Gulf Studies Program at AUK presents first Certificate

The American University of Kuwait has presented the first certificate in its Gulf Studies program to Tracy Dishongh, a second-semester junior from Boston University. Ms. Dishongh has completed 12 hours of coursework in anthropology, history, human development, and finance to earn the certificate. She is in Kuwait for the semester while her father works for the Fluor Corporation. 

The certificate was presented to her by Dr. Marjorie Kelly, the Director of the Gulf Studies Center and a professor in anthropology. The coursework at AUK was the first time Ms. Dishongh took classes on the region and she has became so interested that she hopes to return to Kuwait once she is awarded her degree in Finance. She reported she found Kuwaiti culture to be very interesting and said she loves the language.

The Gulf Studies Certificate Program is designed for visiting students or non-degree-seeking students who wish to spend a semester at AUK, focusing on regional history, politics, society, culture, and the arts. Students are required to take a total of twelve hours from a growing list of courses that includes Islamic Art, the History of Kuwait, and Arab Society and Culture.

American University of Kuwait is a liberal arts institution, based on the American model of higher education. It is dedicated to providing students with knowledge, self awareness, and personal growth experiences that can enhance critical thinking, effective communication, and respect for diversity. AUK seeks to create leaders and life-long learners who aspire to the highest standards of moral and ethical responsibility in their societies.