Qatar Foundation

Over the last few days of orientation, I've had the opportunity to learn more about the students and the movement that created the opportunity for them to study here.

"Qatar Foundation's mission is to prepare the people of Qatar and the region to meet the challenges of an ever-changing world, and to make Qatar a leader in innovative education and research.

To achieve that mission, Qatar Foundation supports a network of centers and partnerships with elite institutions, all committed to the principle that a nation¹s greatest natural resource is its people. Education City, Qatar Foundation's flagship project, is envisioned as a center of excellence in education and research that will help transform Qatar into a knowledge-based society." -Qatar Foundation

His Highness, Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani:

Her Highness, Sheikha Mozah:
-Pictures courtesy Qatar Foundation






Her Highness Sheikha Mozah is the original founder of the Qatar foundation, and she stated:
"The sharing of knowledge, ideas and values is the noblest way to transcend barriers. In this sense, globalization is the architect, which constructs academic bridges across cultural and geographical landscapes."

As I sat the other night talking with students from Iraq, Bosnia, Sri Lanka, India and Pakistan, I was reminded of her statement. At first, one of the Iraqi students thought I was from Germany (probably the platinum blonde hair confusing them). When I told him I was from the US, he mentioned that it was exciting to be in a place where people whose cultures and countries are at war with each other can gather and unite for a central goal - to increase and share our knowledge.

I've only been here two weeks, but already I've come to admire and respect these students. Most of them are the best and brightest of their generation, and too many of them had to live and learn in countries at war.