Programs in the Balkans
Balkan Language Initiative
Combining highly-individualized academic programming with structured overseas immersion, the Balkan Language Initiative enables students to make rapid gains in language proficiency and cultural knowledge while living and studying in one of six countries in Southeast Europe. Through homestays, conversation partners, in-class instruction, and a wide range of extracurricular activities, participants enjoy an unprecedented opportunity to immerse themselves in daily local life in a region largely unserved by study abroad programs. Learn More →
- Locations: Albania, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia
- Academic Focus: Intensive language study; area studies
- Program Periods: Fall, Spring, Academic Year, Summer (8 weeks)
- Prerequisite: At least two semesters or the equivalent of the target language or a related language; minimum GPA of 2.7; good academic standing
Overseas Professional & Intercultural Training Program (OPIT)
Through OPIT's eight-week, English-language internships, students gain the substantive overseas professional experience and intercultural communication skills demanded by today's global market. American Councils on-site staff arrange internships and provide ongoing support to participants. Internships in the fields of business, democracy-building, ecology, human rights, law, public health, journalism, and women's issues are available throughout Eurasia, Southeast Europe, and the Baltics. No foreign-language study is required. Learn More →
- Locations: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Estonia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, Mongolia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Poland, Russia, Serbia, Turkey, Ukraine
- Academic Focus: various professional internship disciplines; intercultural skills
- Program Period: Summer (8 weeks)
- Prerequisite: good academic standing; minimum GPA of 2.7; no foreign language skills required
Customized & Faculty-Led Programs
In addition to administering its own high-quality overseas programs, American Councils offers a wide range of services to support customized and faculty-led programs for U.S. institutions of higher education. With a network of over 35 overseas offices and 400 host-country nationals and expatriate staff members around the globe, American Councils is well-equipped to help design an overseas program for your students. Learn More →
- Locations: Offered in over 30 different countries across Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia
- Academic Focus: Language; culture and area studies;
- Program Period: Determined by program specifications
