HALA HOYAS!
YOUR JOURNEY BEGINS NOW
TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. WELCOME MESSAGES Read messages from Dean Ahmad Dallal and Joseph Hernandez, Director of Admissions, as they welcome and congratulate you on your acceptance to GUQ.
2. CLUBS AND ORGANIZATIONS Get to know our extracurricular activities and how you can get involved!
3. EXPLORE DOHA International students, learn about the city that will become your new home. This section will give you some popular hot spots in Doha and insider tips from our students!
4. EXPLORE EDUCATION CITY Learn about our unique campus structure!
5. USEFUL RESOURCES For international students, here is some important information you should be aware of before you arrive.
6. USEFUL LINKS Here you'll find links to useful pages, sites, social media, and more.
8. MEET THE MAJORS: IECO Learn about the International Economics major from one of our very own students, Maha Al Haroon.
9. MEET THE MAJORS: CULP Learn about the Culture and Politics major from one of our very own students, Harleen Osahan.
7. MEET THE MAJORS: IPOL Learn about the International Politics major from one of our very own students, Zakria Abu. 10. MEET THE MAJORS: IHIST Learn about the International History major from one of our very own students, Sarah Abdussalam.
11. SAMPLE CLASSES Learn about the classes, disciplines, and subjects you might explore at GU-Q!
DEAN AHMAD DALLAL To the newly admitted Class of 2025, Congratulations
on
your
admission
to
Georgetown University in Qatar! I look forward to welcoming you to our campus community here at GU-Q and to the wider academic communities of Education City and the Qatar Foundation. The Class of 2025 will join us at a moment of challenge and hope. The last year, marked by the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, has been a difficult one and has required us to face new problems
and
challenges
with
resilience,
ingenuity, and care. Today, our alumni and students are doing precisely that, developing solutions to the world’s seemingly intractable problems, including this pandemic. From public and economic policy to the day-to-day responses to our latest global challenges, GU-Q
These are extraordinary times that will require individuals committed to lives of intellectual curiosity, real-world solutions, and service to their communities. We are confident that we have found that in you.
during their time at Georgetown.
Again, I welcome you to Georgetown University in Qatar and look forward to meeting you on campus.
Now, as we anticipate the arrival of our newest
With warm regards,
graduates constantly call on lessons learned
class and the fall semester, we are filled with hope for a new year that allows us to welcome you to GU-Q and create opportunities to reconnect with classmates and colleagues.
Dr. Ahmad S. Dallal Dean of Georgetown University in Qatar
“Take stock!” The dictionary definition suggests that taking stock refers to times when we are called “to carefully think about something in order to make a decision about what to do next.” If this is the only part of this letter you read, I hope you think carefully about the next four years and invite you
JOE HERNANDEZ DIRECTOR OF ADMISSIONS
to see GU-Qatar as your academic home for what will be one of the best times in your life. On behalf of the Office of Admissions and the entire
GU-Q
community,
it
is
my
absolute
pleasure to congratulate you on your admission to Georgetown University in Qatar. As your letter of admission rightly states, by offering you admission to GU-Qatar, the Admissions Committee has signaled a high level of confidence in your potential as a student. It has recognized your academic achievement and noted the unique personal qualities that you will bring to this community. I hope you took a moment to appreciate what that means. It means you have been selected from a pool of over 700 of your peers to join a class of about 100 new Hoyas. It means you have distinguished yourself in ways that have captured the imaginations of the many faculty, deans, and staff that reviewed your application. And it means we believe you will thrive in this community, the academic family we call GU-Qatar. At New Student Convocation in August, we will welcome you and invite you, the seventeenth class at GU-Qatar, to our world-class campus here at Education City. Sixteen years ago, our entering class was just 25 students, 5 faculty members offered the renowned curriculum that you will soon engage, and our degree was delivered from classrooms in a shared building across campus.,
Today, our student community is nearly 400 strong, nearly 50 faculty members offer a broad, interdisciplinary curriculum, and our building comprises over 40,000 sq. m. of state of the art spaces dedicated to teaching, learning, and research. Much has changed since 2005, but the mission that inspired us and the values that guided us then, remain the same. Our faculty, staff, and deans are ready to provide you with a holistic educational experience that produces global citizens committed to the service of humanity. We know you are ready for it. As you look ahead and imagine yourselves here at Georgetown, I hope you will take a moment to reflect on your achievements, including your admission to GUQatar, and deeply consider your enormous potential and the immeasurable value of a Georgetown education. I invite you to… take stock. Congratulations & Hoya Saxa! Sincerely, Joseph M. Hernandez Director of Admissions Georgetown University in Qatar
GEORGETOWN UNIVERSITY QATAR
GU-Q Clubs & Organizations Georgetown has more than forty student-run clubs. Everyone can find something that will fit their interest.
Check out the GU-Q website to learn more about Student Clubs and Organizations
GEORGETOWN UNIVERSITY QATAR
Exploring Doha
Welcome to your new home. Doha is the busy and vibrant capital city of Qatar. Doha is known for its modern architecture, its cosmopolitan lifestyle, and cultural destinations. Within the next few pages, we'll be highlighting some of the best and most popular spots in Doha that students frequent, as well as some important places to keep in mind as an international student in Qatar.
Doha is a very safe city with extremely low crime rates. Petty theft is uncommon but still exists of course, so practice good safety habits and keep an eye on your belongings. Doha is a city that has a ton of fun activities to do for any and all students. From shopping, to museums, beaches, and more, the next few pages include some highlighted locations that you should definitely check out!
GEORGETOWN UNIVERSITY QATAR
The Pearl
The Pearl is a luxurious island filled with restaurants, cafes, boutiques, and a vibrant residential area! Many students visit on the weekend with friends. It's a great place to socialize, eat, and study.
GEORGETOWN UNIVERSITY QATAR
Katara
Katara Cultural Village is one of the most beautiful and culturally rich places to visit in Qatar. With incredible exhibits, theaters, events, concert halls, there's never a dull moment at Katara.
GEORGETOWN UNIVERSITY QATAR
Souq Waqif
Souq Waqif is one of the oldest traditional marketplaces in Qatar, updated for modern life! Enjoy the spice market, traditional garments, handicrafts, restaurants, and learn about Qatar's long history of falconry! It's also great place to get souvenirs for family back home.
GEORGETOWN UNIVERSITY QATAR
National Museum of Qatar "The National Museum of Qatar gives voice to the unique story of Qatar and its people; from earliest times to the present day and onwards towards the future. Designed to be both immersive and experiential, the exhibits offer a rich exploration through its three main 'chapters'." Excerpt from https://www.qm.org.qa/en/project/national-museum-qatar
GEORGETOWN UNIVERSITY QATAR
Exploring Education City Welcome to your new home.
Education City is located within Qatar Foundation and comprises of housing, international universities and research institutes including Georgetown University in Qatar. Since its launch in 1997, Education City has expanded to include the university campuses, two residence halls, a state-of-the-art library, a park, a student center, recreation center, a golf course, and a FIFA 2022 World Cup stadium. Students never run out of something to do on campus, and you're able to meet and befriend students from all over the world!
GEORGETOWN UNIVERSITY QATAR
Qatar National Library
Opened in Fall 2017, Qatar National Library is the largest library in Qatar and sits right next door to Georgetown University in Qatar! You have access to over one million books, a music room, culturally rich artifacts and exhibitions, a cafeteria, and more!
GEORGETOWN UNIVERSITY QATAR
The Student Center
The Student Center is a place where students can go to relax, play games, exercise, and eat. You'll find gyms, a supermarket, a multipurpose sports facility, a cafeteria, and a theater! You'll find students from any of the universities socializing after class or getting in their daily workout.
GEORGETOWN UNIVERSITY QATAR
Georgetown University in Qatar Established in 2005 in partnership with Qatar Foundation, the campus provides plenty of facilities and resources to ensure that every student is successful. From our Writing Center, to our large library with over 90,000 books, to Career Services and Health and Wellness — you'll always find people to help and support you during your academic journey.
GEORGETOWN UNIVERSITY QATAR
Useful Resources
As an international student, Doha and Education City will become your new home! So here are some useful tips! 1. Transportation: There are three main ways of navigating Doha: Uber, taxi, and the metro system (Qatar Rail). The metro is the cheapest form of transportation, as it's only 2 Qatari Riyals per trip. Ubering can cost between 12QR to 35QR on average depending on distance, and taxi services are the most expensive. Make sure to download the Uber app and the Qatar Rail app when you arrive. 2. Health: Education City has a health clinic on campus called QF Clinic, and you can go there to get checked if you're feeling ill, suffered a minor injury, or need medicine. All residents of Qatar receive free healthcare services at Hamad Hospital. Private clinics are available as well, and you will be insured under a Georgetown health insurance plan.
GEORGETOWN UNIVERSITY QATAR
3. Food: Qatar's restaurants are as diverse as its inhabitants! You can enjoy Asian cuisine, Arabic food, Italian cuisine and much more! Food delivery is quite convenient via apps such as Talabat, Carriage and Snoonu (which has the cheapest delivery fee). We bet you'll be using those apps during long nights of studying! 4. Shopping: The Student Center has a small supermarket called Al Meera, but most students go shopping at a larger supermarket called Lulu Hypermarket. There is a shuttle on campus that takes you there for free every hour from the male and female dorms. Doha also has a number of malls and if you're looking for some cozy furniture for your dorms, then check out IKEA in Doha Festival City! 5. Important Numbers: 999 is the emergency number for Qatar. If you wish to take the Education City shuttle, then you can call +97444541105. QF Clinic's number is +97444541244 if you want to call to make an appointment or speak to a doctor over the phone.
Useful Links www.youtube.com/c/GUQatar
https://www.instagram.com/GUQatar/
https://www.facebook.com/GUQatar
https://twitter.com/GUQatar
www.linkedin.com/company/GUQatar
https://www.georgetown.edu/
Meet the Majors: IPOL SNAPSHOTS:
Zakria Abu Class of 2023
Hello, my name is Zakria Abu and I am a sophomore at Georgetown University School of Foreign Service, studying International Politics (IPOL). IPOL is a major that provides students with the skills and expertise to understand the world we live in. This understanding is not just limited to politics, but covers economic, social, religious, security, and gender issues as well. As IPOL students we learn how to analyze the different situations around us and make an assessment of our own based on the tools provided by our courses. I chose IPOL as my major because I’ve always been interested in geopolitics & diplomacy since high school. Being an IPOL student gives you a diverse outlook on how states interact with each other and the logic behind their decisions. As someone who wants to study International Law, being an IPOL major helps me build the foundations of both skill and knowledge needed for law school. My favorite classes so far would have to be "Populism" and "Religion & Violence". While "Religion & Violence" is a theology course, as an IPOL major it is important we understand the relationship and discourse of religion and violence. It has given me a unique perspective on why people commit violence in the name of religion. Meanwhile in my Populism class we’ve had discussions aimed at understanding populism and got encouraged to challenge our preexisting notions while developing our own opinions. As IPOL majors, it may be difficult to digest and be willing to understand the perspective of people who represent ideas and values we consider in contradiction to our own. What I have learned is that you can do much better in this major if you are willing to step back and look at your readings with an open perspective. I also think it is important that you are critical of the sources you read, so do not shy away from formulating your own opinions while reading texts. I hope whatever major you choose you will be successful in it, and keep in mind that GU-Q co-curricular education means that you will be exposed to all the majors!
Meet the Majors: IECO SNAPSHOTS:
Maha Al Haroon Class of 2023
International Economics (IECO) is designed to help students understand the economic forces that govern our world. This includes the economic relationships between countries and the effects of policies on various stakeholders. In addition to that, the major equips students with both the theoretical and empirical tools needed in order to perform economic analysis. I decided to major in IECO because it was the perfect combination of both maths and social science. Furthermore, I love being able to understand the economic events that take place all over the world. So far, my favourite class has been macroeconomics. This course was particularly interesting because it covers the big forces that affect countries as a whole, and in the class you see how macroeconomic theory translates into real world events. For anyone interested in this major, my advice would be to not listen to people that say the major is difficult. All majors offered at Georgetown have their own difficulties, but that’s what’s going to help you grow as a student. If you’re passionate and genuinely interested in IECO, go for it!
Meet the Majors: CULP SNAPSHOTS:
Harleen Osahan Class of 2021
The Culture and Politics (СULP) major focuses on the intersection of culture, art, literature, film and politics. As CULP majors we study basic theoretical frameworks through which we can analyze culture. The best part of being a CULP major was deciding on a concentration. The concentration allowed me to focus on a particular topic that I was interested in by taking classes that were geared towards my academic passion. Since I love anything to do with the arts, I had the opportunity to take classes about film, literature, and media. One of my favourite classes at Georgetown was Philosophy of Gender taught by Professor Anjana Jacob, which focused on how we define gender and how it impacts us phenomenologically. It allowed me to rethink the ways that women and men operate in the world. Another one of my favourite classes was Arabian Nights in World Literature taught by Professor Amira el Zein which was about the stories of the Arabian Nights and how they have been written about by literary theorists throughout the years. The best part about the class was reading the eccentric stories from the Arabian Nights and also demystifying them. A piece of advice for aspiring CULP majors would be to sample through a lot of different courses to figure out which field you would like to concentrate in!
Meet the Majors: IHIST SNAPSHOTS:
Sarah Abdussalam Class of 2021
Majoring in International History will allow you to better understand the world we live in today, because the present is a product of each person’s collective experiences and decisions. This idea can be expanded to include communities, provinces, states, and empires across time. The study of history, and the narratives that it tells, are only as good as its sources. You will read many primary sources, written or produced by people who lived through the event. This might be a transcript of a speech by Mao Zedong, or constitutional reform documents from the Ottoman Empire. Secondary sources are written after an event has happened, and often have their own ideological or theoretical analysis. These sources must be analyzed, and the author’s intent or bias may change the way a historical narrative is presented between different secondary sources. As a history major, it is important to recognize and understand that not all sources are created equally, and analyze the theoretical and ideological biases that exist in historical writings. This becomes even more important, when you write historical papers. This is where you apply your theoretical knowledge, and attempt to do history as much justice as possible. You will engage with, and address topics that span historically significant events from a social, cultural, political, and economic perspective. This might be the importance of Nasserism as a political ideology in the early 20th century across the Middle East, or examining the historical basis of the Irish Troubles in seventeenth century English colonialism.
SAMPLE CLASSES Interested in knowing what kind of classes Georgetown students take? Look no further! Islamic Ethics This course offers an introduction to the broad field of Islamic ethics. It aims to situate ethics within the larger Islamic normative tradition by exploring links and interconnections with extended and systematic discussions within the various genres of this tradition including theology, law and jurisprudence, mysticism, literature, and philosophy.
Introduction to Logic In this course you will learn the rules of an artificial language. You will use these rules to quickly break down arguments in ordinary language and evaluate them for validity. The goal of the course is to greatly sharpen your analytical abilities.
Theology Fatwa in Theory & Practice This course aims to give a comprehensive overview on the general theme of fatwa in the Islamic legal culture by tracing its emergence, historical development, and transformation in the modern period.
Philosophy Happiness and its Discontents What should we strive for in life? A common answer is that we should strive to be happy. But what is happiness, and what is it that makes people happy?
SAMPLE CLASSES Interested in knowing what kind of classes Georgetown students take? Look no further! Sufism in Modern Arab Lit. Sufism has invaded modern Arabic literature since the fifties of last century. It might appear at first contradictory to write ‘modern’ poetry and ‘modern’ novels, and yet be inspired by the great traditional figures of Sufism.
Social Mvmts & Interest Groups This course will focus on interest groups and social movements in politics, concentrating primarily but not exclusively on the U.S. We will explore how interest groups and movements are born, how they are governed and financed, how interest groups recruit and influence members, and how groups influence their members.
Arabic Arab Film How has Arab cinema transformed our vision of cinema as well as of history since its emergence on the scene in the early twentieth century? This course will survey Arab cinema from different periods and will consider how cinema is used to explore themes such as gender and sexuality, national identity, etc.
Government Gulf Politics This course examines the historical and political evolution of societies in the Arabian Peninsula from the 1800s up to present, with particular focus on the cultural, economic, and political dynamics that shape the contemporary politics and societies of the region.
SAMPLE CLASSES Interested in knowing what kind of classes Georgetown students take? Look no further! Industrial Organization This course examines the behavior of business firms and the performance of markets in monopoly and imperfectly competitive settings. Aspects of strategic decision-making that will be studied include price discrimination, price matching, product and location selection, advertisement and promotions, vertical control, auction, merger, and entrepreneurship.
Migration in the Middle East In this course students will critically debate the ways in which migration has fundamentally transformed the MENA region using not only traditional academic studies, films, and literature, but also by stepping outside the classroom to conduct and reflect on their own “fieldwork” in Qatar.
Economics Money and Banking We analyze the financial system by breaking it down to its five components: money, markets, instruments, institutions, and central banks. The course provides the students with the tools needed to understand how the global economy operates.
Politics Contemp Issues in Human Rights The course aims to introduce non-law students studying in the social sciences or the humanities spheres what human rights are, what are their key sources, how they work (if at all) and what are some of the key contemporary issues. The course challenges many of the arguments states and other actors put forward in obfuscating or downright violating human rights.
SAMPLE CLASSES Interested in knowing what kind of classes Georgetown students take? Look no further! Art, Media, and Cultural Politics This course provides a thorough examination of contemporary challenges related to cultural politics, focusing on the legal framework that governs cultural institutions, the artworlds and the media (including the press; broadcasting; internet and social media; entertainment media and the audio-visual).
America and the Muslim World This course will trace American interactions with Islam and Muslims from the colonial era to the war in Iraq. We will examine the influence of cultural and religious beliefs on interactions with Islam and Muslims both at home and abroad. Students will be asked to think about the concept of Orientalism and its applicability to the United States.
Cultural Politics Gender/Politics/ Power in Gulf This course introduces students to significant debates about gender and politics in the Arab Gulf. It uses gender as a lens and connecting hinge through which the historical and political development of states, societies and people in the Gulf region can be re-examined.
History Culture of ConflictN.Ireland Rooted in over 800 years of acrimonious interaction between the Irish and the British, Northern Ireland's bloody 20th century is anything but clear-cut. Through an analysis of music, popular films, and literature, this class will explore the cultural construction of the "Troubles" in 20th century Ulster and examine the historical, ethnic, psychological and social realities from which this culture of conflict ensues.