This one-credit embedded course in Uzbekistan offers an eight-day educational experience that introduces students to modern Uzbekistan before taking them back in time to explore the history, art, architecture, and culture of this unique civilization.
The program includes visits to Tashkent, the country’s capital, as well as key locations along the historical Silk Road, including the ancient cities of Khiva, Bukhara, and Samarkand. Students will explore the Kyzyl-Kum Desert and rural Uzbekistan with its cotton fields and participate in Navruz celebrations—the traditional Spring New Year festival of Central Asia. Students of Russian will have opportunities to use and improve their language skills while interacting with local residents and an English/Russian-speaking guide.
Please Note: Students must have their passport no later than December 20, 2025, and it must be valid for at least six months from the end of the travel period. Students will also be responsible for obtaining their own visa if a visa is required.
Program Dates: March 7–March 16, 2026. Students must depart the United States on March 6 as the official in-country program start date is March 7, 2026.
Pre-requisites/Eligibility: This program is open to students with second semester standing or higher taking any of the following courses in the spring 2026 semester:
- RUS 100
- RUS 2
- RUS 142
- RUS 200
- RUS 403
- RUS 420
- RUS/GER 143
- UKR 2
- UKR 100
- HIST 400
- HIST 434
- HIST 473
This program is open to students taking any of the following courses in the spring 2026 semester:
- RUS 100
- RUS 2
- RUS 142
- RUS 200
- RUS 403
- RUS 420
- RUS/GER 143
- UKR 2
- UKR 100
- HIST 400
- HIST 434
- HIST 473
Students who commit to the program will be manually enrolled in HIST/RUS 499, the 1-credit embedded travel course.
Students should review their academic term plans to determine any financial implications, especially if you plan to take over the maximum 19 credits in a semester. Students can anticipate actual charges using the University’s updated Tuition Calculator.
Program Fee: Maximum of $1,595
Airfare: Students will purchase their own roundtrip airfare with guidance from the faculty leaders (estimated to be $1,200-1,300). The group will travel together on the same flight, so students should not book their flights separately. More information will come from your faculty leaders.
In-Country Costs: Please consult with your faculty leader(s) about the amount of money to bring to cover the costs of meals and any additional spending money.
*NOTE: The Embedded Program Fee will be billed to participants’ Penn State Bursar accounts in January, and payment will be due January 22nd.
The Embedded Program Fee for this Program Includes: accommodations (double or triple room with breakfast included); in-country flight from Tashkent to Urgench; airport transfers in Uzbekistan; transportation and fees related to program activities in Uzbekistan; some meals; emergency and administrative support.
The Embedded Program Fee for this Program Does NOT Include: international airfare to/from Uzbekistan; most meals, spending money, course/credit tuition or fees, passport and visa fees.
To officially commit to the program, thoroughly read and submit the Official Financial Commitment Form by November 21, 2025.
Students must fill out this form in order to be registered for HIST/RUS 499, the 1-credit embedded travel course. Interested students with questions may email Dr. Irina Mikaelian at ixm12@psu.edu.
Note: If you are taking the required prerequisite course online or asynchronously, you must contact the faculty leader, Dr. Irina Mikaelian ixm12@psu.edu, for additional information before submitting the Official Financial Commitment Form to commit to the program.
There are several official avenues for embedded program funding within the University. The primary ways are through Liberal Arts Enrichment Funding and Penn State Global, but students can also explore funding opportunities through their academic department or Undergraduate Research and Fellowships Mentoring.
Get career ready!
Embedded programs help students to gain key skills that employers are most looking for in college graduates, according to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE). Below are 1-2 major competencies students can start to develop by participating in this program – just to start!
Critical Thinking
Immerse yourself in Uzbekistan’s culture and history to better understand the country’s contemporary political and economic situation by participating in special topic lectures and visiting key cultural sites.
Communication
Learn to communicate across cultures and languages by attending a social event where you will interact with peers from Uzbekistan.
Want to hear more? Meet with a Liberal Arts career coach in the Career Enrichment Network to discuss your experience and identify even more ways that this program can enhance your personal and professional development!
