American Space
Welcome to AUIB’s American Space, where cultural exploration transcends boundaries. Step onto the AUIB campus and into a world where culture meets innovation, and diversity becomes a celebration. Our program is a vibrant mosaic of experiences, designed to ignite curiosity and foster understanding. From captivating performances to interactive workshops and makers’ spaces, we invite you to embark on a journey that promises to inspire, educate, and engage.
Our Joint Endeavor
The American Space is a joint endeavor of AUIB and the U. S. Department of State designed to promote critical thinking and thoughtful discussion using speakers, workshops, and digital resources. Fundamentally, it is a critical part of AUIB’s commitment to revolutionize higher education in Iraq through the adoption of the American model of general education.
The American Space embodies the U.S. commitment to a core tenet of democracy
upholding a citizen’s right to free access to information. On average, hundreds of students and outside visitors pass through the doors of the American Space each month to explore, learn and enjoy. They do so in a facility designed to enhance the visitor’s experience in a beautiful and welcoming environment. Although the AUIB American Space is not unique, there are three others in Iraq and more than 600 Spaces in 140 countries around the globe, we are proud to be the largest in the region and among the largest in the world which is a true indication of the ties between Iraq and the United States.
It is the responsibility of the American Space to counteract negative perceptions and disinformation about the United States and build bridges of mutual respect and understanding between the people of Iraq and the people of the United States. The American Space is a platform available to the U. S. Embassy to use for public engagement in support of the broad range of U.S. relationships, interests, and activities in Iraq. The American Space also serves as a platform for AUIB faculty, staff, and students to present research results, creative arts, current events commentary, and other topics of interest to the community.
The American Space at AUIB maintains a core of six objectives.
Skills
Provide skills building programs to empower current and future Iraqi nation leaders to develop abilities and increased capacity in a wide array of areas that will help them meet global challenges, mitigate crises, increase participation of underrepresented communities, reduce economic disparities, support inclusive and sustainable economic growth and opportunity, and strengthen resilience to economic, technological, environmental, and other systemic challenges.
Accuracy
Provide accurate, compelling, timely and audience-appropriate information about the United States – its history, culture, society, values, and foreign policies.
Facilitate
Facilitate English language learning through access to English language speakers, resources, computers, and internet access.
Promote
Promote higher education study in the United States by providing AUIB and other Iraqi students with accurate, comprehensive, and current guidance on applying to U.S. colleges and universities.
Foster
Foster people-to-people connections, increase understanding and build respect with Iraqi audiences through speakers and cultural programs.
Support
Support continuing engagement with U.S. government exchange program alumni, connecting them to local audiences through alumni programs in which credible, local voices can share firsthand information about the United States and American values.
Digital Hub
The most exciting addition to the American Space is the Digital Hub. The Hub is a state-of-the-art creativity center. Top of the line iMac computers, iPads, digital cameras, and a suite of cutting-edge software and databases give you the opportunity to explore your imagination and hone your professional skills.
Workshops lead by experts will teach you how to make and edit videos, produce podcasts, create digital art, and other 21st Century skills.
Educational Exchanges
Educational Exchanges are the bedrock of the U.S. – Iraq cultural relationship. The American Space cooperates with the American Embassy in Baghdad and other exchange sponsors to encourage students to consider fully funded short-term visits to the US, enroll in a Study Abroad program, or to commence their graduate studies in the U.S. These presentations are open to the public as well as AUIB students. We work closely with EducationUSA, U.S. Department of State network of over 430 student advising centers around the world, to help students navigate the process for studying in the U.S. and provide speakers and resources to assist in their applications.
Presentations occur throughout the year at the opening of the application period for the various exchanges. Among the many exchange programs promoted by the American Space are:
Fulbright Scholarships
The Fulbright U.S. Student Program expands perspectives through academic and professional advancement and cross-cultural dialogue. Fulbright creates connections in a complex and changing world. In partnership with more than 140 countries worldwide, the Fulbright U.S. Student Program offers unparalleled opportunities in all academic disciplines to passionate and accomplished graduating college seniors, graduate students, and young professionals from all backgrounds. Program participants pursue graduate study, conduct research, or teach English abroad.
Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship
The Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program enhances leadership among international professionals who collaborate to address local and global challenges and foster change for our collective good.
Iraqi Young Leaders Exchange Program (IYLEP)
The Iraqi Young Leaders Exchange Program (IYLEP) for high school and undergraduate students is a program sponsored and funded by the US Embassy, Baghdad and U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, Youth Programs Division, and implemented by World Learning.
Study of the United States Institutes (SUSI)
Study of the U.S. Institutes (SUSIs) for Student Leaders are five-to-six-week academic programs designed for foreign undergraduate students between the ages of 18 and 25 to improve their understanding of the United States and to develop their leadership skills.
Workshops
The American Space cooperates with many outside groups to bring specialized opportunities for our guests and students. Our goal is to expand horizons, create opportunities, and teach new skills. Among the groups with whom we have cooperated are Qudra, which conducted a special seminar for women entrepreneurs and the Google Developer Club Mega Tech Conference which helped students prepare for a career in high tech.
Speaker Program
The American Space Speaker Program plays a pivotal role in fostering intellectual diversity and broadening the academic scope for students and faculty alike. By showcasing a variety of speakers, the program explores non-policy topics that span a wide spectrum, including dramatic literature, archaeology, historic preservation, world health, conservation, and more. In a recent illuminating session, the program featured a captivating presentation on Forensic Anthropology and DNA Analysis to Support Mass Graves and Missing-Persons Identification. by our Vice President of Academic Affairs, which provided invaluable insights into this specialized field. The session not only elucidated the complexities of forensic anthropology but also highlighted its critical role in addressing humanitarian concerns related to mass graves and missing-persons cases. Such events within the Speaker Program exemplify AUIB’s commitment to offering a holistic educational experience, where students and faculty engage with diverse topics and experts, contributing to a well-rounded and enriched academic community.
Policy Talks
Policy Talks is monthly series during the academic year that serves as a dynamic platform for senior leaders and experts in government, law, diplomacy, science, environment, business, and other critical areas to delve into substantive discussions, exchange insights, and actively contribute to shaping well-informed policies for the future. This program series is a unique opportunity for the AUIB community to interact directly with influential figures who graciously share their wealth of knowledge and offer prescriptions for the future. In a recent Policy Talk session, the spotlight was on Japan’s modernization and the lessons it holds for the future of Iraq, with an illuminating presentation by the Japanese ambassador. This engaging dialogue not only shed light on Japan’s historical journey but also offered crucial perspectives on the potential pathways for Iraq’s development. Policy Talks exemplifies AUIB’s commitment to fostering an environment where students, faculty, and the broader community can actively participate in conversations that shape the policies and visions of tomorrow.
Special Presentations
Special Presentations provide an informative and engaging platform for programs out of the norm, featuring AUIB students, faculty, staff, or outside visitors. Typical programs could feature film festivals, performing arts, innovative workshops, cultural performances or demonstrations, or lectures that reflect someone’s passion outside the classroom, among other topics. A recent program celebrated International Women’s Day, drawing women leaders from all walks of life to network and share experiences. Hundreds of guests listen to speakers, browsed handicraft stands, and listened to an all-female traditional Iraqi orchestra. Another popular special presentation is the annual 4th of July celebration. Guests view fireworks displays from the US and enjoy American entertainment while savoring typical 4th of July foods.
LITFEST – Literature Festival
LitFest is a twice-yearly celebration of the written word that provides a platform for sharing your creativity with an audience of peers and other writers. Participants are invited to read or perform original or otherwise meaningful poetry, short stories or play excerpts. Participation is open to all regardless of major. Through sharing, LitFest brings the university community together in a celebration of creativity and fosters exploration of new ideas and means of expression.
Donuts with Diplomats
Donuts with Diplomats is a monthly fun but informative program that brings current or former foreign diplomats with a wealth of experience in foreign affairs to share their personal journeys, discuss their diplomatic experiences and tell a little about where they come from. The program provides a unique platform for engaging conversations with foreign affairs professionals, followed by savoring delicious donuts. Recently we have hosted distinguished guests such as the Cultural Attaché and Deputy Political Counselor from the U.S Embassy and a retired American diplomat with an impressive 30-year career at the US Department of State, currently serving as the Senior Advisor to the President of AUIB.
