How long has the University been open?
American International University opened its doors to its inaugural class in fall 2019.
What kind of facilities does AIU have?
What are the University’s expectations regarding technology usage in the classroom?
All staff and lecturers are required to undergo training on both Banner and Canvas software which is used by AIU to manage grades, take attendance, lesson plan, and communicate with parents/students. Ongoing training throughout the academic year may be required for some staff members. Lecturers must be committed to becoming proficient in the daily use of Promethean ActivBoards and all other required software. Moreover, we have an in-house IT team that offers ongoing support and training to all staff members.
What are the working hours?
The workweek is from Sunday to Thursday, and the working hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 pm. The weekend is Friday and Saturday.
What are the University holidays?
The American International University Academic Calendar can be located on our website within the University calendar link. AIU recognizes all Kuwaiti and Islamic holidays.
What is the local hire compensation package?
6 days full pay |
6 days 75% of full pay |
6 days 50% of full pay |
6 days 25% of full pay |
Am I eligible for Housing, travel, and other allowances?
Housing, travel, and other allowances are not offered to local employees.
How many periods will I teach per week?
There are 50-minute contact hours that service multiple levels and courses throughout the day. Teachers are required to teach the maximum load of 20 contact hours in the week, in addition to class preparation, office hours (for tutoring), and both departmental and institutional committee work.
A faculty member is expected to teach a maximum teaching load of 12 credit hours per semester.
What is the College dress requirement?
AIU Employees are permitted to follow the "business casual" dress code as long as it is modest and presentable. Jeans are permitted as long as there are no holes or excessive wear.
What's it like living in Kuwait?
Kuwait is a very modern and multi-cultural country. There is access to many western grocery stores, shopping centers, restaurants, and recreational facilities. The Kuwait expatriate community includes British, Canadian, American, Australian, New Zealand, European, and Asian nationalities. It is a very safe environment for families and/or single persons.
What is the approximate cost of a work visa/residency fee?
The work visa/residency fee is approximately KD 280 for the 1st year and 74 KD every year afterward. AIC does not pay for direct or indirect degree translation, authentication fees, and residency. These will be deducted from your salary during the pay period in which these expenses occur. These fees will be reimbursed after completing 1 year and 3 months of service only for employees who sign a 2-year contract; they will not be reimbursed if the employee’s service is terminated. You should note that if you fail to provide the correct paperwork on time and therefore arrive on a visitor’s visa, you will be required to leave and return to Kuwait at your own expense when the visitor’s visa expires (90 days).
How long will it take to get my residency and work permit?
The AIU Human Resource department requires 4 months for new and transferred residencies. Once this process has commenced you are to consult the HR department prior to arranging any travel out of Kuwait.
How long has the University been open?
American International University opened its doors to its inaugural class in fall 2019.
Is there an age limit for applicants?
Yes. Applicants over the age of 59 are considered on a case by case basis.
What is the average length of a faculty contract?
The standard contract length is two years. Applicants who wish to sign for only one year will be responsible for payment of all residency fees (Residency fees = Kuwait work visa fees) regardless of whether or not they sign up for a subsequent year with us.
What are the benefits for overseas hires?
6-days full pay |
6-days 75% of full pay |
6-days 50% of full pay |
6-days 25% of full pay |
Monthly Salary _______X _______ |
(0.5 month's salary year 1-5) |
(1.0 month's salary years 6+) |
In which currency will I receive my salary?
Salaries are paid in Kuwaiti Dinars. For currency conversion, see www.oanda.com/convert/classic in order to see the Kuwaiti Dinar equivalent of your U.S. Dollar salary.
What is the approximate cost of a work visa/residency fee?
The work visa/residency fee is approximately KD 170 for the 1st year and 66 KD every year afterwards. AIU does not pay for direct or indirect degree translation, authentication fees, and residency. These fees will be reimbursed in January of your second academic year only for employees who sign a 2-year contract; they will not be reimbursed if the employee’s service is terminated.
What type of private health insurance is provided?
We use the Warba Insurance Plan.
Would I have my own apartment?
Yes, all Apartments are 1-bedroom and assigned to an individual, only.
AIU Administrator (VP and above) accommodations are 2-bedroom apartments subject to availability at the time of hire/arrival in Kuwait.
AIU housing is handed over to you on arrival cleaned and ready for you to move in to, this same standard is expected on checkout, particular areas are listed below:
An Apartment Cleaning Fee of KD 60 for instructors and KD 150 for administrators (VP and above) will be deducted from salary if your apartment does not meet the appropriate standard on check-out.
What is the distance between the AIU housing and the University?
On average, it takes between [30-35] minutes by car. It is not possible to walk or bike to the University campus.
What credentials are required to be employed at AIU?
The degree requirements for specific vacancies at American International University are listed in the job descriptions in the Employment Opportunities section of this webpage.
What are the nationalities of the students?
As with most American Universities in Kuwait, the majority of the student body is comprised of Kuwaiti nationals who desire an American education for their children.
What kind of facilities does AIU have?
What are the University's expectations regarding technology usage in the classroom?
All staff and lecturers are required to undergo training on both Banner and Canvas software which is used by AIU to manage grades, take attendance, lesson plan, and communicate with parents/students. Ongoing training throughout the academic year may be required for some staff members. Lecturers must be committed to becoming proficient in the daily use of Promethean ActivBoards and all other required software. Moreover, we have an in-house IT team that offers ongoing support and training to all staff members.
What are the working hours?
The workweek is from Sunday to Thursday, and the working hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 pm. The weekend is Friday and Saturday.
What are the University holidays?
The American International University Academic Calendar can be located on our website within the University calendar link. AIU recognizes all Kuwaiti and Islamic holidays.
How many classes will I teach per week?
There are 50-minute contact hours that service multiple levels and courses throughout the day. Teachers are required to teach the maximum load of 20 contact hours in the week, in addition to class preparation, office hours (for tutoring), and both departmental and institutional committee work.
A faculty member is expected to teach a maximum teaching load of 12 credit hours per semester.
Can I bring a dependent with me to Kuwait, or transfer their residency onto my AIU residency?
We do not recommend bringing any dependents with you to Kuwait until after you have obtained residency. AIU is not responsible for obtaining residency for any dependent family members. We will not be held responsible for any late fees, fines, or other expenses related to delays in obtaining residency for the AIU employee. All such fees must be borne by the employee. AIU does not provide any assistance to employees in obtaining residency for dependents. We can only provide information on procedures and paperwork requirements.
Can I apply to AIU if I have dependent children?
AIU does not typically offer employment to candidates with children. This is primarily because our AIU accommodations are 1-bedroom apartments. They are not built for accommodating the needs of families with children.
What are the postal facilities like in Kuwait?
Unlike the United States, Canada, the UK, and most of Europe, Kuwait does not have a reliable postal service. You are strongly advised to use a courier service to send or receive documents or important mail and always use the University address.
What is the Staff dress code?
AIU Employees are permitted to follow the "business casual" dress code as long as it is modest and presentable. Jeans are permitted as long as there are no holes or excessive wear.
Do I have the personality and outlook to be successful in an overseas employment position?
We have found that the following personal attributes are truly necessary in order for an individual to be happy in an overseas position:
What is it like living in Kuwait?
Kuwait is a very modern, multicultural country. There is access to many western grocery stores, shopping centers, restaurants, and recreational facilities. The Kuwait expatriate community includes British, Canadians, Americans, Australians, New Zealanders, Europeans, and other Asian nationalities. It is a very safe environment for families and/or single persons.
Can I bring pets with me?
Yes, you may, however, AIU does not advise bringing pets along for several reasons.
What is the process for being reimbursed for my flight to Kuwait?
Important notes:
No refunds are provided for employees who miss a flight, for any reason. Travel insurance is highly recommended.
The airport code for Kuwait is: KWI
What is required during the application/hiring process?
Interview - If the candidate is not present in Kuwait, the interview will take place via phone. Standard questions related to your experience and suitability for the position will be covered. In addition, you will be asked about your age, your marital status, your state of health, and height/weight. Such questions are customary for overseas positions.
If I am offered a position, will AIU contact my employer for a reference check?
Either before or after the offer of employment, we reserve the right to contact your current or past employer(s) in order to obtain a character and/or professional reference.
How long will it take to get my residency and work permit?
The AIU Human Resource department requires 4 months for new and transferred residencies. Once this process has commenced you are to consult with the HR department prior to arranging any travel out of Kuwait.
Will I be required to undergo a Criminal Background Check?
American candidates who have been offered employment are required by Kuwaiti law to complete an FBI fingerprint background check, which will need to be authenticated by both the US Department of State and the Kuwaiti embassy in Washington, DC. Therefore, applicants will be required to answer specific questions related to this during the interview process. It is important that applicants are entirely truthful during the interview process.
Applicants will also be asked if they have ever had their supervisory or teaching license suspended or revoked at any period in their career, or if they have ever been disciplined in any manner by their College board.
Candidates of all other nationalities will be required to undergo a criminal background check by the designated agency in their respective countries.
All applicants will be required to provide a criminal background check prior to booking a flight to Kuwait. For American citizens, this check is to be at State level, as you will be required to provide an FBI check later in the process.
https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/abroad/legal-matters/criminal-record-check.html
What is the Police Clearance Certificate and why do I need it for residency?
As of October 2009, the Government of Kuwait requires that all non-Kuwaiti citizens applying for Kuwaiti residency for the first time provide a police clearance certificate from their home country. Please note that this document must be authenticated by the Embassy of the State of Kuwait in the country where the Police Clearance was issued.
Checklist of US State Police Clearance Offices.
NOTE: Due to the coordination of all required documents, we are experiencing considerable delays in obtaining residency for newly arrived AIUs and staff members.
Are there any agencies/companies that can perform the authentication paperwork for me?
Yes, there are many agencies/companies that perform authentication services. Though time-consuming, most lecturers are able to complete the lengthy authentication procedures without using an outside service. Below are three companies (of many) that offer authentication services at a fee. AIU does not endorse any particular agency.
www.usauthentication.com |
www.apostillepro.com |
www.argentum-legal.com |
AIU Security Deposit Policy
AIU makes an investment in new employees of our time and resources. The security deposit is our assurance that you will return all materials loaned to you and that you will observe the notice-period when and if you make the decision to leave employment with AIU. For those staff members that reside in AIU housing, it also acts as a deposit to cover any potential loss or damage within the accommodation.
Security Deposit Policies: