One of the trickiest parts of studying abroad long-term is anticipating how well you can pursue one of your hobbies as easily as you can at home. My fellow SRAS student Ross, for instance, arrived in Bishkek ready to rock climb. The Central Asian Studies program affords students enough free time to explore what the […]

Thanks to a couple of local friends, I had the opportunity to check out an extreme sports place called On the Wake, which I don’t think I would have ended up finding otherwise. I was told by my friends that this was an indoor trampoline park, which was true, but there was also a lot […]

A former SRAS student in Bishkek took the time to compile a list of best places to go for services as diverse as getting a haircut, getting your nails done, and getting a massage. Some of the services listed are not those that a student would normally just splurge on, but I was intrigued by […]

On Saturday, November 9th, thanks to a few local friends, I had the opportunity to go to Issyk-Ata. This was right around the time when it was beginning to get fairly cold in Bishkek. Therefore, taking a trip out to a hot springs resort, roughly an hour from Bishkek, was a treat. In Kyrgyz, Issyk […]

Bishkek is located in a valley, which means you don’t have to travel too far outside of the city to find a decent place to hike. One quite easy but very scenic hike is Kashka Soo, located at a small suburb of the same name about an hour outside of Bishkek. It features a beautiful […]

Fighting jet lag, adjusting to new surroundings, and student life in general can be tiring. It’s important to take a break every now and then to get some TLC to keep your balance. Heading to a local spa for some self-care can be the perfect solution for an interesting cultural experience and some much-deserved relaxation! […]

If you love walking outside, and enjoy gardens, butterflies, birdwatching, or running, the E. Gareyev Botanical Garden is a must-see destination when traveling to Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. In my short time in Bishkek, I have spent many enjoyable early mornings and late afternoons strolling around this garden. Given its proximity to central Bishkek, a brief walk […]

While there is plenty to do in Bishkek, the main reason many people choose to study there is to experience the breathtaking landscape of Kyrgyzstan’s countryside. The SRAS program organizes hiking excursions to Ala-Archa and around Issyk-Kul, but there are also free weekends when you can hike independently to lesser-known areas. My friend Allie and […]