News
07, May 2018
AUK-Dartmouth Internship Program Receives 2018 NASPA Best Practices Award
AUK - Dartmouth College Student Internship Program received a 2018 Best Practices in International Education Award from the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA) International Education Knowledge Community (IEKC) during the NASPA Annual Conference in Pennsylvania, USA.
Since 2005, the AUK-Dartmouth internship program has offered over 70 students from both institutions the opportunity to gain valuable overseas experience in an up to ten-week non-academic credit program at the partner institution. The program is designed to assist both American and Kuwait-based students with personal and professional growth opportunities through on-campus placements in academic and administrative units. Past interns have returned to the Middle East and the US respectively as Fulbright Scholars or on other academic programs, and some have returned post-graduation to work as faculty or staff at their respective alma maters, including five former interns currently employed at AUK.
Accepting the award on behalf of their respective universities were Tadd Kruse, AUK Assistant to the President for Institutional Planning and Effectiveness and Dale F. Eickelman, Ralph and Richard Lazarus Professor of Anthropology and Human Relations Emeritus; Relationship Coordinator for the American University of Kuwait-Dartmouth College Program.
Tadd Kruse, who coordinates the program at AUK, commented that it "offers experiential learning for both American and Kuwait-based students, enhancing their cultural awareness and professional skills and building personal bridges between the two university communities." His Dartmouth counterpart, Dale F. Eickelman, stated that "Our reciprocal undergraduate intern program enables participants to overcome often media-inspired preconceptions about the two host countries and gain awareness of what a Liberal Arts education means in significantly different settings."
The NASPA selection committee unanimously endorsed the AUK-Dartmouth Student Internship Program as a best practice that could inspire similar work among other institutions. Dr. Ken J. Guan, Chair of the NASPA IEKC Best Practice in International Education Awards Committee stated, "We, as the selection committee, believed that the American University of Kuwait and Dartmouth College's Student Internship Program deserves public recognition for its longevity, fidelity, and impact, especially for its effort in dealing with the challenges of rapidly shifting educational, economic and political issues in the Middle East and the United States over the past decade."
Other institutions receiving 2018 Best Practice Awards included Michigan State University, Old Dominion University, University of Hawaii at Manoa, and Federation University in Australia. AUK President, Dr. Earl (Tim) Sullivan offered his congratulations and support, "The American University of Kuwait is pleased to receive this award for the American University of Kuwait - Dartmouth College Student Internship Program. This program has benefited students from both institutions, and it is our hope that similar partnerships can be initiated with other universities. I would also like to congratulate all universities whose programs have been recognized with the Best Practices Award."
The program currently has AUK hosting two interns from Dartmouth College during the spring 2018 semester, and will be hosting two more starting in September. Additionally, AUK will be sending several students to Dartmouth College over the summer to intern in the Office of Communications and the Tuck School of Business.
In the ten years that the NASPA IEKC has been recognizing best practices in international education, AUK has now been recognized twice. AUK's Student Affairs Graduate Student Summer Internship Program previously received the NASPA IEKC 2011 Best Practice Award for International Exchange Programs. Both accolades signify AUK's ongoing success and commitment to supporting its students' personal and academic growth.
For more information on the award, visit the NASPA IEKC website:
https://www.naspa.org/constituent-groups/posts/2018-iekc-best-practices-award-winners
For further details on the American University of Kuwait (AUK) - Dartmouth College Student Internship Program visit each institutions' website:
http://www.auk.edu.kw/academics/ip_dartmouth_auk_main.jsp
http://www.dartmouth.edu/~aukproject/
Since 2005, the AUK-Dartmouth internship program has offered over 70 students from both institutions the opportunity to gain valuable overseas experience in an up to ten-week non-academic credit program at the partner institution. The program is designed to assist both American and Kuwait-based students with personal and professional growth opportunities through on-campus placements in academic and administrative units. Past interns have returned to the Middle East and the US respectively as Fulbright Scholars or on other academic programs, and some have returned post-graduation to work as faculty or staff at their respective alma maters, including five former interns currently employed at AUK.
Accepting the award on behalf of their respective universities were Tadd Kruse, AUK Assistant to the President for Institutional Planning and Effectiveness and Dale F. Eickelman, Ralph and Richard Lazarus Professor of Anthropology and Human Relations Emeritus; Relationship Coordinator for the American University of Kuwait-Dartmouth College Program.
Tadd Kruse, who coordinates the program at AUK, commented that it "offers experiential learning for both American and Kuwait-based students, enhancing their cultural awareness and professional skills and building personal bridges between the two university communities." His Dartmouth counterpart, Dale F. Eickelman, stated that "Our reciprocal undergraduate intern program enables participants to overcome often media-inspired preconceptions about the two host countries and gain awareness of what a Liberal Arts education means in significantly different settings."
The NASPA selection committee unanimously endorsed the AUK-Dartmouth Student Internship Program as a best practice that could inspire similar work among other institutions. Dr. Ken J. Guan, Chair of the NASPA IEKC Best Practice in International Education Awards Committee stated, "We, as the selection committee, believed that the American University of Kuwait and Dartmouth College's Student Internship Program deserves public recognition for its longevity, fidelity, and impact, especially for its effort in dealing with the challenges of rapidly shifting educational, economic and political issues in the Middle East and the United States over the past decade."
Other institutions receiving 2018 Best Practice Awards included Michigan State University, Old Dominion University, University of Hawaii at Manoa, and Federation University in Australia. AUK President, Dr. Earl (Tim) Sullivan offered his congratulations and support, "The American University of Kuwait is pleased to receive this award for the American University of Kuwait - Dartmouth College Student Internship Program. This program has benefited students from both institutions, and it is our hope that similar partnerships can be initiated with other universities. I would also like to congratulate all universities whose programs have been recognized with the Best Practices Award."
The program currently has AUK hosting two interns from Dartmouth College during the spring 2018 semester, and will be hosting two more starting in September. Additionally, AUK will be sending several students to Dartmouth College over the summer to intern in the Office of Communications and the Tuck School of Business.
In the ten years that the NASPA IEKC has been recognizing best practices in international education, AUK has now been recognized twice. AUK's Student Affairs Graduate Student Summer Internship Program previously received the NASPA IEKC 2011 Best Practice Award for International Exchange Programs. Both accolades signify AUK's ongoing success and commitment to supporting its students' personal and academic growth.
For more information on the award, visit the NASPA IEKC website:
https://www.naspa.org/constituent-groups/posts/2018-iekc-best-practices-award-winners
For further details on the American University of Kuwait (AUK) - Dartmouth College Student Internship Program visit each institutions' website:
http://www.auk.edu.kw/academics/ip_dartmouth_auk_main.jsp
http://www.dartmouth.edu/~aukproject/
Mr. Tadd Kruse (AUK) and Dr. Dale Eickelman (Dartmouth) receiving the 2018 Best Practices Award at the 2018 Annual NASPA Conference.
30, Apr 2018
AUK and Sciences Po Establish Student Exchange Program
AUK and Sciences Po in France have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to establish cultural and scholarly interactions between their students. Sciences Po is a leading international university in the fields of humanities and social sciences.
Dr. Vanessa Scherrer, Vice President for International Affairs at Sciences Po acclaimed the partnership, saying, "Sciences Po is thrilled to renew the student exchange agreement with the American University of Kuwait, which contributes highly to our thriving network in the region. A long lasting partner of the Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences (KFAS) and a member of the recommended institutions abroad by Kuwait's Ministry of Higher Education, Sciences Po is committed to further build the bridge of shared knowledge and higher education between Salmiya and Paris."
The MOU establishes an exchange program between the two institutions whereby a student each year may enroll as an undergraduate in the other institution for up to two semesters.
This program enables students to join classes and language courses to earn credits in their home institutions, in addition to experience a different culture and approach of study. The MOU was signed by AUK President, Tim Sullivan and Sciences Po President, Frederic Mion for a length of three years.
AUK President Earl (Tim) Sullivan praised the exchange program as a valuable experience in which students can grow personally and professionally. "Expanding our student exchange programs has been one of our goals in the past years. It comes as part of our commitment to producing global citizens who are culturally competent and capable of seeing the opportunities behind every world challenge. We are delighted to enter into an agreement with Sciences Po, and we look forward to a mutually beneficial relationship between the two institutions."
About Sciences Po
Established in 1872 as the École Libre des Sciences Politiques, Sciences Po is generally considered one of the world's most reputable and prestigious schools of social sciences. Sciences Po covers political science as well as economics, history, sociology, law, finance, business, communication, social and urban policy, management and journalism.
Dr. Vanessa Scherrer, Vice President for International Affairs at Sciences Po acclaimed the partnership, saying, "Sciences Po is thrilled to renew the student exchange agreement with the American University of Kuwait, which contributes highly to our thriving network in the region. A long lasting partner of the Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences (KFAS) and a member of the recommended institutions abroad by Kuwait's Ministry of Higher Education, Sciences Po is committed to further build the bridge of shared knowledge and higher education between Salmiya and Paris."
The MOU establishes an exchange program between the two institutions whereby a student each year may enroll as an undergraduate in the other institution for up to two semesters.
This program enables students to join classes and language courses to earn credits in their home institutions, in addition to experience a different culture and approach of study. The MOU was signed by AUK President, Tim Sullivan and Sciences Po President, Frederic Mion for a length of three years.
AUK President Earl (Tim) Sullivan praised the exchange program as a valuable experience in which students can grow personally and professionally. "Expanding our student exchange programs has been one of our goals in the past years. It comes as part of our commitment to producing global citizens who are culturally competent and capable of seeing the opportunities behind every world challenge. We are delighted to enter into an agreement with Sciences Po, and we look forward to a mutually beneficial relationship between the two institutions."
About Sciences Po
Established in 1872 as the École Libre des Sciences Politiques, Sciences Po is generally considered one of the world's most reputable and prestigious schools of social sciences. Sciences Po covers political science as well as economics, history, sociology, law, finance, business, communication, social and urban policy, management and journalism.
Left to Right: Morgan Packer, Kuwait Program Manager ; Dr. Tim Sullivan, AUK President ; and Laurence Souloumiac, Head of Center for Asia, Pacific, Africa and the Middle East, International Affairs Division
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29, Apr 2018
AlMultaqa Prize for Arabic Short Story Receives 197 Submissions from 19 Countries
Al-Multaqa Prize Competition announced that it has received 197 short story collections for its third cycle. The Prize was launched in December 2015 by the American University of Kuwait (AUK), in partnership with the Cultural Circle's Founder and Manager, Mr. Taleb Al-Rifae. As per the competition’s rules, submitted collections must be published between the 1st of January, 2017 and the 31st of March, 2018; and the received submissions are as follows:
| Candidate Category | Number of Applicants |
| Authors | 170 |
| Publishing Houses | 27 |
| Total | 197 |
| Gender | Number of Applicants |
| Female | 62 |
| Male | 135 |
| Participating Nationalities (20 Countries) |
Number of Applicants |
| Egypt | 79 |
| Iraq | 17 |
| Jordan | 10 |
| Morocco | 14 |
| Syria | 17 |
| Algeria | 8 |
| Saudi Arabia | 7 |
| Palestine | 3 |
| Yemen | 5 |
| Sudan | 7 |
| Tunisia | 7 |
| Bahrain | 1 |
| Oman | 5 |
| Lebanon | 3 |
| Kuwait | 5 |
| Libya | 3 |
| Iraqi-Danish | 1 |
| Sudanese-British | 1 |
| United Kingdom | 1 |
| UAE | 3 |
| Total | 197 |
The competition Board of Trustees and Advisory Board also announced the following names as the jurors for the 2017-2018 cycle:
- Dr. Suad Al-Anezi / Kuwait- Head of Jury Committee
- Dr. Abdeldaem Al-Salami / Tunis - Jury Member
- Mr. Amir Taj Al-Sur / Sudan - Jury Member
- Dr. Najem Abdullah Kathem / Iraq- Jury Member
- Mr. Mohammed Al-Abbas / Saudi Arabia - Jury Member
In support of the regional literary culture, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates have collaborated for the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair event where members of the AlMultaqa jury are to present a lecture entitled, Literary Awards and Creativity on the 25th of April, 2018.
Members of the jury will announce the first shortlisted authors for the prize which consist of 10 short story collections in the beginning of October, 2018; while the second shortlist will be announced in the beginning of November with 5 short story collections. The competition winner will be announced in December, 2018 during a ceremony organized by AUK where the winner will receive the cash prize of $20,000, in addition to a certificate of appreciation, and the translation of the winning short story collection to English.
- Dr. Suad Al-Anezi / Kuwait- Head of Jury Committee
- Dr. Abdeldaem Al-Salami / Tunis - Jury Member
- Mr. Amir Taj Al-Sur / Sudan - Jury Member
- Dr. Najem Abdullah Kathem / Iraq- Jury Member
- Mr. Mohammed Al-Abbas / Saudi Arabia - Jury Member
In support of the regional literary culture, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates have collaborated for the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair event where members of the AlMultaqa jury are to present a lecture entitled, Literary Awards and Creativity on the 25th of April, 2018.
Members of the jury will announce the first shortlisted authors for the prize which consist of 10 short story collections in the beginning of October, 2018; while the second shortlist will be announced in the beginning of November with 5 short story collections. The competition winner will be announced in December, 2018 during a ceremony organized by AUK where the winner will receive the cash prize of $20,000, in addition to a certificate of appreciation, and the translation of the winning short story collection to English.
29, Apr 2018
AUK Hosts 14th Annual Career Fair
AUK held its 14th annual Career Fair where each year employers from leading companies across Kuwait visit campus to discuss future employment opportunities with AUK students. This initiative is part of AUK's commitment to providing its students with opportunities to meet face-to-face with future employers to explore possible career options. During the fair, students spoke with different professionals and were offered advice on how to apply for jobs. "It's nice to be able to walk up to any booth and have a face-to-face interaction with company representatives, an experience that you can't always get over e-mail," said one student attending the fair.
The Career Fair was organized by AUK's Alumni Affairs and Career Development Department and took place in the AUK auditorium where 23 local and multinational companies in Kuwait met and spoke with AUK students about possible career paths they could pursue. The Career Fair was open to AUK students and graduates, offering a wide spectrum of full-time employment and internship opportunities. This year's event was sponsored by the National Bank of Kuwait and Kuwait Finance House (Platinum Sponsors); and KAMCO Investment Company, Nestle, and Lufthansa German Airlines (Gold Sponsors).
AUK President, Dr. Earl (Tim) Sullivan, inaugurated the Fair with the traditional ribbon cutting ceremony and a tour of the fair during which he discussed with the participating organizations their job offerings and required student qualifications.
Dr. Sullivan emphasized the importance of the Annual Career Fair as a venue for students to interact with potential employers and explore skills, personality traits, and academic qualifications that employers look for. Dr. Sullivan assured the present companies that they would "find the best and the brightest job candidates in Kuwait at AUK."
The Platinum Sponsors of the event agreed with Dr. Sullivan's characterization of AUK students. The recruiter for National Bank of Kuwait spoke very highly of AUK, saying, "On average, we will get 70-100 CVs from a career fair. At AUK, we know that regardless of the applicant's major, they will be high quality candidates. AUK offers the rigorous education and extracurricular activities necessary to help students succeed at a place like NBK." Kuwait Finance House similarly praised AUK students, "I have seen the output of AUK students who work for us, and that is what keeps us coming back. Few other universities can compare to AUK."
Dr. Sullivan also expressed that members of the Office of Alumni Affairs and Career Development are available around the year to advise AUK students. "Students can visit the center anytime and ask questions about opportunities available and how to prepare to apply for jobs. A lot of young people do not know how to prepare for a job application or interview. Our counselors there are available to give guidance and assistance to those students," he explained.
Assistant Director of Alumni Affairs Abir Tannir, one of the primary coordinators of this year's fair, expressed confidence in the efficacy of the Career Fair, "Our 14th Annual Career Fair covered most of the majors offered by AUK. Exhibitors were spread on a wide spectrum including our platinum sponsors NBK and KFH, along with various companies in retail, finance and auditing, communications and media, training and education, information technology, trade and tourism, energy, aviation and much more. It is always inspiring to see AUK Alumni representing their companies at the fair and meeting current and graduating students as well as their fellow alumni."
The Career Fair was organized by AUK's Alumni Affairs and Career Development Department and took place in the AUK auditorium where 23 local and multinational companies in Kuwait met and spoke with AUK students about possible career paths they could pursue. The Career Fair was open to AUK students and graduates, offering a wide spectrum of full-time employment and internship opportunities. This year's event was sponsored by the National Bank of Kuwait and Kuwait Finance House (Platinum Sponsors); and KAMCO Investment Company, Nestle, and Lufthansa German Airlines (Gold Sponsors).
AUK President, Dr. Earl (Tim) Sullivan, inaugurated the Fair with the traditional ribbon cutting ceremony and a tour of the fair during which he discussed with the participating organizations their job offerings and required student qualifications.
Dr. Sullivan emphasized the importance of the Annual Career Fair as a venue for students to interact with potential employers and explore skills, personality traits, and academic qualifications that employers look for. Dr. Sullivan assured the present companies that they would "find the best and the brightest job candidates in Kuwait at AUK."
The Platinum Sponsors of the event agreed with Dr. Sullivan's characterization of AUK students. The recruiter for National Bank of Kuwait spoke very highly of AUK, saying, "On average, we will get 70-100 CVs from a career fair. At AUK, we know that regardless of the applicant's major, they will be high quality candidates. AUK offers the rigorous education and extracurricular activities necessary to help students succeed at a place like NBK." Kuwait Finance House similarly praised AUK students, "I have seen the output of AUK students who work for us, and that is what keeps us coming back. Few other universities can compare to AUK."
Dr. Sullivan also expressed that members of the Office of Alumni Affairs and Career Development are available around the year to advise AUK students. "Students can visit the center anytime and ask questions about opportunities available and how to prepare to apply for jobs. A lot of young people do not know how to prepare for a job application or interview. Our counselors there are available to give guidance and assistance to those students," he explained.
Assistant Director of Alumni Affairs Abir Tannir, one of the primary coordinators of this year's fair, expressed confidence in the efficacy of the Career Fair, "Our 14th Annual Career Fair covered most of the majors offered by AUK. Exhibitors were spread on a wide spectrum including our platinum sponsors NBK and KFH, along with various companies in retail, finance and auditing, communications and media, training and education, information technology, trade and tourism, energy, aviation and much more. It is always inspiring to see AUK Alumni representing their companies at the fair and meeting current and graduating students as well as their fellow alumni."
| Career Fair 2018 Confirmed Participants List | |
| Sponsorship | Company |
| Platinum Sponsor | Kuwait Finance House |
| National Bank of Kuwait | |
| Gold Sponsor | KAMCO Investment |
| Nestle | |
| Lufthansa German Airlines | |
| Silver Sponsor | ACICO Group |
| Ali Abdulwahab Al-Mutawa Commercial Co. | |
| ABC of Kuwait | |
| Al Ahli Bank of Kuwait | |
| General Participants | Alhamra Economic Consulting |
| AZN O&M | |
| Bank of Bahrain and Kuwait | |
| Center for Continuing Education | |
| LOYAC | |
| Ghaliah | |
| American University of Kuwait | |
| KPMG Safi Al-Mutawa & Partners | |
| Al Sawan Company | |
| RSM Al Bazie | |
| Ernst & Young | |
| M. H. Alshaya | |
| Diya Uniter Company | |
| Alghanim Industries | |
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29, Apr 2018
Dartmouth and AUK Extend Memorandum of Understanding for 5 More Years
Dartmouth College and the American University of Kuwait (AUK) renewed their institutional cooperative agreement that promises to build on the success of a 15-year relationship.
The Memorandum of Understanding was signed by AUK founder and Chair of the Board of Trustees, Sheikha Dana Nasser Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, and Dartmouth College President Phil Hanlon '77 during a ceremony at Dartmouth attended by Amal Al Binali, AUK Vice President for Admissions and Public Affairs; Dr. Aseel Al-Awadhi, Director of the Kuwait Cultural Office in Washington D.C.; and Dr. Dale Eickelman, Ralph and Richard Lazarus Professor of Anthropology and Human Relations and Relationship Coordinator/Director of the Dartmouth-AUK Program.
Chair of the AUK Board of Trustees Sheikha Dana Nasser Al-Sabah commented, "We are really proud to be associated with Dartmouth and honored to have your commitment to our growing liberal arts university halfway across the globe. Our biggest challenge is to lead and not to follow as we adapt to the inevitable changes in our societies. In the 15-year partnership between the two institutions, Dartmouth has provided advice on curriculum planning, faculty hiring, and research collaboration. We look forward to continuing our cooperation with Dartmouth, a partner in our evolution and in our ongoing efforts to establish a liberal arts culture in Kuwait's higher education. Dartmouth has educated us and has educated our community in the meaning of liberal arts. I want to extend my special thanks to Dale Eickelman for his 15 years of collaboration in developing the partnership. His insight into our reciprocal complex cultures has been instrumental in creating a common ground on which we've shared our liberal arts vision and built our relationship."
Under the terms of the agreement, first signed in 2003, Dartmouth and AUK collaborate on numerous programs, including mutually beneficial faculty and student exchanges. Dartmouth experts in engineering, information technology, library sciences, communications, the arts and sciences, university governance, and other fields regularly visit Kuwait and vice versa. Dartmouth also provides a wide range of administrative and academic consulting services to AUK.
"We recognize that the young people at our institutions-the world's future leaders-face unprecedented challenges and unlimited opportunities. The liberal arts training they receive at Dartmouth and at AUK will prepare them to meet those challenges and boldly pursue those opportunities as they work to advance knowledge for the betterment of humankind," said Dartmouth President Phil Hanlon.
As part of their ongoing collaboration, the two institutions are now developing an exchange program in which students can gain academic credit. This will exist alongside the internship exchange program where students gain experience in interning at the other institution's academic and administrative units.
For her part, Dr. Aseel Al-Awadhi affirmed that this agreement between Dartmouth and AUK "is a great successful example for the bilateral relationship between Kuwait and the U.S. in higher education. This relationship enhances AUK's vision to provide high quality of education to produce future leaders and innovators for the Kuwaiti society."
This renewal marks the fourth agreement signed by the two universities during the course of their 15-year relationship.
Founded in 1769, Dartmouth is a member of the Ivy League and consistently ranks among the world's greatest academic institutions. Dartmouth has forged a singular identity for combining its deep commitment to outstanding undergraduate liberal arts and graduate education with distinguished research and scholarship in the Arts & Sciences and its three leading professional graduate schools-the Geisel School of Medicine, Thayer School of Engineering, and the Tuck School of Business.
The Memorandum of Understanding was signed by AUK founder and Chair of the Board of Trustees, Sheikha Dana Nasser Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, and Dartmouth College President Phil Hanlon '77 during a ceremony at Dartmouth attended by Amal Al Binali, AUK Vice President for Admissions and Public Affairs; Dr. Aseel Al-Awadhi, Director of the Kuwait Cultural Office in Washington D.C.; and Dr. Dale Eickelman, Ralph and Richard Lazarus Professor of Anthropology and Human Relations and Relationship Coordinator/Director of the Dartmouth-AUK Program.
Chair of the AUK Board of Trustees Sheikha Dana Nasser Al-Sabah commented, "We are really proud to be associated with Dartmouth and honored to have your commitment to our growing liberal arts university halfway across the globe. Our biggest challenge is to lead and not to follow as we adapt to the inevitable changes in our societies. In the 15-year partnership between the two institutions, Dartmouth has provided advice on curriculum planning, faculty hiring, and research collaboration. We look forward to continuing our cooperation with Dartmouth, a partner in our evolution and in our ongoing efforts to establish a liberal arts culture in Kuwait's higher education. Dartmouth has educated us and has educated our community in the meaning of liberal arts. I want to extend my special thanks to Dale Eickelman for his 15 years of collaboration in developing the partnership. His insight into our reciprocal complex cultures has been instrumental in creating a common ground on which we've shared our liberal arts vision and built our relationship."
Under the terms of the agreement, first signed in 2003, Dartmouth and AUK collaborate on numerous programs, including mutually beneficial faculty and student exchanges. Dartmouth experts in engineering, information technology, library sciences, communications, the arts and sciences, university governance, and other fields regularly visit Kuwait and vice versa. Dartmouth also provides a wide range of administrative and academic consulting services to AUK.
"We recognize that the young people at our institutions-the world's future leaders-face unprecedented challenges and unlimited opportunities. The liberal arts training they receive at Dartmouth and at AUK will prepare them to meet those challenges and boldly pursue those opportunities as they work to advance knowledge for the betterment of humankind," said Dartmouth President Phil Hanlon.
As part of their ongoing collaboration, the two institutions are now developing an exchange program in which students can gain academic credit. This will exist alongside the internship exchange program where students gain experience in interning at the other institution's academic and administrative units.
For her part, Dr. Aseel Al-Awadhi affirmed that this agreement between Dartmouth and AUK "is a great successful example for the bilateral relationship between Kuwait and the U.S. in higher education. This relationship enhances AUK's vision to provide high quality of education to produce future leaders and innovators for the Kuwaiti society."
This renewal marks the fourth agreement signed by the two universities during the course of their 15-year relationship.
Founded in 1769, Dartmouth is a member of the Ivy League and consistently ranks among the world's greatest academic institutions. Dartmouth has forged a singular identity for combining its deep commitment to outstanding undergraduate liberal arts and graduate education with distinguished research and scholarship in the Arts & Sciences and its three leading professional graduate schools-the Geisel School of Medicine, Thayer School of Engineering, and the Tuck School of Business.
Back Row, left to right:
Amal Al-Binali, Vice President for Admissions and Public Affairs at AUK; Dr. Aseel Al-Awadhi, Cultural Counselor and Director of the Kuwait Cultural Office at the Kuwait Embassy, Washington DC; Dale F. Eickelman '64, Lazarus Professor of Anthropology Emeritus and Relationship Coordinator, Dartmouth College-American University of Kuwait Program, Dartmouth College.
Front Row, left to right:
Sheikha Dana Nasser Sabah Al Ahmed Al Sabah, founder and chair of the board of trustees of AUK; Philip Hanlon '77, President, Dartmouth College
Photo courtesy of Eli Burakian, Dartmouth '00
Amal Al-Binali, Vice President for Admissions and Public Affairs at AUK; Dr. Aseel Al-Awadhi, Cultural Counselor and Director of the Kuwait Cultural Office at the Kuwait Embassy, Washington DC; Dale F. Eickelman '64, Lazarus Professor of Anthropology Emeritus and Relationship Coordinator, Dartmouth College-American University of Kuwait Program, Dartmouth College.
Front Row, left to right:
Sheikha Dana Nasser Sabah Al Ahmed Al Sabah, founder and chair of the board of trustees of AUK; Philip Hanlon '77, President, Dartmouth College
Photo courtesy of Eli Burakian, Dartmouth '00
26, Apr 2018
AUK's Center for Gulf Studies Hosts Lecture on the Philippine-GCC Migration Corridor
The Center for Gulf Studies at AUK hosted Froilan T. Malit Jr., who delivered a lecture called, "The Philippine-GCC Migration Corridor: A New Era of Labor Migration Diplomacy".
Malit is a Research Fellow at the Institute for Social and Economic Research at Zayed University, Dubai. His lecture focused on the question "Why do countries enact policies that are detrimental to all parties-countries and workers?" This lecture followed the recent tragic death of a Filipina domestic worker in Kuwait which prompted the Philippines to ban its citizens from migrating to Kuwait for domestic work.
Malit began the lecture by outlining the four main points he wanted to make-international diplomatic cooperation and accountability are key in governing temporary labor migration; most labor-sending nations are bound to fail in securing labor rights and protections for their laborers; countries sending labor forces are defined by their economic interests (remittances) as it reflects on their approach to foreign policy; and strong political action to address domestic unemployment can be an important tool to reduce migration tension. These points, which Malit offered as the most important information to take away from the lecture, were then rigorously defended throughout the rest of the lecture.
One particularly interesting aspect of his talk was his discussion of global migration trends. In the past twenty-seven years, over 250 million workers have migrated to find work abroad. Because of the GCC's lower labor standards and looser policies-compared to developed countries-the GCC countries are attractive to lower skilled workers. Kuwait has the third highest foreign labor share in the Gulf, with 3.8 million foreign laborers, constituting 69% of the labor force. Malit warned that these numbers are quite daunting to officials, as they present a regulatory and logistical issue. However, these numbers also present a reality that migrant labor is becoming an important facet of the developing economies that are sending laborers. Last year, migrant laborers contributed $450 billion in remittances, and this year that number is expected to grow to $600 billion, $100 billion of which come from GCC countries.
To answer the original question he had posed, Malit offered the answer, "Both skilled and unskilled markets matter. While unskilled workers face many workplace risks, skilled labor is still protected. The Philippines wants to keep skilled labor exports and the remittances they bring, and thus the Philippines will keep sending workers despite risks."
Froilan Malit Jr. is a migration researcher and an Associate at Gulf Labour Markets and Migration Programme (GLMM). He has extensively worked as a technical consultant on labor migration policy issues for the ILO, UN-IOM, UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization, Abu Dhabi Dialogue Permanent Office, and the Philippine government. He has published peer review articles, book chapters, technical and policy reports on labor migration topics in the Middle East and North Africa. He holds both undergraduate and graduate degrees from Cornell University and the University of Oxford and a migration certificate from the European University Institute.
Malit is a Research Fellow at the Institute for Social and Economic Research at Zayed University, Dubai. His lecture focused on the question "Why do countries enact policies that are detrimental to all parties-countries and workers?" This lecture followed the recent tragic death of a Filipina domestic worker in Kuwait which prompted the Philippines to ban its citizens from migrating to Kuwait for domestic work.
Malit began the lecture by outlining the four main points he wanted to make-international diplomatic cooperation and accountability are key in governing temporary labor migration; most labor-sending nations are bound to fail in securing labor rights and protections for their laborers; countries sending labor forces are defined by their economic interests (remittances) as it reflects on their approach to foreign policy; and strong political action to address domestic unemployment can be an important tool to reduce migration tension. These points, which Malit offered as the most important information to take away from the lecture, were then rigorously defended throughout the rest of the lecture.
One particularly interesting aspect of his talk was his discussion of global migration trends. In the past twenty-seven years, over 250 million workers have migrated to find work abroad. Because of the GCC's lower labor standards and looser policies-compared to developed countries-the GCC countries are attractive to lower skilled workers. Kuwait has the third highest foreign labor share in the Gulf, with 3.8 million foreign laborers, constituting 69% of the labor force. Malit warned that these numbers are quite daunting to officials, as they present a regulatory and logistical issue. However, these numbers also present a reality that migrant labor is becoming an important facet of the developing economies that are sending laborers. Last year, migrant laborers contributed $450 billion in remittances, and this year that number is expected to grow to $600 billion, $100 billion of which come from GCC countries.
To answer the original question he had posed, Malit offered the answer, "Both skilled and unskilled markets matter. While unskilled workers face many workplace risks, skilled labor is still protected. The Philippines wants to keep skilled labor exports and the remittances they bring, and thus the Philippines will keep sending workers despite risks."
Froilan Malit Jr. is a migration researcher and an Associate at Gulf Labour Markets and Migration Programme (GLMM). He has extensively worked as a technical consultant on labor migration policy issues for the ILO, UN-IOM, UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization, Abu Dhabi Dialogue Permanent Office, and the Philippine government. He has published peer review articles, book chapters, technical and policy reports on labor migration topics in the Middle East and North Africa. He holds both undergraduate and graduate degrees from Cornell University and the University of Oxford and a migration certificate from the European University Institute.
Froilan T Malit Jr. during his talk
(Left to Right) CGS Program Coordinator Mohammad Al-Awadi, Speaker Froilan T Malit Jr., CGS Acting Director Dr. Shareefa Al-Adwani
Speaker discussing the lecture with audience members
08, Apr 2018
AUK Library Organizes Field Trip to National Library of Kuwait
Members of the AUK community-consisting of students, faculty and staff-visited the National Library of Kuwait (NLK) where they were well-received by the staff at NLK who provided a guided tour of the various halls and departments at the library. The first stop was at the children's area, which the library created in order to encourage children to be further engaged with the educational space. A group from a local high school surprised the AUK students with a creative and original performance about the social costs and individual dangers of drug use. The AUK students enjoyed the performance, and its anti-drug message resonated with them deeply.
The group then visited the Kuwaitna Hall which holds the Kuwaiti collections as well as other archives and rare books-some written in English, others in Arabic-about the history of the Arabian Peninsula and the Middle East. The beautifully designed space had an elegant wooden ship as its centerpiece. Another stop was at the personal collections hall where more than fifteen personal libraries were donated by prominent Kuwaiti figures: Dr. Suad Al-Sabah, the poets Ahmad Al-Saqqaf and Ahmad Al-Adwani, Shaikh Abdullah Al-Nouri, and many others. Students visited the digital lab, where they could see how books are digitized for the purpose of preservation and online accessibility.
AUK students expressed their gratitude to NLK and the University for organizing the educational and fun field trip. One student, Chloe Ramey, said of the trip, "From Pre-Kuwait British archives to newspaper publications during the Gulf War, being surrounded in historical literature was the highlight of the Kuwait National Library field trip. While I was having the opportunity to see rare personal library collections, I could only imagine who was the last person to read these books, what annotations where left in between the pages? These books are truly gems received by the library and they are here for us to learn and share for generations to come."
The group then visited the Kuwaitna Hall which holds the Kuwaiti collections as well as other archives and rare books-some written in English, others in Arabic-about the history of the Arabian Peninsula and the Middle East. The beautifully designed space had an elegant wooden ship as its centerpiece. Another stop was at the personal collections hall where more than fifteen personal libraries were donated by prominent Kuwaiti figures: Dr. Suad Al-Sabah, the poets Ahmad Al-Saqqaf and Ahmad Al-Adwani, Shaikh Abdullah Al-Nouri, and many others. Students visited the digital lab, where they could see how books are digitized for the purpose of preservation and online accessibility.
AUK students expressed their gratitude to NLK and the University for organizing the educational and fun field trip. One student, Chloe Ramey, said of the trip, "From Pre-Kuwait British archives to newspaper publications during the Gulf War, being surrounded in historical literature was the highlight of the Kuwait National Library field trip. While I was having the opportunity to see rare personal library collections, I could only imagine who was the last person to read these books, what annotations where left in between the pages? These books are truly gems received by the library and they are here for us to learn and share for generations to come."
AUK group during the guided tour of the library
AUK students going through some books
AUK group during one of the stops of their tour of the library
AUK group during one of the stops of their tour of the library
AUK faculty viewing artwork displayed in the library
Group photo of the AUK group at the National Library of Kuwait
03, Apr 2018
AUK's Women's Team Wins at the Championship of Higher Education
AUK women's team won first place in the Women's Universities and Higher Education Basketball Championship after beating the Gulf University for Science (GUST) and Technology team, with a score of 21-15. The game took place at the main GUST campus, marking AUK as the only university in the tournament that has reached the final match in all women's tournaments.
The tournament started off with four University team participants - American University of Kuwait, Australian College of Kuwait, Gulf University for Science and Technology, and The Public Authority for Applied Education and Training.
The AUK women's volleyball tournament also earned the silver medal, after wining against the Australian College of Kuwait by two rounds for nothing during the semi-finals. Meanwhile, the women's football team won the silver medal at the football championship, after winning against the Australian College's team by three goals to two during the semi-final.
Commenting on the achievements, the Sports Coordinator at AUK, Mohammed Al-Saleh expressed his happiness with the performance of all the teams participating in the tournament, especially the successes of AUK's teams. Al-Saleh expressed his admiration for the level of sportsmanship and expertise of the tournament and the organization and thanked all the organizers of the championship for their ongoing interest and commitment in university sports. Moreover, extending his wishes to all for further progress and continuous development of the championship in the coming years
American University of Kuwait Basketball Team and Soccer Team
01, Apr 2018
AUK Welcomes New Dartmouth Interns for Spring, 2018
The American University of Kuwait has welcomed two interns from Dartmouth College, Devon Kurtz and Arjun Bhatt.
Devon will be working at the Public Relations and Marketing Department, the Writing Center, and Office of Admissions. He is a member of the class of 2020 at Dartmouth College and is studying economics, classical literature, and English. Devon was an intern for State Senator Donald Humason and was later appointed to the Massachusetts Governor's Statewide Youth Council advising Governor Charlie Baker and other top state officials on the opioid addiction crisis plaguing the state. On Dartmouth's campus, he is a managing editor at The Dartmouth Review, the college's conservative newspaper. He is also a part of the First-Year Student Enrichment Program, a group for first-generation college students. Speaking about his experience at AUK, Devon says, "Although my time at AUK has only just begun, the University's community has welcomed me with open arms. I am excited to work with students at the Writing Center, to help the Office of Admissions find new additions to the AUK community, and to be a part of supporting the University's image through the Public Relations and Marketing Office in the coming weeks."
Meanwhile, Arjun will be working at the Alumni Affairs & Career Development Department, the College of Business and Economics, and the Library. With experience in the education of underserved communities from elementary age schoolchildren to high school students in the US and abroad, Arjun looks to further his understanding of different approaches to learning across the world. In Dartmouth, he's also involved with the Dartmouth Entrepreneurship Network and the Dartmouth EMS, and has great love for both organizations. Expressing his excitement about the new experience, Arjun said, "I am excited! I am absolutely enthralled by the country of Kuwait, and am very happy to be working at AUK. Go Wolfpack!"
The internship opportunity comes as part of the AUK-Dartmouth Internship Program whereby students from both institutions can spend time working in the other university for professional experience and personal growth.
Both interns will be working on campus until late May.
Devon will be working at the Public Relations and Marketing Department, the Writing Center, and Office of Admissions. He is a member of the class of 2020 at Dartmouth College and is studying economics, classical literature, and English. Devon was an intern for State Senator Donald Humason and was later appointed to the Massachusetts Governor's Statewide Youth Council advising Governor Charlie Baker and other top state officials on the opioid addiction crisis plaguing the state. On Dartmouth's campus, he is a managing editor at The Dartmouth Review, the college's conservative newspaper. He is also a part of the First-Year Student Enrichment Program, a group for first-generation college students. Speaking about his experience at AUK, Devon says, "Although my time at AUK has only just begun, the University's community has welcomed me with open arms. I am excited to work with students at the Writing Center, to help the Office of Admissions find new additions to the AUK community, and to be a part of supporting the University's image through the Public Relations and Marketing Office in the coming weeks."
Meanwhile, Arjun will be working at the Alumni Affairs & Career Development Department, the College of Business and Economics, and the Library. With experience in the education of underserved communities from elementary age schoolchildren to high school students in the US and abroad, Arjun looks to further his understanding of different approaches to learning across the world. In Dartmouth, he's also involved with the Dartmouth Entrepreneurship Network and the Dartmouth EMS, and has great love for both organizations. Expressing his excitement about the new experience, Arjun said, "I am excited! I am absolutely enthralled by the country of Kuwait, and am very happy to be working at AUK. Go Wolfpack!"
The internship opportunity comes as part of the AUK-Dartmouth Internship Program whereby students from both institutions can spend time working in the other university for professional experience and personal growth.
Both interns will be working on campus until late May.
Arjun Bhatt, Dartmouth Intern at AUK
Devon Kurtz, Dartmouth Intern at AUK
27, Mar 2018
AUK Celebrates 13th Annual International Week
This year marked the 13th consecutive International Week at AUK-an event that promotes and celebrates cultural diversity within the AUK community. Organized by the Office of Student Life, it featured highly-anticipated activities and an array of cultural events.
The week started with a cooking competition featuring traditional cuisines that represented Kuwait, Iran, Tunisia, Pakistan, Spain and Lebanon. The Best Main Dish Award went to Iran and the Best Dessert Award went to Spain. Some of these dishes were also displayed at the global village where a series of booths promoting their nation's culture, displaying traditional clothing, books, music and food, were exhibited across the campus' main hallway. The booths were then rated by judges for the Best Country Representation Award, which went to Iran, Spain and Egypt, coming in first, second and third place respectively. Fatima Mir Ahmadi, a sophomore at AUK said that participating in the Iranian booth and showcasing a culture that is part of her background gave her a sense of belonging.
The following day, the AUK community participated in the parade of nations, where a group of students walked through campus, each holding their own nation's flag to present AUK's diversity. Their trail lead to the auditorium where the cultural showcase commenced, featuring a range of performances demonstrating different cultural traditions. Ghada Al-Sahaf, a sophomore at AUK said, "The stage performances were entertaining and gave us more understanding of the cultures." Towards the end of the show, the Best Cultural Showcase title was awarded to Egypt, Lebanon & Palestine, and Kuwait in first, second and third place respectively.
To end the week, the amazing race was held where the students competed by following clues across campus before arriving at their winning station. The game promoted teamwork and communication skills.
The week started with a cooking competition featuring traditional cuisines that represented Kuwait, Iran, Tunisia, Pakistan, Spain and Lebanon. The Best Main Dish Award went to Iran and the Best Dessert Award went to Spain. Some of these dishes were also displayed at the global village where a series of booths promoting their nation's culture, displaying traditional clothing, books, music and food, were exhibited across the campus' main hallway. The booths were then rated by judges for the Best Country Representation Award, which went to Iran, Spain and Egypt, coming in first, second and third place respectively. Fatima Mir Ahmadi, a sophomore at AUK said that participating in the Iranian booth and showcasing a culture that is part of her background gave her a sense of belonging.
The following day, the AUK community participated in the parade of nations, where a group of students walked through campus, each holding their own nation's flag to present AUK's diversity. Their trail lead to the auditorium where the cultural showcase commenced, featuring a range of performances demonstrating different cultural traditions. Ghada Al-Sahaf, a sophomore at AUK said, "The stage performances were entertaining and gave us more understanding of the cultures." Towards the end of the show, the Best Cultural Showcase title was awarded to Egypt, Lebanon & Palestine, and Kuwait in first, second and third place respectively.
To end the week, the amazing race was held where the students competed by following clues across campus before arriving at their winning station. The game promoted teamwork and communication skills.
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