DUSHANBE, July 23, 2015, Asia-Plus – Press release issued by the University of Central Asia (UCA) on July 23 says that the UCA Summer Camp that took place at Sinegorie resort at Lake Issyk-Kul in Kyrgyzstan from June 17 to July 6 provided a unique academic enrichment experience for participants to improve English and math skills, receive critical support to enter university, and engage in recreational and other activities.

Participants came from Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan, making up a talented cohort of 76 students, selected through a competitive admissions process that had as many as 850 applicants.

Led by an international and Central Asian team of staff, the UCA Summer Camp Upgrading English skills was a key part of the Summer Camp experience, with 42 hours of English instruction and an English immersion environment provided.

“Central Asia is home to diverse communities. Russian and national languages are spoken and many people are bi- or even tri-lingual.  In an increasingly globalised world, English is another language that can open doors,” said Dr Ariff Kachra, UCA Dean of Academic Affairs.  “Many universities, including UCA, offer their programs in English.  English immersion was a key element of the Summer Camp to help ensure the global competitiveness of Camp participants.”

Participants also received 24 hours of mathematics instruction, with a curriculum that allowed for different levels of ability and the opportunity to apply what they learned outside the classroom.  Participants who finished early were challenged with additional assignments formulated at a higher level of both math and English language. Extra math sessions were offered for students needing additional support.  Recreational activities integrated the application of mathematical concepts, such as calculations of force and which angle to hit the ball, during sports sessions.

Nigina Kholova from Dushanbe, Tajikistan enjoyed the multiple learning opportunities at the Camp; “It is important for me to learn English from native speakers, and it is great to learn in a different environment and practice with students from other countries.  We are not only improving our English and math, but are also preparing for university admissions, which is very helpful for my goal to pursue medical education.”

Kholova was one of many students who travelled to Kyrgyzstan for the first time for the UCA Summer Camp.  Her favorite activities were the English courses and evening programs.

“When we first arrived at camp, I found it difficult to always speak in English, but now I feel like my speech is getting better,” said Murod Qoimdodov from Dushanbe, Tajikistan. “I really liked the debate evening program as it made us think about different issues and helped us improve our critical thinking skills.”

Qoimdodov hopes to improve his English and math and continue his studies in Kazakhstan or the Mediterranean region.

The Summer Camp staff-student ratio of one to four provided unique opportunities for individualized and small group learning. Three to four students were often partnered with one counselor for discussion groups and other activities.

Many Summer Camp participants made strong connections with individuals of different nationalities. Two to four participants from different countries were housed in cottages, and all Camp activities were fully integrated, allowing for important exchanges.

Qoimdodov explained what he learnt from his new friends; “I have met many people from Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan and we have shared stories and our cultures. As we are all Central Asian, we have actually found there are more similarities than differences.”

The University of Central Asia (UCA) was founded in 2000. The Presidents of Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan and His Highness the Aga Khan signed the International Treaty and Charter establishing this secular and private University, which was ratified by the respective parliaments and registered with the United Nations. UCA was established to offer an internationally recognized standard of higher education in Central Asia and prepare graduates to contribute leadership, ideas and innovation to the economies and communities of the region.  UCA brings with it the commitment and partnership of the Aga Khan Development Network.