News
The American University of Kuwait (AUK) announced that its Bachelor of Engineering (BE) in Computer Engineering has received accreditation from the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, making it the first private university in Kuwait to receive this accreditation for its Bachelor of Engineering in Computer Engineering.
Sheikha Dana Nasser Sabah Al-Ahmed Al-Sabah, Chair of the Board of Trustees of AUK, announced the news during the AUK Board of Trustees meeting. At the meeting, she thanked President Nizar Hamzeh, along with the Dean of the College of Arts & Sciences, Dr. Rawda Awwad, and the Chair and Faculty of the Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering for their commitment to this achievement. Sheikha Dana also recognized the diligent efforts of the Chair and members of the AUK ABET steering committee whose hard work led to this milestone. "Collecting such accolades goes in line with our commitment to graduate global citizens whose accomplishments speak of the quality of knowledge and skills they gained at AUK," expressed Sheikha Dana.
Sought worldwide, ABET's voluntary peer-review process is highly respected because it adds critical value to academic programs in the technical disciplines, where quality, precision, and safety are of the utmost importance.
Developed by technical professionals from ABET's member societies, ABET criteria focus on what students experience and learn. ABET accreditation reviews look at program curricula, faculty, facilities, and institutional support and are conducted by teams of highly skilled professionals from industry, academia, and government, with expertise in the ABET disciplines.
ABET is a nonprofit, non-governmental organization recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). It currently accredits almost 3,500 programs at nearly 700 colleges and universities in 28 countries.
More information about ABET, its member societies, and the accreditation criteria used to evaluate programs can be found at www.abet.org.
The American University of Kuwait (AUK) is an independent, private, equal opportunity, and co-educational liberal arts institution of higher education. The educational, cultural and administrative structure, methods and standards of AUK are based on the American model of higher learning. The language of instruction is English. Please visit the Computer Engineering Program for more information.
Sheikha Dana Nasser Sabah Al-Ahmed Al-Sabah, Chair of the Board of Trustees of AUK
Under the Sponsorship of the American University of Kuwait (AUK), the Institute of Banking Studies (KIBS) hosted world-renowned speaker, Mohammed Al-Qahtani in the Kuwait Chamber of Commerce and Industry last week. The lecture explored techniques of setting goals and achieving them while coping with unpredictable circumstances, new environments and conquering challenges. Al-Qahtani stressed the importance of assessing and recognizing one's personal skills for goal-setting; in addition to having the skill to avert obstacles and overcome challenges to achieve one's ambitions.
Al-Qahtani also discussed the importance of conducting personality trait analyses for the purpose of placing individuals in teams based on their personal and professional strengths which would ultimately contribute to achieving organizational goals effectively.
Among the topics of discourse were the ability to handle customers and clients, and what an organization can offer in terms of customer service that would distinguish it from others— such as presenting a professional image, listening attentively, controlling one's emotions, and effective problem-solving skills.
The lecture was attended by employees of private and public sectors, in addition to students of all levels where fundamental concepts were explained for those who wish to succeed professionally. PR & Marketing Director, Mr. Amer El-Assaad attended the event where he received an honorary plaque on behalf of AUK.
Mohammed Al-Qahtani is a world-renowned public speaker and winner of the 2015 Toastmasters International World Champion of Public Speaking— he is the first Arab to win this title. He received his Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science from Arizona State University; and became a certified Microsoft Programmer and ORACL Administrator. He won the Saudi Arabia Comedy Speech Competition in 2015, and has conducted speeches and presentations in numerous countries—UAE, Oman, Bahrain, Jordan, Malaysia, Romania, Belgium, UK, Ireland and Germany.
About AUK:
The American University of Kuwait (AUK) is an independent, private, equal opportunity, and co-educational liberal arts institution of higher education. The educational, cultural and administrative structure, methods and standards of AUK are based on the American model of higher learning. The language of instruction is English. More information on the American University of Kuwait can be found at www.auk.edu.kw
PR & Marketing Director, Mr. Amer El-Assaad receiving an honorary plaque on behalf of AUK.
Group photo
The world-renowned speaker, Mr. Mohammed Al-Qahtani
The Al-Multaqa Arabic Short Story Prize jury announced the 2016 shortlisted authors.
The 5 Al-Multaqa nominees are:
| Author Name | Short Story Collection | Country | Publisher | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Anis Arrafai | Masahat Al Dumi | Morocco | El Eain Publishing |
| 2 | Khadija Alnemer | Al Afkar Al Sabeha Bayn Al Sama' Wal Ard | Saudi Arabia | Difaf Publishing |
| 3 | Lutf AlSarary | Al Raja' Adam Al Qasf | Yemen | Arweqah Publishing |
| 4 | Mazen Maarouf | Nukat Lelmusalaheen | Palestine | Riad El-Rayyes Al-Kawkab |
| 5 | Mohamed Rafie | Asal Al Nun | Egypt | Rawafed Publishing |
Chair of the jury, Ahmed Al-Madeeni remarked on the tremendous amount of interest from Arab writers and publishers in the first cycle of the Al-Multaqa Prize. Submissions included a total of 189 short story collections from various Arab regions that featured a variety of styles and techniques for the genre. Authors showed their individuality in each collection by their descriptive backdrops and use of local colloquialisms.
Al-Madeeni also announced the award ceremony for the Prize winner will be held on 5 December, 2016. The ceremony will be hosted by the American University of Kuwait, with the attendance of many authors, critics, translators and publishers from around the world. In addition, the director of Institut Du Monde Arabe an institute dedicated to promoting Arabic culture and literature will also be in attendance, along with administrators of various Arabic writing competitions.
Each of the 5 shortlisted authors will receive $5000; while the winner will receive $20,000, and have the winning collection translated to English for further publication.
The American University of Kuwait (AUK) is an independent, private, equal opportunity, and co-educational liberal arts institution of higher education. The educational, cultural and administrative structure, methods and standards of AUK are based on the American model of higher learning. The language of instruction is English. More information on the American University of Kuwait can be found at www.auk.edu.kw
Released by the Office of Public Affairs on the 1st November 2016
Chair of the Board of Trustees of the American University of Kuwait, Sheikha Dana Nasser Al-Sabah, announced today, that on Sunday, October 23, 2016, AUK's Board of Trustees has voted unanimously to appoint Professor Earl L. "Tim" Sullivan as the fifth president of AUK effective January 27, 2017.
"Professor Sullivan brings a wealth of experience to this position, and has a deep understanding of academic and administrative structures. He carries an impressive scholarly record and is committed to quality education. Sullivan is not a stranger to AUK; he has served as the interim president in 2010 and has been a board member since 2011" said Sheikha Dana.
"I am delighted to be returning to Kuwait, and especially to the American University of Kuwait. I look forward to getting to meet with all of the various constituents of the AUK community: faculty, staff, students, alumni, and trustees. AUK has achieved a great deal in the few short years it has existed, and I am sure that if we all work together, we can continue to accomplish even more in the future," said Sullivan.
Sullivan will succeed Professor Nizar Hamzeh, who earlier announced his intention to return to his full-time academic post as Professor of Political Science and International Law at AUK. Sheikha Dana thanked Hamzeh for his invaluable time and effort during his term as AUK President, "I would like to take a moment to express my gratitude for everything President Hamzeh has done for AUK during his tenure as President and, earlier, as Provost and Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences," she said.
Sullivan is a political scientist who has held key leadership positions at the American University of Cairo (AUC). A member of the AUC faculty since 1973 - he was provost from 1998 to 2008, and served as the university's acting president in 2001-2002. He chaired AUC's division of Economics, Political Science and Mass Communications, the University Senate, and was on the editorial board of Cairo Papers in Social Science. Sullivan served as Chair of the Board of Trustees at Cairo American College from 1974 to 1979.
Sullivan also brings substantial experience in international accreditation, having served twice as chair of the evaluation team for the American University of Beirut in its initial accreditation by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education in 2004, and subsequently in 2009. He was also evaluator for John Cabot University in its first re-accreditation effort with Middle States.
A graduate of Seattle University, Sullivan received a Ph.D. in International Relations and Government from Claremont Graduate University (California). He has received a grant from the Ford Foundation, a fellowship from the U.S. Department of State, and has held visiting positions at the Brookings Institution, The Gustave E. Von Grunebaum Center for Near Eastern Studies, and The Middle East Center at University of Utah, among others
He is the author or co-author of several books, including The New Dynamics of Multilateralism (Westview Press, 2010), Social Background and Bureaucratic Behavior in Egypt (American University of Cairo Press, 1990), Women in Egyptian Public Life (Syracuse University Press, 1986), and Women and Work in the Arab World (American University of Cairo Press, 1981). Sullivan's scholarly articles and monographs on a wide range of subjects, including multinational diplomacy and the foreign policy of U.S. President Bill Clinton, gender roles in the Middle East, and the United Nations in the post-Cold War era, appear in numerous journals and publications.
The American University of Kuwait (AUK) is an independent, private, equal opportunity, and co-educational liberal arts institution of higher education. The educational, cultural and administrative structure, methods and standards of AUK are based on the American model of higher learning. The language of instruction is English. More information on the American University of Kuwait can be found at www.auk.edu.kw
Released by the Office of Public Affairs on the 25th October 2016
For the 2nd consecutive cycle, the American University of Kuwait (AUK) will be the Country Partner in Challenge 22, a Qatar-led initiative, launched by the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC). Challenge 22 promotes innovation through awarding generous research and development grants to participants with the best ideas. Challenge 22 is in association with country ambassadors in each of the ten participating countries and strategic partners including the Qatar National Research Fund (QNRF), Wamda and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Enterprise Forum Pan-Arab. The innovation award provides entrepreneurs, scientists and pioneers from across the Arab world with the tools and resources they need to turn their ideas into a lasting positive legacy.
AUK hosted an information session on October 17th, where representatives from Challenge 22 introduced the initiative to the public and provided an overview of the application process and criteria for participation. The representatives also shared success stories from the cycle in early 2015. In its role as Country Partner for Challenge 22, AUK will promote the initiative locally, and encourage local innovators to participate and represent Kuwait. The event was open to members of the AUK community and the public.
"The American University of Kuwait under its mission is committed to fostering a culture of innovation and accordingly we are very proud to be a country partner for Challenge 22. We believe that Challenge 22 offer excellent opportunities to students at AUK and Kuwait not only to showcase their ideas and talents but to connect to other talented students in the region," said Professor Nizar Hamzeh, AUK President.
"Engaging with the participants from Kuwait was an inspiring and encouraging experience and further supports Challenge 22's belief in the potential the Arab world has to offer in the field of innovation," said Fatma Al Nuaimi, Legacy Senior Manager at the SC, "Thanks to our collaboration with AUK and its support, we were able to spark exciting discussion and dialogue with the attendees and encourage them to pursue their ideas, no matter how small or large they seemed. We look forward to seeing the submissions coming from Kuwait."
The second cycle of Challenge 22, which runs from 27 September, 2016 to 11 May, 2017, aims to inspire innovative solutions in four key areas: sustainability, health & safety, the internet of things, and tourism experience. For this cycle, Challenge 22 has also expanded its reach beyond the six Gulf countries to include Egypt, Jordan, Morocco and Tunisia. The submission deadline for the first phase is December 12th, 2016.
The SC, with its partners that will host the innovation award, have always believed that young people in the Arab world have great creativity and potential. Challenge 22 will ensure that when the world is watching the Middle East in 2022, Arab innovation is in the spotlight.
For more information and how to apply, please visit the award's official website at: www.challenge22.qa
About AUK
The American University of Kuwait (AUK) is an independent, private, equal opportunity, and co-educational liberal arts institution of higher education. The educational, cultural and administrative structure, methods and standards of AUK are based on the American model of higher learning. The language of instruction is English. More information on the American University of Kuwait can be found at www.auk.edu.kw
About Challenge 22
Challenge 22, an innovation award launched in 2015 by the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC), promotes a culture of innovation in the Middle East and attracts entrepreneurs, scientists and pioneers from across the Arab world. It showcases ideas that can contribute towards the hosting and organization of major events like the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar™, while building a sustainable, economically diverse future for the region.
The SC, which organizes this innovation award, has always believed that young people in the Arab world have great creativity and potential. Challenge 22 will ensure that when the world is watching the Middle East in 2022, Arab innovation is in the spotlight.
About Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC)
The SC ensures that all preparations for the 2022 FIFA World Cup™ align with Qatar's other development imperatives, as described in the Qatar National Vision 2030 and the National Development Strategy 2011-2016. Along with its stakeholders, the SC is tasked with delivering stadiums and other infrastructure for an amazing 2022 FIFA World Cup™ that will leave a lasting legacy for Qatar, the region and the world. In addition to delivering infrastructure in line with Qatar's long-term development plans, legacy goals of the SC include nurturing exceptional local and international talent and incubating the Josoor Institute, a center of excellence for the sports and events industries in the Middle East; fostering the development of Qatar's private sector and streamlining regulatory frameworks; making Qatari football more competitive and increasing participation in sports in Qatar, the region and globally. The investments that the SC is making today will pay dividends for generations to come, in line with Qatar's vision of a healthy and prosperous global future.
Released by the Office of Public Affairs on the 24th October 2016
Digital designs created by students from the American University of Kuwait were exhibited at the Donggang Digital Society (DDS) Museum; an experimental museum that displays exhibitions solely by beam projections, in Yeongwol County, South Korea. The designs were displayed through a video entitled "Human Creativity in Human Nature", compiled and produced by Professor Joo Won Lee, Assistant Professor of Graphic Design.
The video, which showcased the skills of 26 AUK Art & Graphic Design students in the area of analog integrated digital design, was shown to audiences from around the world in June, 2016. Participants from fourteen countries watched the video at the Korea International Cooperation Agency program.
Professor Lee explained that it was interesting to see how art from the Middle East was sparking global interest these days, with sections at institutes specifically designated for it such as at the Art Institute of Chicago, one of the major museums in the world.
Professor Lee noted that elements of human creativity were evident in the students' designs. Their attention to detail, the depiction of influences from their surroundings, and the uniqueness of their designs, were only a few of the many elements the designs contained.
The video can be viewed at the AUK Department of Art & Graphic Design Facebook page (ART@AUK) and on YouTube.
Below are the names of the students whose designs were featured in the video:
Abdulaziz M Al-Shammari; Farah Y Al-Shaye; Zara F Aslam; Fawaz F Al-Ahmad; Lindsay L Gomes; Dalal K Al-Sane; Dana J Al-Zuraiqi; Zeinab A AlJadi; Layan A Bin Eissa; Hawraa H Al-Saffar; Maha Al-Mulla; Taiba M Al-Nafisi; Noura A Zaher; Khaled F Abdullah; Ramina M Ghorban Daei; Dalal M Abdulazizz; Hawra'a Aryan; Hind O Al-Sahaf; Dima F Jadayel; Fatema M Al-Shawaf; Hossein G Shirazi; Farah I El-Khatib; Sondos B Saoud; Nada M Al-Kharashi; Abdulwahab A Al-Farhan; Rawan H Bnayyan.
Released by the Office of Public Affairs on the 5th October 2016
The AlMultaqa Arabic Short Story Prize jury has announced the ten shortlisted authors for the 2016 prize.
The 10 AlMultaqa Prize Nominees are:
| Author Name | Short Story Collection | Country | Publisher | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ahmed Omar | Hudhud Fi Zujaja | Syria | Halab Publishing |
| 2 | Anis Arrafai | Masahat Al Dumi | Morocco | El Eain Publishing |
| 3 | Haider Abdulmohsen | Qetat Aareya | Iraq | Dar Imdaa |
| 4 | Khadija Alnemer | Al Afkar Al Sabeha Bayn Al' wal Ard | Saudi Arabia | Difaf Publishing |
| 5 | Ziad Khadash | Asbab Rae'a lel Buka' | Palestine | Al Ahliya Publishing |
| 6 | Abdessamia Bensaber | Al Skabandu | Morocco | Dar ALFarasha Publishing & Distribution |
| 7 | Issa Jabli | Ka'an Amdi Khalf Juthati | Tunisia | Dar Zayneb Publishing |
| 8 | Lutf Alsarary | Al Raja' Adam Al Qasf | Yemen | Arweqah Publishing |
| 9 | Mazen Maarouf | Nekat Al Musalaheen | Palestine | Riad El-Rayyes-Al-Kawkab |
| 10 | Mohamed Rafie | Asal Al Nun | Egypt | Rawafed Publishing |
Over the past few months, a jury comprised of accomplished writers, critics, and academicians reviewed 189 collections of short stories from published authors from 15 different countries; Egypt, Syria, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, Palestine, Yemen, Morocco, Tunisia, Libya, Iraq, Sudan, Oman, Kuwait, and Algeria.
AlMultaqa Jury Members are:
- Mr. Ahmed Al-Madeeni (Chair of the Jury)
- Mr. Ezzat Al-Qamhawy (Jury Member)
- Mr. Salma Saleh (Jury Member)
- Dr. Fadya Al-Faqeer (Jury Member)
- Dr. Ali Ajail Al-Anezi (Jury Member)
Chair of the Jury, Mr. Ahmed Al- Madeeni stated that the committee had evaluated the submitted works based on the fulfillment of certain criteria and technical elements necessary for short story writing. The committee also looked at the spirit of innovation, novelty, and consistency of form and content, as well as the presence of an integrated humanitarian aspect in the selected short story collections.
The jury will continue its work to announce the five shortlisted authors in November, 2016. The 2016 winner will be announced in December, 2016 at a ceremony that is to be held at the American University of Kuwait that brings together the five shortlisted authors and well-known figures from the literary world.
The author of the winning short story will receive USD 20,000 (Twenty Thousand US dollars), a trophy and a certificate of recognition, as well as a grant towards the translation of the prize-winning short story into English. The winning writer or publisher will communicate with the translator and arrange for publishing the story with foreign publishers.
About AlMultaqa Prize
AlMultaqa Prize was launched in December, 2015 as a joint initiative by the Cultural Circle's Founder and Manager, Mr. Taleb Al-Rifae and the American University of Kuwait to promote and encourage writers to pursue and master the art of writing Arabic short stories.
Released by the Office of Public Affairs on the 1st October 2016
The American University of Kuwait (AUK) has opened doors today for the new class of 2020. Throughout the past weeks, the University has been holding several campus activities to welcome new and returning faculty and students.
The orientation week, which took place before Al Adha Holiday, featured welcome sessions and campus tours as part of a comprehensive orientation program for faculty and students. The sessions included speeches and annoucements by AUK administrators including, AUK President, Dr. Nizar Hamzeh; Vice President for Admissions and Public Affairs, Amal Al-Binali; Dean of Student Affairs, Dr. Hanan Muzaffar; Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, Dr. Rawda Awwad; Dean of the College of Business and Economics, Dr. Jin Wang.
During the welcome sessions, President Hamzeh revealed that 24 new professors and instructors have joined the College of Arts and Sciences, College of Business and Economics, and the Intensive English Program. In addition, an AUK alumnus has been hired as an instructor in the Department of Arabic and Foreign Languages after successfully completing his graduate studies in Arab and Middle Eastern Studies in the UK.
Vice President Amal Al Binali announced the issuance of several scholarships this year, among which were 2 full merit scholarships to 2 new students; in addition to 10 merit scholarships to new and existing students that covers tuition for 1-2 academic years. AUK also continues - for the 6th consecutive year - to offer scholarships granted by the Minister of Education and Higher Education. This year, 5 merit scholarships were granted to students who were on the Minister's list.
Other announcements included the anticipated opening of a new building in Spring, 2017 which will house a gym, and a lounge area for the students. AUK has also upgraded the auditorium, classrooms and laboratories with the latest technological equipment to provide the AUK community with dynamic and reliable resources during their time on campus.
The orientation week also included campus tours that introduced the class of 2020 to their new surroundings. Visited sites included the library, admissions office, the Academic Advising and Learning Support Center, and the Center for Continuing Education. The tour provided students with information and guidance that would prove useful once they embark on their journeys at the beginning of the fall semester.
Student Life's Welcome Week will be kicking off today, featuring a variety of campus activities that new students could take part in and that would further immerse them into college life.
Established in 2003, AUK is an independent, private, equal opportunity, and co-educational liberal arts institution of higher education. The educational, cultural and administrative structure, methods and standards of AUK are based on the American model of higher learning. The language of instruction is English.
AUK currently offers 14 distinct degree programs in various academic disciplines. AUK is accredited institutionally by the Private Universities Council (PUC) in Kuwait. Its business programs are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP); its social sciences, arts and humanities programs are accredited by The American Academy for Liberal Education's (AALE); and its Intensive English program is accredited by the Commission for Intensive English Program Accreditation (CEA).
Released by the Office of Public Affairs on the 18th September 2016
Photography by the Office of Public Affairs (C) 2016
AUK student Sumaya Al-Hunayan spent 6 weeks during the summer at George Washington University as part of the Study Abroad Summer Programs Scholarship where she completed two anthropology courses. While the majority of her time was spent focusing on the classes, Sumaya was also able to explore and immerse herself in her new surroundings. The following section details several aspects of her journey at George Washington University:-
Academic
Sumaya registered for two courses; Anthropology of Africa which is a comparative examination of the history, cultural development, and contemporary problems of sub-Saharan African cultures; and Biological Anthropology, which is a survey of human evolution, genetics and physical variation, and primatology. The interactive courses included lab work, class study, and visits to the National Zoo to observe behaviors of primates.
Cultural
GW's Foggy Bottom campus is located in the heart of Washington D.C., which allowed Sumaya the opportunity to explore many monuments including the White House, Washington Monument, National Mall, and the Smithsonian Museum. Sumaya was also taken on tours by the GW program coordinators to visit the Theodore Roosevelt Memorial, World War II Memorial, and the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial.
Personal Growth
Travelling to a foreign place can be a daunting experience, however Sumaya's admirable approach proves that one can choose to make the most of every situation as she says, "Needless to say, I got lost very often, even on the way to my own classes, but I quickly learned that it is okay to get lost, as long as you get to experience and appreciate every minute of your time and learn."
The American University of Kuwait (AUK) established a Study Abroad Summer Programs Scholarship in the spring of 2016 to enable AUK students to take summer classes at the George Washington University (GW) - Washington DC. The scholarship provides an opportunity for selected AUK students to engage in a short term international academic experience, and is awarded to AUK students providing tuition and fees for two classes, round-trip economy airfare, room and board, and health insurance. This initiative is in addition to a previous agreement with GW to establish a program for undergraduate student exchange. The GW and AUK student exchange agreement allows for nominated students to attend a maximum of two academic semesters (fall or spring) with the other institution on a non-degree basis.
For more information on AUK International Programs, please visit: www.auk.edu.kw/academics/international-programs
About GW:
The George Washington University was created by an Act of Congress in 1821. Today, GW is the largest institution of higher education in the District of Columbia. The university offers comprehensive programs of undergraduate and graduate liberal arts study, as well as degree programs in medicine, public health, law, engineering, education, business and international affairs. Each year, GW enrolls a diverse population of undergraduate, graduate and professional students from across the country and around the world.
Released by the Office of Public Affairs on the 4th September 2016
Since 2006, AUK students have travelled to Hanover, New Hampshire, USA to immerse themselves in true American academic college experiences at Dartmouth College. This opportunity comes as a result of the Dartmouth-AUK Internship Exchange which was a component of the Dartmouth-AUK Memorandum of Understanding. The student exchange program offers students internships in various disciplines and promotes professional and personal growth in academia and labor productivity.
This summer, 4 AUK students participated in the exchange program: Budour Al-Ansari, Vincent Puyat, Hadeel El-Liethy, and Omar Khalil. Each student interned in departments and programs that ranged from Budour's internship at Dartmouth's Office of Communications, Hadeel and Vincent's internship at the TUCKGO-office- that enabled MBA students to have first-hand experiences of different cultures through travel-to Omar's intensive two-week SISMAT program that explored the ins and outs of hacking, including ethics and creative techniques.
Each student gave a detailed account of their month-long experience at Dartmouth. Their tales included many anecdotes involving several aspects of their lives that would undoubtedly be affected when one delves into a new environment and culture. The following section details some of their experiences that would shed light on what future exchange students could look forward to and expect during their time at Dartmouth:-
Culture, Environment & Activities
The students who participate in this program not only represent AUK, but Kuwait as a whole. Therefore, they have the opportunity to represent one culture, while exploring another in ways that would bridge cultural gaps and stereotypes. Bedour Al-Ansari says, "Not only is the environment friendly in Hanover, but the people are too. Once, while I was eating my lunch alone in the diner, two Dartmouth students asked if they could join me at the table, which gave me an idea of how friendly the students are." The ability to communicate with locals initiates a mutual understanding of customs and tradition.
While most of their time is spent on the Dartmouth campus, the students did have the opportunity to explore their surroundings. Led by program manager for the Dartmouth-AUK Program, Elizabeth Hindmarsh, many outdoor activities were planned to immerse the students in their new surroundings. Hiking beside the Connecticut River and the Gile Mountain Tower Trail, kayaking and paddle boarding are a few that the students experienced during their stay. They were also able to attend the 4th of July Hanover parade, which made for a well-rounded cultural experience between nature and history.
Academics
There was something to be learned in every aspect of the students' time at Dartmouth; through this experience, they learned lessons and acquired skills that can not only be beneficial for their professional careers, but can also be utilized in their academic careers as well. While Budour audited a history class she found herself inspired by the other students to participate in a class debate, "Some of the students who contributed were very energetic, ready to share their ideas with everyone. I hope that this taught me a lesson to always speak up in class and to never be afraid to participate in future classes." Omar Khalil signed up for Dartmouth's two-week intensive SISMAT program; he claims, "I feel that my cognitive ability and problem solving skills are now in a state that is much more developed than it used to be before undertaking the SISMAT program, which I believe was the aim all along."
Work Experience
A part of the internship at Dartmouth is to work in an office environment, which provides the students with a glimpse of what is to come after they graduate. Hadeel El-Liethy and Vincent Puyat both interned at the TUCKGO office which involved sending MBA students abroad to learn about other cultures. The office consisted of three teams and the students had the opportunity to work for all of them which gave them a deeper understanding of how the department operated. Hadeel said, "Working and researching for all three teams was beneficial not only to the team but to myself too. I learned how to deal with ambiguity in instructions that were given to me at work. I was able to research and use their library database (which was HUGE by the way) and accommodate my own needs." Self-sufficiency and effort are important attributes for anyone entering the workforce, and the students were able to acquire these skills through their internship.
Personal Growth
For several of the students, it was their first time travelling alone for a long period of time. This gave them courage to rely on themselves and prompted them to organize their schedules to be efficient with their time. They faced challenges from delayed flights, figuring out local bus routes, to encouraging themselves to speak up in class, and living up to the responsibilities they were entrusted with.
This summer marks 10 years since Dartmouth has welcomed AUK students for the purpose of this program. Students have returned with confidence, drive and knowledge which would undoubtedly serve them greatly in their future endeavors.
Released by the Office of Public Affairs on the 1st September 2016
