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.
Is there an age limit for applicants?
Yes. Applicants over the age of 59 are considered on a case-by-case basis.
What kind of facilities does AIU have?
AIU offers a variety of facilities to support student learning and well-being:
- Computer Labs, Teaching Laboratories, Fabrication Workshops, and Printing Facilities
- Campus Library
- Athletics Center
- Student Success Center
- Student Life Services
All staff and lecturers are required to undergo training on Banner, Canvas, and Maxient 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. Faculty Members must be committed to becoming proficient in the daily use of 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 work week for Admin Team is from Sunday to Thursday. The working hours assigned depend on the needs of the department. Some typical examples of the shifts assigned include either 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 pm, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm or 10:00 am to 6:30 pm depending on the function of the assigned department. Admin Team members are expected to work every other from 9 am to 12 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 and after their duties which includes: classes, office hours, committee work, meetings, etc. Faculty members must clock in at least 30 minutes before their first scheduled class to allow adequate preparation time and ensure readiness for teaching responsibilities.
Where can I find the University Academic Calendar and information about holidays?
The Academic Calendar for the university, including details about Kuwaiti and Islamic holidays, can be found on our website. It provides important dates, including holidays, academic schedules, and events.
Am I eligible for any additional benefits?
Additional benefits are typically outlined in your offer letter and may vary depending on your employment status (local or overseas) and other relevant factors. For specific details about your benefits package, please refer to your offer letter or contact the HR department for clarification.
What is the Staff dress code?
AIU Employees must 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 is the approximate cost of a work visa/residency fee?
The work visa/residency fee is approximately KD 125-165 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 can require up to 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 contractual agreement?
Unless otherwise stated, all incoming faculty are engaged in a 1-year agreement. During the initial 100 working days probationary period, either party can opt to end the agreement with a 3-month 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.
- Only for those Faculty who begin employment in the start of the Academic Year, paid summer leave for approximately one month. In addition, you will get paid winter break and spring break.
- Transportation to and from the University for 2 weeks from the first official day of work for new overseas employees.
- Assistance with processing work visa, residency, and driving license.
- Professional development workshops.
- 2 personal days annually (must be pre-approved) for Administrative Staff.
- Sick leave provision for Administrative Staff.
In which currency will I receive my salary?
Salaries are paid in Kuwaiti Dinars
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 afterward. AIU does not pay for direct or indirect degree translation, authentication fees, and residency.
What type of private health insurance is provided?
Employees who are eligible for private health insurance will receive coverage under the Warba Insurance Plan if it is stipulated in their employment contract. For those not covered under this plan, there is an option to participate in the Warba Insurance Plan through self-payment. For more details, please refer to your offer or contact the HR department.
What does AIU Housing look like?
All AIU-provided apartments are one-bedroom units and are assigned to individual employees only. For information on how the apartments should be maintained, along with additional housing details, please refer to the AIU Housing Information.
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 are the nationalities of the students?
While the majority of AIU’s student body consists of Kuwaiti nationals seeking an American-style education, the university also includes students from a variety of other nationalities.
What kind of facilities does AIU have?
AIU offers a variety of facilities to support student learning and well-being:
- Computer Labs, Teaching Laboratories, Fabrication Workshops, and Printing Facilities
- Campus Library
- Athletics Center
- Student Success Center
- Student Life Services
What are the University's expectations regarding technology usage in the classroom?
All staff and lecturers are required to undergo training on Banner, Canvas, and Maxient 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. Faculty Members must be committed to becoming proficient in the daily use of 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 work week for Admin Team is from Sunday to Thursday. The working hours assigned depend on the needs of the department. Some typical examples of the shifts assigned include either 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 pm, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm or 10:00 am to 6:30 pm depending on the function of the assigned department. Admin Team members are expected to work every other from 9 am to 12 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 and after their duties which includes: classes, office hours, committee work, meetings, etc. Faculty members must clock in at least 30 minutes before their first scheduled class to allow adequate preparation time and ensure readiness for teaching responsibilities.
Where can I find the University Academic Calendar and information about holidays?
The Academic Calendar for the university, including details about Kuwaiti and Islamic holidays, can be found on our website. It provides important dates, including holidays, academic schedules, and events.
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. 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.
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 must 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 is it like living in Kuwait?
Kuwait is a modern, vibrant, and multicultural country offering a unique blend of traditional and contemporary lifestyles. Residents have access to a variety of western grocery stores, international shopping centers, diverse restaurants, and recreational facilities. The expatriate community in Kuwait is large and diverse, including people from countries such as the UK, Canada, the USA, Australia, New Zealand, Europe, and Asia. Kuwait is known for its warm hospitality and safety, making it an appealing destination for both families and single individuals. Additionally, the country has a well-developed infrastructure, excellent healthcare, and a tax-free income environment, enhancing its attractiveness to expatriates. The weather features long summers and mild winters, with plenty of opportunities to enjoy outdoor activities during the cooler months.
Can I bring pets with me?
AIU does not advise bringing pets along and does not support in the paperwork or legal sponsorship for bringing pets to Kuwait.
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 signing your offer. 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 (does not apply for all, for certain overseas employee packages only):
- The lowest class of economy airfare only, without exception.
- Must be the most direct route to Kuwait, with no stop-overs of more than 24 hours.
- A claim may not exceed:
- Economy airfare from point-to-point origin – as stipulated in your offer of employment,
- Annual airfare allowance for summer leave –amount as stipulated in your offer of employment.
- You are advised to arrive in Kuwait at least 48 hours prior to your start date.
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
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.
What are the passport requirements for employment at AIU?
To ensure a smooth onboarding and visa process, your passport must be valid for at least two years at the time of signing your employment offer with AIU. This requirement helps facilitate timely visa applications and compliance with local immigration regulations. If your passport is nearing expiration, we recommend renewing it before signing the offer. For further assistance, please contact the HR department.
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.
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?
If you are looking for assistance with authentication paperwork, you are welcome to consult with the HR department. They can recommend agencies or companies that may be able to assist with the process.
