KUWAIT - ISEP American University of Kuwait

The American University of Kuwait (AUK) is an independent, private, equal opportunity, and coeducational 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. 

Eligibility

To be eligible to participate in this program, students must meet the following requirements:

  • Good academic and judicial standing during time of application AND time of participation in program
  • Undergraduates must have completed at least two semesters of study at Lake Forest College AND have junior status or higher before participation. 
  • At least 18 years of age by the program’s departure date. 
  • Be able to stay at the host program for the duration of the semester, including through the exam and travel periods
  • Minimum GPA of 2.75. 

Students applying to ISEP must apply for an Exchange option (in any country) as a first choice but may apply to a Direct option as a back-up. Direct options may have an additional cost (see a financial section for more information).

Location

Surrounded by desert, this unique, historical Arab country is one of the Middle East’s more exotic and rarely-explored corners. Just far enough from Gulf travel hubs to the south, the tourists are fewer and the opportunity to engage in authentic Arab local culture is unparalleled. Located in Kuwait City, AUK is surrounded by sprawling Arab neighborhoods and attractions including gourmet restaurants and first-class museums.

A small emirate nestled between Iraq and Saudi Arabia, Kuwait is situated in a section of one of the driest, least-hospitable deserts on earth. Its shore, however, includes Kuwait Bay, a deep harbor on the Persian Gulf. 

Slightly larger in area than the U.S. state of Hawaii, Kuwait is bounded to the west and north by Iraq, to the east by the Persian Gulf, and to the south by Saudi Arabia.

AUK is the most diverse institution in Kuwait with approximately 33% of the student body being non-Kuwaiti and representing over 44 nationalities. AUK’s campus is located in a gated community. 

Academics

AUK offers students a quality education based on a U.S. university model. The faculty, administration, and staff work hard to create a caring environment where every aspect of the student’s development gets attention and support. The course of study is designed to prepare students for the contemporary world where critical thinking, communication skills, and life-long learning have become imperative. The Liberal Arts education system aims not only to guide the students to fulfill their educational goals but to also instill effective critical thinking skills that they can apply in their future careers in the fields of their choice.

With over 40 nationalities represented on campus, AUK is a multifaceted hub of diversity, language, and culture. AUK’s programs strive to create connections for students, alumni, faculty and staff with institutions outside of Kuwait. AUK’s international programs provide guidance and resources that help expand educational opportunities abroad. These existing and developing programs help bridge cultures, deepen understanding and connect the university community to the world beyond our campus.

Program Website 

 

COURSE DESCRIPTION 

The course of study is designed to prepare students for the contemporary world where critical thinking, communication skills, and life-long learning have become imperative. The Liberal Arts education system aims not only to guide the students to fulfill their educational goals but to also instill effective critical thinking skills that they can apply in their future careers in the fields of their choice. AUK offers a wide variety of fields of study, including especially strong programs in Arabic, English, social and behavioral sciences, international studies and graphic design.

Website for Course Availability

Student Life

The office of student life supports student engagement opportunities outside the classroom through a variety of programs and services including athletics, leadership programming, diversity and service learning programs as well as students organizations and publications. 

STUDENT CLUBS

Student clubs include Graphic Design, English Club, Health and Fitness, and more! Click here for a full list of clubs. 

 

ATHLETIC AND INTRAMURAL SPORTS

Intercollegiate Athletics

The university offers intercollegiate athletic which allow student-athletes to compete locally and regionally against universities in the following sports: soccer, basketball, volleyball, tennis, table tennis, squash, and swimming. AUK annually participates in the University Athletics Association of Kuwait (UAAK), a country-wide tournament for private universities.

Intramural Sports

The university offers on-campus Intramural sports organized by our student-led team “Wolfpack Squad” for men and women to participate in. Opportunities are provided for a variety of skill levels with an emphasis on friendly competition.

Intramural sports encourage students to take interest in a variety of events such as:

  • Soccer
  • Badminton
  • Tug of War
  • Dodgeball
  • Table Tennis
  • Foot Volley

For more information on athletics and intramural sports, click here!

Housing and Meals

AUK does not provide housing (dorms), and students will be assisted with off-campus housing.

For more information on off-campus housing, click here

Students are provided a meal plan at the University’s cafeteria. 

Financial Information

For all approved programs for guaranteed financial aid transferability, students pay their Lake Forest College tuition plus a program fee. The program fee includes orientation, ISEP coordinator, college fees, and the equivalent of 19/meals per week.

Here is an estimated budget for the Fall 2018/Spring 2019 programs:

Budget Item

Amount

Lake Forest College Tuition

$23,160

Program fee (estimated)

TBD

Total Expected Billed by Lake Forest College

 TBD

ISEP Fees

 $475

ISEP-required health and repatriation insurance (estimated, $90/mo)

Note: Some countries require national insurance. Check ISEP

 $360

Additional Meals

$800

Estimated Airfare

 $1,400

Estimated Personal Expenses (passport, visas, immunizations, textbooks, supplies, personal expenses, additional national insurance if required, travel insurance, additional travel etc.)

 $2,500

Total Expected Out-of-Pocket Expenses

$5,385

Total

TBD

Tuition rates and program fees are subject to change each year, but this information was up-to-date as of September 2018. We will notify applicants, and update this page if the program fee or other estimates change.

You can discuss with Financial Aid your specific aid package and your expected family contribution.

Keep in mind that you may spend more or less in certain areas like personal expenses, travel, meals, or airfare, depending on exchange rates and your own spending habits. Classroom or lab fees are not included in this estimate and will depend on your course registration choices.  

Don’t forget to apply for scholarships! A great listing can be found here.  

  • Contact:

    For Questions About the Initial Application Process:

    Alexandra Olson
    Coordinator of the Global Engagement Office
    847-735-5231
    aolson@lakeforest.edu