Experiential Learning

Annual Report 2020-2021 •

Georgetown University in Qatar

Internships

Over half of the student body participates in at least one internship during their education, gaining work experience prior to graduation.

In the 2020-2021 academic year, 83 student interns worked 10-15 hours a week under the guidance of a mentor at a partner organization.

Thirty-three students completed the International Affairs Internship course, receiving academic credit for experience gained at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Qatar Financial Centre Regulatory Authority, the U.S. Embassy, Brookings Doha Center, Qatar Foundation, Education Above All, Teach for Qatar, or Qatar Reads.

Model United Nations (MUN)

Gaining large scale event organization experience, 21 students planned the 16th Annual GU-Q Model United Nations conference, virtually hosting 152 students from 17 schools in Qatar and across the world.

The theme was “Imagining a Resilient Future: Equality, Safety, and Health,” and featured keynote speaker Faith Abiodun, Executive Director of Future Africa.

Conference Training

In preparation for GU-Q’s 16th Annual MUN conference, 25 GU-Q student volunteers organized an additional three-day MUN event for 115 students from 12 high schools in Qatar under the theme “Diversity and Integration in a World of Conflict.”

Throughout this health crisis, young people have demonstrated inspiring leadership and resilience in adapting to online learning and engagement. GU-Q’s virtual MUN helped to ensure that participating students emerge from the pandemic globally connected and better prepared to take on their next challenge.

— Zoya Farid (SFS’22), MUN Secretary General

Crisis Simulation

I learned that coming up with solutions through diplomacy is something that takes time. The voices involved seek to integrate their selfinterested goals in this process, thereby neglecting the bigger picture of saving lives.

— Alak Raad (SFS’23)

Thirty-five students took part in the annual Crisis Simulation diplomacy exercise organized in partnership with the Institute for the Study of Diplomacy (ISD) at Georgetown University in Washington, DC, on “Resolving the Libyan Crisis.” Participating mentors included former U.S. Ambassador to Tunisia Gordon Gray, former U.S. Ambassador to Algeria John Desrocher, and Director of the Brookings Doha Center Tarik Yousef.

Diplomat for a Day

To commemorate International Women’s Day, ten students were invited to participate in the “Diplomat for a Day” mentorship program organized by the female Ambassadors of Austria, Canada, Ethiopia, Greece, Mexico, the Netherlands, Tanzania and the United States, and regional United Nations office heads for the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and the International Organization for Migration.

By shadowing the Chief of Mission, I learned more about the important work of the IOM. I’ve studied the planning of those projects in the classroom. Seeing it actually happen was an amazing experience.

— Roudah Al-Neama (SFS’21)