Why Study at AUIB
What does “American” really mean in the context of a university education? It means much more than simply “English language” or using some American textbooks. To be truly American, a university must adopt not only English as its language of instruction, but also the culture and ethos of higher education in the United States as recognized through U.S. accreditation. This is what AUIB offers the people of Iraq.
Our Standard of Education
Simply by using the word “American” in the naming of a university does not guarantee the institution is of a high standard or even comes close to offering a true American-style education. In fact, no requirements exist for calling a university “American” and thus the quality varies widely. The name “American” must mean something; it must carry a certain value and should not merely be used as a marketing tool to assist with student recruitment. Although there are a number of private universities throughout the world with the word “American” in their names, they are NOT affiliated with the U.S. government and are NOT necessarily American in style or substance.
“American” universities are also not affiliated with each other and are not governed by a single body or association. Each institution establishes its own curriculum, mission, and value statements. There is no overarching quality control mechanism or oversight authority that ensures consistency in programs and services. So how can the aspiring students and their parents know they are getting real value for the money by getting a true “American university education?
Breaking it down.
American-style university education
When discussing an American-style university education outside of the United States, several primary questions emerge.
Do These Universities Adhere To The Strict Standards Of The Best American Universities In The United States?
Would they be accredited by the top institutional and programmatic agencies in the U.S.?
Do These Universities Truly Implement The American Model Of Liberal Arts Higher Education?
Are students broadly educated during their first two years of study, prior to specialized studies in their third and fourth years?
Do Students Nourish Their Thinking By Gaining Knowledge Outside Of Their Field Of Study?
Are students encouraged to think critically by learning how to write creatively, to be effective communicators, to gain self-knowledge, to increase their cultural awareness, and to commit to a lifetime of learning? These are the “soft skills” that will best enable the graduate to get their first job on graduation and to advance in their careers over the ensuing years.
How will AUIB guarantee it is truly American-style?
Our promise to you is The AUIB Pledge. Please take time to read this as this is our commitment to you, our responsibility to you as a student or a parent.
Where Do Most So-Called American-Style Universities Fail?
Raising the bar
Generally speaking, many universities around the world that have “American” in their name fail in four essential areas, including adherence to the liberal arts tradition, student life, governance of the institution, and teaching standards:
Liberal Arts tradition
Most American-style universities do not truly follow the liberal arts tradition as practiced in the United States. What distinguishes a true American-style university from others is its “liberal” nature. In essence, this means that the very best American-style institutions of higher learning are based on developing critical thinking skills, excelling in oral and written communication, and emphasizing life-long learning. This differs widely from most universities in the region that are based on a system of lectures and exams whereby students learn to memorize facts and not necessarily to think analytically and for themselves. In a true American-style university, students are not merely prepared for a job after college but are prepared for a lifetime of active learning.
Student life
Student life at many American-style universities abroad is often quite poor as related to true American universities. Extracurricular activities – student athletics, clubs, and organizations – are generally limited or non-existent. There is often little or no student counseling, health care, and student support services.
Faculty Governance and Involvement
Unlike at true American-style universities, faculty are rarely involved in the direct governance of the university, as is required by accrediting agencies in the U.S. In other words, faculty are not empowered to do much more than teach. Morale is often low and there is no tenure system in place. Such universities often cannot retain quality faculty, thereby weakening the student experience due to high turnover.
Teaching Standards
Teaching standards of many so-called American-style universities are generally quite low compared to true American universities. Instructors often carry a four- or even five-course teaching load per semester compared to a two- or three-course load in the United States. Research quality is often poor, or even non-existent. This means faculty are often not up-to-date in their subject matter and students are not able to gain valuable insights into research methodology. Student/faculty ratios are substantially higher than in the U.S. where the preferred class size averages 15:1 (students:faculty) and except in certain freshmen introductory courses rarely exceeds 20:1.
How will AUIB guarantee it is truly American-style?
Our promise to you is The AUIB Pledge. Please take time to read this as this is our commitment to you, our responsibility to you as a student or a parent.
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