Semester or Year Abroad - Kuwait

Questions?

  • Kogod Global Learning Programs
    (202) 885-1940
    ksbabroad@american.edu

Mailing Address
Kogod School of Business Kuwait Business Program

Kuwait University

Kuwait City, Kuwait

Spring or Full Academic Year

About the Program

The Kogod School of Business is pleased to offer this unique study abroad opportunity for students seeking an academically and culturally rich experience off the beaten path. Our partnership with the College of Business Administration (CBA) at Kuwait University, one of the leading institutions of higher education in the Middle East, enables students to directly enroll at CBA and take core, specialization, or elective courses while exploring this fascinating region of the world.

The College of Business Administration leverages its close connection with the Kuwaiti business community to infuse real-world examples into the classroom. Its Center of Excellence in Management further links CBA with the business community via training and consulting projects at clients such as The World Bank, the National Bank of Kuwait, and Kuwait Airways. CBA is located on the Shuwaikh campus of Kuwait University, offering more than 30,000 square meters for classrooms and study areas as well as advanced technology to facilitate the innovative teaching style of CBA's faculty. Additional information about the College of Business Administration can be found on their website.

Kuwait University is located in Kuwait City, a true oasis overlooking the Persian Gulf. Kuwait, "the pearl of the Gulf", is a major commercial center with a robust economy and expatriate community representing 130 countries. Students can explore the many cultural/entertainment "hubs" of the city, including the Scientific Center and aquarium, the Kuwait Towers, and the old Al Mubarakiya Souk, a renovated bazaar where Kuwaitis have conducted business for centuries.

Interested students should note that Kuwait University College of Business Administration is an academically rigorous program which requires a minimum GPA of 3.0. Additionally, due to the differences between AU’s and CBA’s academic calendars, it is only possible for AU students to study abroad at CBA for a Spring semester or full academic year.

Curriculum | Housing | Passport & Visa | Cost | Application

Curriculum

Kogod students may take courses from within the College of Business Administration curriculum, which include core, specialization, and elective courses. Classes are taught either in English or a combination of English and Arabic, making CBA an excellent study abroad option for Kogod's BLC students on the Arabic track. A sample of course options (subject to change depending on availability) include:

  • Organizational Behavior (3 credits, equivalent to MGMT-353)
  • Principles of Financial Management (3 credits, equivalent to FIN-365)
  • Logistics Management (3 credits, equivalent to ITEC-355)
  • Principles of Marketing (3 credits, equivalent to MKTG-300)
  • Consumer Behavior (3 credits, equivalent to MKTG-301)
  • Investment Portfolio Management (3 credits, equivalent to FIN-396)
  • Investment Banking (3 credits, equivalent to FIN-396)
  • Global Marketing (3 credits, equivalent to MKTG-396)
  • Internet Marketing (3 credits, equivalent to MKTG-311)

For a comprehensive list of courses, please visit CBA's website, select a specific Department at the top of the page, then click on the Course Description link. The language of instruction for each course is also listed under each Department's Core Curriculum link (courses taught in a combination of English and Arabic are designated as [PAR].)

Housing

Accepted students are offered free dormitory accommodations and transportation between the dormitories and Kuwait University campuses. Dormitories are gender-specific; student housing is available for male students in the Shuwaikh campus dormitories and for female students in the Keifan campus dormitories.

Passport & Visa

Students are solely responsible for obtaining a passport and any visas or other immigration documents required for study in Kuwait, including any related fees. The Kogod Office of Global Learning Programs will support students in this endeavor with any required letters from the school. Students should contact the Kuwait Embassy as well as the Embassy website for their home country to validate entry and exit requirements. Details for US citizens regarding these requirements and other pertinent information can be found on the US State Department website. 

Cost

Tuition: The standard semester tuition, as well as the Student Technology Fee, will be billed by and paid directly to AU.  

Program Fee: In addition to tuition, there is a non-refundable $500 program fee which includes mandatory supplemental emergency travel insurance through AU. This program fee is paid to AU through the Kogod Office of Global Learning Programs. 

Housing: There is no charge for on-campus housing for visiting exchange students at CBA. 

Travel: Students are responsible for the reservation and payment of travel to and from Kuwait. 

Passport & Visa: Students are responsible for obtaining a passport, visa, or other required immigration documents, including related fees. 

Incidentals: Meals, local transportation, health insurance, books, academic supplies, laundry, cell phone service, toiletries, shopping & souvenirs, etc. are the student’s responsibility. 

Financial Aid: Students planning to use financial aid should consult with the Financial Aid office to determine coverage and eligibility.

APPLICATION

Please complete all of the following application steps and submit all required materials electronically or dropped off in KSB 106 (NOT to Kuwait University or AU Abroad) no later than 5:00 p.m. on the application deadline: 

  1. Thoroughly review the Study Abroad Academic Policies for the program.
  2. Complete the online application on the AU Abroad website.
  3. Submit all required materials, including the non-refundable $500 program fee, electronically or dropped off in KSB 106 (NOT to Kuwait University or AU Abroad) by 5:00 p.m. on the application deadline.
Once all of your application materials have been received:
  • Your application will be reviewed, and if approved, will be forwarded to CBA for processing.
  • You will be registered for a "placeholder" course, KSB-388, and your student account will be charged the applicable tuition and program fee.
  • You will be contacted by CBA with additional information regarding course registration, logistics, etc.
  • You will need to obtain your student visa.
  • You will need to complete a number of additional forms for both AU and CBA.
  • You will attend a mandatory pre-departure session at AU covering key logistical, administrative, and safety & health information.

QUESTIONS 

Please contact the Kogod Office of Global Learning Programs at (202) 885-1940 or ksbabroad@american.edu with any questions.