Georgetown University in Qatar
Culture & Politics

"I am a fourth and final year student at Georgetown University in Qatar, majoring in culture and politics with a minor in economics. I was born in the U.S. to Sudanese parents, then eight months later, we relocated to the Philippines, where we stayed for the next 17 years. We then moved once more to Kenya after I graduated from high school. After a week in my new home, I left to start my studies here in Qatar. 

My siblings and I were educated in an international school with an American curriculum and had the immense privilege of knowing the next step would always be university abroad. I knew I wanted to stay close to family, and close to the communities I wanted to serve – I’ve always set my sights on giving back to the Horn of Africa region in particular. Education City provided the perfect combination of an advanced education and proximity to home and the people I love most. Georgetown University in Qatar gave me the opportunity to study and explore my academic interests, between the practical nature of economics and the anthropological, human-focused nature of culture and politics. And above all, studying in Qatar has helped me realise the opportunities that are available when you live a life of ease but when you also move with empathy, humility, and gratitude."

HEC Paris in Qatar
Executive MBA

“I have been looking at good university options for the past few years to pursue executive education. Having spent 23 years in the Air Freight Industry and having reached an executive management position, I was looking at only the top universities worldwide to pursue an Executive MBA programme. Qatar’s investment in setting up a good education hub in the country has ensured the presence of top universities, such as HEC Paris, here in Qatar. I work with a company headquartered here and the option of pursuing my masters with HEC Paris in Qatar provided me with this excellent opportunity to fulfil my dream while working in Qatar. I am eternally thankful and feel blessed that I live and work in Qatar, due to which I had the opportunity to pursue executive education with one of the best universities of the world.”

Hamad Bin Khalifa University
MA Digital Humanities and Societies

“My decision to join Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) has been a rewarding one. As an American, pursing higher education in Qatar was an intentional decision, and a successful one. 

What sets the education at  HBKU apart is the unique cluster of characteristics only found within the Education City ecosystem. First, the diversity in the student body and the professors is unparalleled. The stunning quality of the academic facilities nestled within the Education City makes for the perfect collaborative environment for students. I have had endless opportunities to pursue language studies, conduct a research project, network with policy makers, and to truly take my education into my own hands. I am forever grateful to this country and to HBKU for the opportunity.”

Northwestern University in Qatar
Journalism

“I am currently a junior majoring in journalism. I chose to come to Northwestern specifically because Medill is one of the best, if not the best, journalism school in the world. When I saw the opportunity, I simply took it. I had actually never heard of Qatar before applying to Northwestern University but once I started researching, I was intrigued by the culture, activities and amazing architecture. I was also particularly fascinated by the fact that Qatar has one of the highest literacy rates for women in the Arab world and this resonated with me on a very personal level. I absolutely love the fact that the student body at my university is so diverse because it has granted me the opportunity to learn so much about so many different cultures and become even more open minded than I ever was.”

Institution: Hamad Bin Khalifa University
Course: Ph.D Biomedical Sciences

“I discovered my passion for biomedical research after participating in a summer research programme during my undergraduate studies. Since then, I contributed to several research projects both within and outside Qatar and came to realise that the quality of research in Qatar is outstanding. With state-of-the-art research facilities, cutting edge projects, and excellent supervision, I knew that I had everything I needed to become a budding scientist right here. The Qatar National Vision 2030 extensively supports and facilitates high quality research to improve the healthcare system. As I pursue my Ph.D., I am certain that I will make meaningful contributions to the biomedical field given the nurturing environment provided by the nation.”

Hamad Bin Khalifa University
MA Women, Society and Development

“Education City and Qatar Foundation provides a unique opportunity for young leaders from all the over the globe with a high quality of education in a Middle Eastern setting. The Qatar Foundation’s commitment to carefully nurturing tomorrow's problem solvers ignited my desire to study in one of its partner universities. Hamad Bin Khalifa University, HBKU, is an institution that has a glittering recommendation throughout the MENA region for its incredible work in innovation. More importantly, it creates a unique educational environment where international students can thrive. The scholarship opportunities offered by QF, with the genuine aim of supporting students throughout their stay in Qatar, played an inestimable role in my choice to study at HBKU. 

I look forward to engaging in the dynamic knowledge exchange process with the other MA participants from different backgrounds, to form new connections, and expanding my social network to a global level. This is because the university is not just a place for gleaning knowledge, but also a fertile environment to build a robust network.   

All in all, Qatar, QF and HBKU’s supreme tolerance for diversity, respect and value of individuals' distinctive cultures presents an atmosphere for smooth academic progress.”

Hamad Bin Khalifa University
PhD in Information Technology

“I am a Yemeni student at  Hamad Bin Khalifa University, HBKU. I am pursuing my PhD study in Information Technology in the field of Digital Addiction and Digital Wellbeing. I completed my Bachelor's and Master’s degrees in Malaysia and have also worked for Accenture in Malaysia as a senior analyst. During my journey searching for a PhD opportunity, a friend suggested HBKU.  I was impressed by its research work, academic staff profiles, housing, etc. Also, I found out about Education City, with the different branches of top universities, and Qatar’s vision for a knowledge-based economy. All of these reasons encouraged me to apply study in Qatar. The diversity in the university enriches our learning experience, and there are good facilities provided in the dorms and in Education City. 

During my spare time, besides shopping at the malls sometimes, I go out with friends to Souq Waqif for a walk, shopping, or to enjoy a nice meal. We also go to the Corniche for walks or boat rides. 

What I like about Qatar, besides its goal to be knowledge-based country, is the way it merges the past and the present. It combines tradition and culture with modern life. It impresses me!”

Northwestern University in Qatar
Journalism

“Studying in Qatar was the right choice for me, as it offers specific fields of study, such as journalism. When you delve into a major, the opportunities become endless; I could be a writer, a producer, a news broadcaster, I can even go into PR or HR. There is nothing like the diversity you'll find in Qatar, where you can meet amazing people and create lasting relationships.”