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[jonesey]

Just curious if anyone had any first-hand (heck, I'll take second-hand) knowledge of AUAF?  More specifically: Contract length? Living conditions? Can/do families come with? How "safe" is the campus/that area of Kabul? 

Thanks!

[kabulite]

Jonesey…sad that no one from AUAF has responded to your request for information. I can offer second-hand information, my time there spanned 2005 to 2008 and, though I have returned to visit many times…I do not have a strong sense as to how smoothly the present operation is running. Outwardly, it appears fine. I attended their first commencement ceremony at the end of May and it was simply incredible. Perhaps those there now don't appreciate how far the school has come in six-years, but I can still recall shaking my head at buildings with rocket holes in them that needed to be turned into a working campus.
   It takes a special type of person to work anywhere in Afghanistan, but AUAF is the closest thing in this region to a real, American, University. I've worked at Kabul University and at one of the Vocational/Technical Institutes in Kabul and have visited four or five other universities across Afghanistan. AUAF is still the most well-sorted, by far, of all. This is not to say that there may not be some problems there…that I can't speak to and I'm not going to speculate.
   The students, as I remember them, are the brightest and most talented in this country and, if you are looking for an opportunity to make a difference in the world…AUAF is the place to start. The educational facilities are the best in region and, unless there have been some changes at the school that I'm not aware of, their programs are solid. Housing is very well sorted and they have recently broken ground on a new housing facility. I don't know what their policy is on families.
   The security situation changes here daily...there are days when I'm convinced that we've turned the corner...and then some group attacks the Intercon Hotel. I would list the area that the university and the residences are in as one of the most secure in Kabul. How secure/safe that is depends upon your point of reference.
   I'm sorry I can't be of any real help…though I'm still in Kabul, my working knowledge of the school is not current. I know that you could do far worse though.
   Good luck in your search.