence. The square is adorned with fountains, statues, and is surrounded by government buildings and beautiful gardens.

Monument of Courage (Earthquake Memorial) — Commemorating the 1966 earthquake in Tashkent, this monument stands as a reminder of the city's resilience and rebirth.

The Museum of Victims of Political Repression — A museum which tells the history of Uzbekistan during the time of the Soviet Union. The museum is dedicated to the memory of the people who fought for the independence of Uzbekistan and who were killed by the government.

Chorsu Bazaar— One of the most ancient bazaars in Tashkent, it offers an authentic experience of daily life with stalls selling spices, fresh produce, textiles, and crafts.

Kukeldash Madrasah— A 16th-century madrasah that stands as a testament to the city's rich Islamic architecture and history.

Alisher Navoi National Park— A lush green park perfect for relaxation and leisure, named after the famous Uzbek poet.

While these are just a few of the attractions near USWLU, Tashkent itself is brimming with historical, cultural, and modern places that cater to the interests of various travelers. Students will have many opportunities to explore the surrounding neighborhoods and immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Tashkent's heritage and contemporary culture.

Arizona Global scholarships: 

• Arizona Study Abroad Scholarships
• Study Abroad Scholarship Tracker

Departmental scholarships:

• College of Humanities Scholarships
• SILLC Global Award Fund
• Department of Russian & Slavic Studies scholarships
• Honors College study abroad scholarships

External scholarships:

• Gilman Scholarship (for Pell Grant recipients)
• Fund for Education Abroad

Uzbekistan State University of World Languages  https://uzswlu.uz/.

Good to Know:

LGBTQ+ Equality Index rating: Uzbekistan rates 12/100 (with 100 being the most equal) on Equaldex’s LGBTQ+ Equality Index.

Global Peace Index rating: Uzbekistan ranks 86/163 in the Global Peace Index. The lower the score, the more peaceful the country.

Languages spoken: Uzbek 74%, Russian 14%, Tajik 4%, other 8%