Salmiya, Kuwait
program description
THE CITY
Salmiya is part of a large metropolitan area of about 3 million surrounding Kuwait City, the capital of Kuwait. It is located seven miles southeast of Kuwait City and is a major cultural and commercial hub. The boulevard along the Gulf offers impressive vistas on the ocean and a beautiful view to downtown Kuwait City. Earliest recorded history of the State of Kuwait goes back to the 17th century when tribes from central Arabia settled in Kuwait after experiencing a massive drought in their native land. Kuwait would later emerge as a major center for the spice trade between India and Europe. Kuwait City was first settled in the early 18th century and quickly developed its own dhow fleet (traditional Arab sailing vessel) facilitating trading relations with Baghdad and Damascus.
With its vast oil reserves, Kuwait today is a major player in the international energy market and regarded as the most developed country in the Arab League.
THE UNIVERSITY
The American University of Kuwait (AUK), located in Salmiya, is an independent, private, coeducational liberal arts institution, which was established in 2003 in close consultation with Dartmouth College. It offers students a quality education based on the American college model. The language of instruction is English. The AUK faculty is a highly qualified group of international academics with first-hand experience of the U.S.-style of higher education. AUK opened its doors to students for the first time in the Fall semester of 2004. The student body at AUK is comprised of a diverse and multi-cultural group of students. AUK has about 2,000 undergraduate students, from both Kuwait and many other countries around the world. It has recently opened its doors for international study-abroad students. Male and female students are equally represented. In compliance with Kuwaiti law AUK buildings are operated to ensure gender segregation. Different class sections are offered for female and male students.
Facilities include spacious, modern classrooms; computer, science, and language laboratories, an administration building, library, coffee shops, bookstore, business center, restaurants, shops, and recreation courts.
THE PROGRAM
The English-language curriculum at AUK offers students the opportunity to be fully immersed with other students and within the academic setting. AUK offers courses in the humanities and arts, business and economics, the social sciences, management, communications, engineering, mathematics, natural and physical sciences, as well as Gulf Studies; courses in Modern Standard Arabic, as well as colloquial Arabic especially designed for BC students. Community resources such as the American Corner and the Gulf Studies Center enhance the academic experience on campus.
ORIENTATION/ACADEMIC SUPPORT
BC students complete a one-week orientation program upon arrival. Strong on-site support services include a program offered by BC’s on-site coordinator, who serves as the main point of contact for students. This program provides personal and emergency support, including cell phones and security information monitoring via text messaging to students, as well as assistance with course enrollment. Students will be assigned an academic advisor from AUK.
HOUSING
BC students are housed in apartments or home stays within close distance of the campus. Students use public transportation on a daily basis to attend classes. Home stays include some meals.
ACTIVITIES
The BC on-site coordinator organizes special activities, including local excursions and events and a trip to a different Gulf state each semester. A “buddy” program introduces BC students to local peers. Additional extra- and co-curricular programs are offered through the Office of Student Affairs.