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Programs : Brochure

This page is the brochure for your selected program. You can view the provided information for this program on this page and click on the available buttons for additional options.
  • Locations: Belgrade, Serbia; Podgorica, Montenegro; Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina; Skopje, Macedonia; Sofia, Bulgaria; Tirana, Albania
  • Program Terms: Academic Year, Fall, Spring, Summer
  • Homepage: Click to visit
  • Program Sponsor: American Councils (ACTR) 
Fact Sheet:
Fact Sheet:
Click here for a definition of this term Language of Instruction: Albanian, Bosnian, Bulgarian, Macedonian, Serbian Click here for a definition of this term Class Status: 1-first year, 2-sophomore, 3-junior, 4-senior, 5-grad student, 6-other
Housing Options: Homestay Click here for a definition of this term Areas of Study: Culture, History, International Relations, Other Language & Literature, Politics, Serbo-Croatian
Program Type: Field Study, Study Abroad Minimum GPA: 2.7
Click here for a definition of this term Program: Direct
Program Description:

AC Study Abroad logo


Balkan Language Initiative (BLI)

Combining highly-individualized academic programming with structured overseas immersion, the Balkan Language Initiative (BLI) enables participants to make rapid gains in language proficiency and cultural knowledge while living and studying in Southeast Europe.

Program Features

Study the language and culture of one of six different Balkan countries. Languages offered include:

  • Albanian in Tirana, Albania
  • Bosnian in Sarajevo, Bosnia & Herzegovina
  • Bulgarian in Sofia, Bulgaria
  • Macedonian in Skopje, Macedonia
  • Serbian in Belgrade, Serbia and Podgorica, Montenegro


Available during Fall, Spring, Academic Year, and Summer (8 week) terms
 
15 – 18 hours per week of intensive coursework in the target language’s grammar, vocabulary, and phonetics. Advanced students may also study literature, history, politics, and regional studies in the target language
 
Participants earn 15-16 U.S. academic credits per semester (8-10 for summer) in the target language and regional studies through Bryn Mawr College
 
Housing with carefully-selected, experienced host families who provide two meals per day

Cultural activities & excursions provide participants with a deeper understanding of daily life, culture, and history in the host country
 
Comprehensive health, accident, and evacuation insurance for all participants abroad

Financial Aid

Financial aid from American Councils is available for BLI. Please visit www.studyabroad.americancouncils.org/financial-aid to learn more about available scholarships.

Eligibility Requirements

  • 2 semesters of the target language or a related language
  • Minimum 2.7 GPA
  • At least 18 years old by application deadline

Application Deadlines

Summer programs: February 15
Fall / Academic Year programs: March 15
Spring programs: October 15

Interested in learning more?

Complete program information, including an online application, is available on the BLI website at www.acstudyabroad.org/bli
 
Read what past program participants have to say about their BLI experience on our blog website. Check out our Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for pictures of participants on-program, study abroad articles, and more!

Questions?

Contact American Councils at outbound@americancouncils.org