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Kazakh State
Women’s University A QUICK LOOK
INTRODUCTION The University of Northern Iowa and the Kazakh State Women’s University (also known as Jen Pi University) offer a unique opportunity for UNI students to study in the picturesque city of Almaty at a highly respected teacher education university in Kazakhstan and experience the hospitality of people in Central Asia. Due to Kazakhstan’s central geographic location in Central Asia, UNI students will experience life in an important cultural crossroads city of the 21st Century. This study abroad program offers UNI students opportunities to meet Kazakhstani students who are preparing for teaching, comfortable accommodations on the Jen Pi campus, 6 credits of teaching methods and language/cultural enrichment courses, and rewarding cultural and social activities. Kazakhstan stretches over a vast expanse of Central Asia. In area, it is the ninth largest country in the world and is about the size of Western Europe. A portion of its territory west of the Ural River is actually part of Eastern-most Europe. Kazakhstan borders Russia to the north, the Peoples’ Republic of China to the east, and Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan to the south, as well as the Caspian Sea to the west. Kazakhstan was part of the former Soviet Union until declaring its independence on December 16, 1991. Today, Kazakhstan is a member of the Commonwealth of Independent States and other international organizations. ALMATY Almaty (Alma-Ata on older maps) is the largest city in Kazakhstan. Almaty offers a diverse urban environment with a rich ethnic heritage and beautiful scenery. It is situated at the foot of the rugged Tian Shan Mountains, which form the border between Kazakhstan and China. Almaty has warm days and cool nights during the summer months; while winter brings much snow for skiing, snowboarding, and ice skating. Almaty is known for its many kinds of flowers, apples, berries, and vegetable gardens, which surround it. In fact, the name 'alma' means ‘apple’ in Kazakh. Numerous trees and flowers grow along its streets and grand public buildings. Rivers from the nearby mountains flow through Almaty. They provide cool, green, quiet places to relax from the busyness and noise of city life. Long ago, Almaty was a small town serving merchants’ caravans along the Great Silk Road. Today, Almaty is a cultural, business, and educational center at the crossroads of Central Asia, with many businesses, museums, embassies, and universities. It has a population of about 1.5 million people from many ethnic backgrounds. KAZAKH STATE WOMEN’S UNIVERSITY Kazakh State Women’s University prepares future teachers for elementary and secondary schools of the country. Traditionally most of its graduates go to teach in rural places. Established in 1944, it now enrolls more than 3,000 students who study at six colleges representing 40 different specialties. The College of Economy and Services in Education prepares teachers of vocational training and fine arts. This college focuses on preparing educators who will teach children in schools focusing in the decorative-applied arts. Courses are offered in library studies, pedagogy and psychology, language arts, science and other areas of study. SUMMER PROGRAM This 4-week program for UNI students is organized by the UNI Study Abroad Center. The program will be led by a UNI College of Education professor – Dr. David Landis. Dr. Landis has extensive teaching and research experience in Kazakhstan, where he and his family lived for several months. The courses will be conducted in English in Almaty, Kazakhstan, while cultural activities will allow participants to visit other parts of the region. Participants will have the opportunity to teach and learn in upper elementary classrooms in Almaty. ACADEMIC COURSES 230:116. Methods of Teaching Literacy in the Intermediate Grades—3 credit hrs. Reading and writing instruction in grades 3-6, with an emphasis on integrating reading, writing, speaking, and listening, as well as integration across content areas. 230:186g. Studies in Central Asian Languages and Cultures—3 credit hrs. Introduction to listening, reading, speaking, and writing in two languages: Kazakh and Central Asian Russian. Includes visits to cultural/historical sites. Co-requisite: 230:116. ACADEMIC SESSION Summer: June 5 – July 7 ACCOMMODATION & MEALS UNI students have accommodations in the Kazakh State Women’s University hotel located on the campus. Each student will share a room with another student. Meals will be provided. For more details, visit the UNI Study Abroad Center. PROGRAM COST UNI students pay UNI tuition and fees (in-state or out-of-state) plus the study abroad fee to participate. Participants should expect to pay about $1500-$2000 for round-trip air transportation, plus additional costs of about $100 for international health insurance, and $500 for accommodations, meals, and in-country travel. FINANCIAL AID & SCHOLARSHIPS UNI participants may use their UNI financial aid to help pay for this program. Study Abroad Scholarships and a variety of external funding options are available to those who qualify. ELIGIBILITY UNI students only. Applicants must be fully admitted to UNI’s teacher preparation program prior to the time abroad, have departmental approval for participation, and an overall G.P.A of 2.5. APPLICATION PROCEDURES A complete set of application materials, available at the UNI Study Abroad Center, will include one original and one copy of the following:
DEADLINES March 1, 2006 CONTACT INFORMATION
Inquires regarding this program should be directed to: |
