FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions for Local Hires

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? 

• One lecturer computer per classroom
• Interactive White Boards in most classrooms
• Software for grading, attendance, progress reports, and class WebPages
• Computer labs
• Campus Library
• And much more

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 for Admin Team and University Administrators is from Sunday to Thursday, and the working hours are assigned either 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 pm or 8:00 am to 4:30 pm depending on the function of the assigned department. Admin Team members are expected to work every other Saturday at a minimum. Saturday hours are from 9 am to 1 pm. Working hours are subject to change at any time based on the needs of the institution or the student schedule.

Faculty members are expected to clock in and clock out prior to their duties which includes: classes, office hours, committee work, meetings, etc.

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?

• Workmen's compensation insurance as per Kuwaiti Labor Law
• 2 personal days annually (must be pre-approved)
• Sick leave provision: 

• Other benefits as per Kuwait Labor Law

Am I eligible for Housing, travel, and other allowances? 

Housing, travel, and other allowances are not offered to local employees unless otherwise stipulated in their offer of employment.

How many periods will I teach per week?

• Foundation Program Faculty

There are 50-minute class sessions that service multiple levels and courses throughout the day. Instructors are required to teach the maximum load of 20 class sessions in the week, in addition to class preparation, office hours (for tutoring), and both departmental and institutional committee work.

• Undergraduate Faculty

A faculty member is expected to teach a minimum teaching load of 12 credit hours per semester. Normal teaching load is subject to change by the management and the executive leadership team.

What is the College dress requirement?

AIU Employees are permitted to follow the "business casual" dress code from Sunday to Thursday as long as it is modest and presentable. AIU Gear can be worn on a Thursday as long as business casual attire is still observed. Casual attire is allowed every Saturday.

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 125 for the 1st year and 75 KD every year afterward.

AIU 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.

How long will it take to get my residency and work permit? 

The AIU Human Resources 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.

Frequently Asked Questions for Overseas Hires

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?

All incoming employees are contracted on what is known as an ‘indefinite contract’. This means that after the initial 100 working day probationary period, either party can opt to end the agreement with a 3 months’ notice period. Employees who serve for only one year will be responsible for payment of all residency fees (Residency fees = Kuwait work visa fees).

What are the benefits for overseas hires?

• Tax-free competitive salary based on qualifications and experience.
• Economy airfare from point to point origin – reimbursed.
• For Faculty -paid summer leave for approximately one month. In addition, you will get paid winter break and spring break. For Administrators – paid annual leave of 30 calendar days, to be taken in non-peak periods for their respective department.
• Excursion airfare to and from point of origin for summer leave.
• Housing Options: KD 150 - 250 per month housing allowance for select faculty, KD 250 - 400 for select administrators, or furnished housing*
• Paid utilities (except telephone and internet) when in AIU housing.
• Transportation to and from the University for 2 weeks from the first official day of work for new overseas employees – usually starting at the end of August. Employees who arrive later than the start of the academic year will receive 1 week of transport.
• Assistance with finding permanent personal transport will be provided.
• Baggage and shipping allowance of $200 US (with receipts).
• Group Life, Personal Accident, and Workmen's compensation insurance.
• Paid private health insurance.
• Assistance with processing work visa, residency, and driving license.
• Kuwait visa expenses are reimbursable during the second academic year of service.
• Opportunities for out of hours tutoring to earn extra income.
• Professional development workshops.
• Up to 2 days leave for attending a recruiting fair for non-returning faculty (with prior approval of the administration).
• 2 personal days annually (must be pre-approved).
• Sick leave provision
• End of service award as per Kuwait's Labor Law to be disbursed in June with summer salary.

• End of service award as per Kuwait's Labor Law to be disbursed in June with summer salary.

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 KD 125-280 for the 1st year and KD 75 every year afterwards. AIU does not pay for direct or indirect degree translation, authentication fees, and residency. These fees will be reimbursed during your second year of service at AIU 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).

What type of private health insurance is provided?

We use the Warba Insurance Plan. This is for select employees. Others can pay to participate.

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:

• Kitchen and bathroom thoroughly cleaned and odor-free.
• Floors swept and mopped thoroughly.
• All bedding and towels laundered and folded neatly.
• All dishes and utensils must be cleaned and put away neatly in the cabinets.
• The interior and exterior of the washer and dryer must be cleaned.
• The stove and microwave are to be clean and free from food residue and grease.
• The refrigerator is to be clean inside and out and be odor-free.
• All bins are to be emptied and refuge removed from the apartment.

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?

• One lecturer computer per classroom
• Interactive White Boards in most classrooms
• Software for grading, attendance, progress reports, and class WebPages
• Computer labs
• Library
• And much more

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 for Admin Team and University Administrators is from Sunday to Thursday, and the working hours are assigned either 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 pm or 8:00 am to 4:30 pm depending on the function of the assigned department. Admin Team members are expected to work every other Saturday at a minimum. Saturday hours are from 9 am to 1 pm. Working hours are subject to change at any time based on the needs of the institution or the student schedule.

Faculty members are expected to clock in and clock out prior to their duties which includes: classes, office hours, committee work, meetings, etc.

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?

• Foundation Program Faculty

There are 50-minute class sessions that service multiple levels and courses throughout the day. Instructors are required to teach the maximum load of 20 class sessions in the week, in addition to class preparation, office hours (for tutoring), and both departmental and institutional committee work

• Undergraduate Faculty

A faculty member is expected to teach a minimum teaching load of 12 credit hours per semester. Normal teaching load is subject to change by the management and the executive leadership team.

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 from Sunday to Thursday as long as it is modest and presentable. AIU Gear can be worn on a Thursday as long as business casual attire is still observed. Casual attire is allowed every Saturday.

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:

• Be able to tolerate a certain level of ambiguity.
• Be flexible
• Understand that Kuwait is not America, Canada, or the UK. Many things that can get done quickly back home, require time and patience overseas.
• Have a sense of humor.
• Have personal stability.

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. AIU does not support in the paperwork or legal sponsorship for bringing pets to Kuwait.

• AIU does not allow cats, dogs, rabbits, etc. in staff accomodations. We do allow small pets like fish and birds.
• Most airlines have imposed restrictions (restrictions vary by country and airline) on traveling with pets in teh summer months and/or travelling while the temperature is above a certain temperature to limit potential risks to pets. The times when you will be travelling to/from Kuwait will be during times of extreme heat, especially in Kuwait where teh ground temperatures can reach into the 130s. Therefore it may not be possible to even bring your pet during the times you wish to travel.
• Veterinary care is limite to a few clinics, is extremely expensivce, and is sometimes not up to western standards.
• Should the items listed above not deter you, please note, all animals entering Kuwait require a current rabies vaccination, an import document, and a Health Certificate. 
• For additional information concering necessary documents, please see the PAWS Kuwait website, www.paws-kuwait.org

What is the process for being reimbursed for my flight to Kuwait?

You will be required to book, pay for, confirm, and email us your e-ticket complete with all flight details to Kuwait within 10 (ten) days of scanning and emailing us your employment contract. We will reimburse you in cash for your air-ticket upon the presentation of your credit card and credit card receipt or other vouchers within 14 calendar days of starting work. Flight requirements:

• The lowest class of economy airfare only, without exception.
• Must be the most direct route to Kuwait, no stop-overs of more than 24 hours.
• A claim may not exceed:
  • Economy air fare from point to point origin – Reimbursed up to a maximum of KD 250 UK and Europe, KD 400 US flights 
  • Summer air fare allowance for summer leave – KD 400 US/Canadian citizens, KD 250 UK and European Citizens
• You must arrive in Kuwait no earlier than 1 (one) week prior to your start date and no later than 48 hours prior to your start date.
• Staff who purchase round-trip tickets will have 50% of the value reimbursed upon arrival, and the other 50% reimbursed in April payroll. There are no exceptions to this policy.

Important notes:

No refunds are provided for employees who miss a flight, for any reason. Travel insurance is highly recommended. It is also recommended to book directly with an Airline, rather than through an agency or a third-party booking site. 

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 Zoom. 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 or University 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.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:

• A deposit equal to 50% of the salary mentioned in your offer of employment will be retained as a security deposit.  The deposit will be taken from your first monthly salary, if this is a part month then 50% of the salary earned will be taken and the remainder taken from your second monthly salary.
• If you should resign, even during the probationary period, you must give 2-8 weeks’ notice (whatever is stipulated in your contract); otherwise, the security deposit is non-refundable.
• If your employment is terminated during the probationary period, it is fully refundable.
• The security deposit will be returned to you at the end of your employment with AIU as long as you have met the notice-period (admin staff only). For teaching staff, it will be returned to you with your June salary after receiving University clearance of all University property and all academic responsibilities are completed as stipulated in the contract.