COUNTRY:
Kazakhstan CITY: Taraz HOST Institution: Taraz State University TYPE OF PROGRAM: UNI Exchange SESSIONS: Summer (June 4 – June 30) ELIGIBILITY: Undergraduates fully admitted to UNI's teacher
preparation program; 2.5 minimum GPA ACADEMIC AREAS: Education LANGUAGE OF INSTRUCTION: English CREDITS: Undergraduate
INTRODUCTION
The University of Northern
Iowa and the Taraz State University offer a unique opportunity for UNI
students to study in the picturesque city of Taraz 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 Taraz campus, 6 credits of
teaching methods and cultural/language enrichment courses, as well as
rewarding cultural and social activities.
AN
INSIDE PEEK AT KAZAKHSTAN
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.
THE CITY OF TARAZ
One of the largest tourist
centers of Kazakhstan is Taraz, the city, standing on the “Great Silk Road”.
This beautiful city stands on the site of the ancient city of Taraz, which
flourished as a stop along the Silk Road from Europe to China until it was
destroyed by Mongol armies in the 13th century. It's known and recognized as
the oldest city in Kazakhstan, with just celebrating its 2000th birthday in
2001. Taraz is a city and also a center of what is today known as the southern
province of Zhambyl Province in Kazakhstan. Camels, Bears, Elk, Foxes, Wolves,
Deer, Sables, Ermine and Falcons are said to be roaming around the cities in
Kazakhstan as well as right outside of Taraz. In Taraz, expect to see mild
winters along with extreme heat in the summers. The city itself has around
330,000 people from many different distinct backgrounds and ethnicities.
Visitors to this city will experience Muslim mosques, ancient structural phenoms
and beautiful sites of the surrounding mountains. The people of Kazakhstan are
acclaimed to be very hospitable and friendly to tourists and treat them with a
great deal of respect.
TARAZ STATE
UNIVERSITY
The Taraz State University
prepares future teachers for elementary and secondary schools of the country.
Traditionally, most of the graduates go to teach in rural places. Established
in 1998, as a means of combining 3 of the different Kazakh universities, the
school now enrolls more than 10,000 students. The school itself has 12
different departments and specializes in the areas of natural and social
sciences, word languages and literature in English and Kazakh, Law, business and
economics, light and textile industries, information technology, food
engineering, psychology, and most importantly, teaching. There are more than
700 professors at the university at which 80% of the lectures are in the native
Kazakh language.
UNI SUMMER PROGRAM IN TARAZ
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
Taraz, Kazakhstan, while cultural activities will allow participants to visit
other parts of the region.
CULTURAL
EXPERIENCE
Leisure-time activities may include city
tours, cultural activities and visits to performances and museums, as well
as trips to nearby cities or cultural and historical sites.
ACADEMIC
PROGRAM
The objectives of this study
abroad program are to learn about teaching literacy from experienced teachers
and to make new university friends. UNI participants in this program will have
the opportunity to teach and learn in upper elementary classrooms in Taraz and
to meet English-speaking Kazakh university students who are also preparing for
teaching. In addition to learning about teaching methods, the program offers a
introductory class in languages as well as ancient cultures in Kazakhstan.
ACADEMIC COURSES
A. 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.
B. 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
PARTICIPANTS
Students from UNI and
the Taraz State University
David Landis (UNI Literacy Education faculty) Curriculum and Instruction, Assoc. Professor
319-273-2796
david.landis@uni.edu
Sapargul Mirseitova (Executive Director of Kazakhstan Reading Association)
LANGUAGES
English will be used as a
language of instruction. Students will also receive an introduction to Central
Asian Russian and Kazakh languages.
LOCATION
Taraz State Pedagogical
University in Taraz, Kazakhstan and nearby sites.
ACADEMIC SESSION
During Summer 2007, this
program begins June 4 and concludes June 30. Participants would return to the US
about July 2 or 3 so they could enroll in another UNI July term courses.
ACCOMMODATION & MEALS
UNI students have
accommodations on the Taraz State University campus. Each student will share a
room with another student. Meals will be provided.
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
Participants in this program
may use their UNI financial aid to help pay for the program. Study Abroad
Scholarships and a variety of external funding options are available to those
who qualify.
ELIGIBILITY
In order to receive 6 UNI
credits, 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. Those NOT interested in student credit should contact UNI
Study Abroad Center.
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:
Inquires regarding this program should be directed to:
Yana Cornish, Study Abroad Coordinator
Office of International Programs
59 Baker Hall, UNI
Cedar Falls, IA 50614-0520
Tel: 319/ 273-7078
Fax: 319/ 273-2921
Study Abroad Center |
Office of International Programs |
28 Gilchrist Hall |
University of Northern Iowa |
Cedar Falls, IA 50614-0520
Phone: (319) 273-7078 |
Fax: (319) 273-2921 |
study-abroad@uni.edu |
Employment
