The AUK Intensive English Program Receives Re-accreditation by CEA

The American University of Kuwait (AUK) announced that its Intensive English Program (IEP) has been granted unconditional re-accreditation for a period of ten (10) years by the U.S-based Commission on English Language Program Accreditation (CEA).

" This significant accomplishment is indicative of exceptional teamwork, a program capable of building upon its strengths and successes, and of the standards that the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) upholds in the delivery of education," said Dr Rawda Awwad, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at AUK. "My appreciation goes to the IEP faculty and staff, and former Directors of the IEP, Ms. Rebecca Loomis, Ms. Debra Hoffer, and the current Director Sandra Stein who participated in this process. My appreciation also goes to all University departments and units that supported this effort."

The Intensive English Program at AUK received its first CEA accreditation back in 2009 after a rigorous two-year examination process through which a team of international evaluators conducted an onsite review that included financial audits, student services assessment and a survey of all procedures. Based on the entire process and the teams' report to the CEA Accrediting Commission, IEP was granted international accreditation in August 2009. At that time, AUK was the second institution to achieve CEA accreditation for its Intensive English Program in the in the Middle East.

To receive re-accreditation, the University submitted to the Commission a letter of intent in April 2012 in order to pursue the distinguished designation. In November 2013, the IEP team submitted a self-study report to the CEA. All program materials were sent for review to internationally recognized subject specialists chosen by the CEA. Standards addressed included the mission, curriculum, faculty, length and structure of the program, program development, planning and review, facilities, administrative and fiscal facilities, student services, recruiting, student achievement and student complaints.

Based in Alexandria, Virginia, CEA was founded in 1999 by English language professionals as a specialized accrediting agency. Its purpose is to provide a means for improving the quality of English language teaching and administration through accepted standards. CEA conducts accreditation reviews in the U.S. and internationally.

CEA is recognized by the United States Department of Education, whose approval attests to the high quality of CEA as an accrediting agency. The recognition allows English language institutions in the United States to use CEA accreditation for purposes of certification to admit international students.

As part of the AUK College of Art and Sciences, the IEP is designed to support students who need to improve their English language skills to the level required to study at AUK. The Program enables students to gain sufficient mastery of the English language and successfully apply the critical thinking skills they need to excel as students both during and after their formal studies.


Dr. Rawda Awwad, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences