BISHKEK, May 14 – Yesterday in front of an overflowing crowd of proud families and friends, AUCA honored the 98 students who successfully completed the 2008 AUCA Preparatory Program. Many of these young scholars have traveled to Bishkek from such far away places as Iran, China, Korea, Afghanistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, to study at AUCA. Their strenuous efforts, to equip themselves with the knowledge and confidence to manage the rigorous academic requirements of one of the region’s most prestigious universities, have paid off and this ceremony recognizes this and celebrates their achievement.

Throughout the 2007-08 academic year, these students have taken intensive courses in English, math, study skills, computer literacy and TOEFL preparation. The Preparatory Program is designed to prepare tenth and eleventh grade students, and secondary school graduates to meet the admission requirements of AUCA.

AUCA President Ellen Hurwitz addressed the students explaining that they are at a critical transition point in their lives. They should take their time to reflect on what they have already accomplished and to carefully consider their choices and hopes for the future.

President Hurwitz went on to emphasize how the Preparatory Program had taught them to free their minds, how the skills of communication, language and the sciences will prepare them for university academic life and their exciting futures.

As well as their main studies Preparatory Program students acquired the life skills necessary to enter AUCA and fully benefit from university-level studies. They also gain the confidence and motivation to function effectively in both academic and professional environments.

Emil Elebaev, Chair of the Preparatory Program, told his students in an emotional speech, “You are just beginning the search for your future profession. Never stop climbing up toward your goals.” After his speech, all enjoyed a stirring song and dance revue performed by Preparatory Program graduates and teachers.

AUCA has now nearly 1,200 students from 23 countries, including all of the Central Asian states, Russia, Ukraine, Turkey, China, Korea, USA, Iran, Lebanon, Netherlands, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and the Baltic States. AUCA students receive unparalleled individual attention from a diverse and dedicated faculty with a student to teacher ratio of 10 to 1. There are 210 full and part-time international faculty members. Annually over 30% of AUCA graduates continue further education at prestigious institutions in the United States, Great Britain, Japan, France, Germany, Holland, Russia, China, Korea and the Czech Republic.