Program General Description
The American University of Kuwait is offering two graduate internship (Master's level) opportunities in Student Affairs/Student Services. The internship program is designed to provide graduate students and recent graduates the opportunity to gain essential experiences within professional areas of Student Affairs/Student Services, a deeper understanding of higher education administration, and to acquire specific skill sets which will help prepare them for a career in the profession. As the Student Affairs profession continues to grow in the Middle East and around the globe AUK is proud to offer this unique opportunity for young professionals to broaden their horizons on a personal, academic, and professional level. The first Student Affairs Graduate Interns at AUK participated in Summer 2009 (read the article) and the University is pleased to build off of the success of the program in each successive year.

The Graduate Student Summer Internship Program received the
2011 NASPA Best Practice Award for International Exchange Programs.

Placements & Duration
Placement possibilities exist in six different professional areas within Student Affairs/Student Services and include the following:

	Office of the Vice-President for Administrative & Student Affairs
	Office of Admissions
	Office of the Registrar
	Academic Advising Center
	Career Services & Wellness Center
	Office of Student Life

For specific information on the opportunities available in each department please refer to the Departmental Placement Overview: Duties/Responsibilities (Summer 2012). The selected graduate interns will work primarily with the area director/assistant director in their professional area but will also have the opportunity to work with other professional staff. Interns will be expected to work 40 hours a week between a primary placement (30hrs) and a secondary placement (10hrs) from the above five departments. Students may receive academic credit for the internship if agreed upon between the supervisor and the intern's college or university.

The internship is for a 6-8 week period starting early June, working through late July or early August depending on agreeable terms and scheduling needs (start and end dates may be flexible).

Participating Interns
Interns have the chance to experience a multinational educational environment where they interact with people from different backgrounds to enhance their academic experience and encourage them to become international citizens. 

Previous Interns Experiences
Previous interns are listed below. Please click on the video links to learn more about their experiences.

Summer 2011 Interns

Lamees Galal Ball State University     "Spending my summer in Kuwait at AUK was an experience of a lifetime. It was fascinating to see how the American system of Higher Education functions in the Middle East. Working in two different departments that I have not had previous experience in really broadened my view and knowledge of Student Affairs. Not only did I get an opportunity to explore and be immersed in the Kuwaiti culture, I also got a chance to visit neighboring countries."         Genevieve Sullivan Denver University     "When I heard about the internship at AUK, I thought it would be a perfect experience. This internship allows me to study abroad, learn about a culture other than my own, and learn how to work in several different areas at a University. I am thrilled to have been selected to participate in this unique opportunity."

Summer 2010 Interns

Allison Fox Michigan State University     (first position post-graduation: Senior Student Leadership and Development Coordinator, Zayed University - UAE)   more...     "My experience at AUK was invaluable from a learning and cultural standpoint, and incredible from a personal perspective. The dual office placement gave me an in-depth look at student affairs operations in different settings; in both roles I tackled challenging, compelling projects that were useful to the Division. I learned about the great distinctions and small nuances that make Arab culture unique, and was encouraged to ask questions and challenge assumptions. My experience in AUK's Division of Student Affairs was rewarding and interesting beyond my expectations."     In what ways did your experience with this internship impact your preparedness for your future professional employment? (Click on the link to watch the YouTube video)        Katie Mitchell The University of Northern Colorado     (position post-graduation: Assistant Director, Office of Admissions, Colorado State University)   more...     "This internship experience was incredible. I was fortunate to learn first-hand about the Arab culture through witnessing student development at a small, private, liberal arts, American university. The cultural experience alone was worth the trip, as was the opportunity to work with a great staff and students and help AUK with some projects to enhance the policies and procedures of the Division of Student Affairs."     In what ways did this internship give you a different perspective of students and the role of student affairs in Kuwait and Middle East? (Click on the link to watch the YouTube video)

Summer 2009 Interns

Kevin D'Arco Texas A&M University     (first position post-graduation: Student Development Coordinator, Carnegie Mellon University - Qatar)   more...     How did your experience at AUK complement your studies and your career? (Click on the link to watch the YouTube video)       Ashley Edwards Illinois State University     (first position post-graduation: Academic Advisor, Texas Christian University)   more...     How did your experience at AUK prepare you for working in the multi-disciplinary Student Affairs profession? (Click on the link to watch the YouTube video)

Summer 2011
	Arrival in Kuwait	June 2nd 2011
	Departure	July 30th 2011

Summer 2012
	Arrival in Kuwait	June 1st 2012
	Departure	July 28th 2012

Compensation
Compensation for each selected intern includes the following based upon an 8-week experience (prorated for durations less than 8 weeks).

• Living stipend
• Travel allowance
• Fully-furnished apartment (shared accommodation)

Interns are responsible for securing their own passport, making all travel arrangements, and securing all health and travel insurance, AUK will assist with securing a visa as required. For specific amounts please see the most current General Program Overview (Summer 2012) .

Eligibility

• Graduate students currently enrolled through the Spring term prior to the internship in a Graduate Program with a specialization in college student personnel, higher education, or related fields preferred. Interns must be in good academic standing and have completed at least one year of their graduate program at the start of the internship
• Strong interpersonal, written and oral communication skills required.
• Possess administrative, organizational, multi-tasking skills, and can work in a fast paced environment.
• International travel or experience preferred; interest in Middle Eastern culture or Arabic language is given a higher priority, but not required.

Selection Process
Review of applications & the overall selection process will continue according to the following timeline:

Please note that the selection process for Summer 2012 is complete.

Updated application and selection process information for Summer 2013 will be posted in early October 2012, please refer back to the website at that time.

For additional information please contact Tadd Kruse, Assistant to the President for Institutional Planning & Effectiveness at tkruse@auk.edu.kw.