At QF, Georgetown Seniors are Poised to Graduate, and Take on the World

Ask Maryam Abdulaziz Al-Thani what it was like to share a global stage with diplomats, scholars, and world leaders as part of her impressive experiential learning experiences at QF partner Georgetown University in Qatar (GU-Q), and she’ll offer a humble and grounded reply: “It allowed me to serve my community.”

The president of the GU-Q Ambassador Society is also a devoted student, majoring in Culture and Politics with multiple ongoing research projects focused on issues affecting women’s lives in Qatar. “It is incredibly important to have local women discuss and be a part of scholarly research that affects them,” she explains, “because there are some nuances that are only experienced and observed when you live through the social fabric of a society.” 

Maryam is one of 105 students who will be recognized at GU-Q’s upcoming commencement ceremony for the Class of 2023 to be held at Qatar National Convention Centre. They will soon join more than 215,000 Georgetown University alumni working in diverse fields across the region and beyond. With their strong foundation in global affairs, cultural fluency, and a passion for social impact, these individuals embody the university’s mission of fostering global citizenship and are poised to become the future leaders, change-makers, and ambassadors of positive change in a rapidly evolving world.

And it’s precisely Georgetown University’s location in this changing world that drew Waqar Basit Butt to enroll, where he majored in International Economics. “GU-Q provides the perfect environment for students to learn about regional, as well as international, issues under the guidance of brilliant professors,” said Waqar.

He also enriched his education by taking advantage of the study abroad program, and enrolled in courses at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE). His academic journey has earned him a place on the Dean's Honors List and recognition through prestigious awards and induction into esteemed honor societies.

“One thing that I am really proud of achieving at GU-Q is starting the Mental Health Society in my first year,” said Waqar. The club played a crucial role during the challenging times of the pandemic by providing a platform for students to discuss important topics and promote mental well-being.

Zain Assaf has also spent her time at GU-Q devoted to both her studies and her community. Zain's personal background has ignited her interest in understanding how power operates within the context of the Palestinian cause. Zain also pursued a Certificate in Media and Politics, jointly offered by GU-Q and Northwestern Qatar. Her exceptional work in the program was recognized with the Best Certificate Thesis award.

Beyond the classroom, Zain has made a significant impact through her leadership roles on campus. “My time leading the Students for Justice in Palestine club defined my experience at Georgetown and opened the doors to understanding the different ways I can take up and use the space offered by Georgetown to advocate for a cause that is close and dear to my heart.”

Zain's passion for advocacy and justice extends beyond the campus as well. She currently works as a part-time Assistant Engagement Producer at Al Jazeera English, contributing to the creation of meaningful and impactful content. Her writings have also been published by Palestine Square and Doha News, further amplifying her voice and insights.

Also an ambitious student with a passion for learning, Ahmad Majid Al Kuwari’s journey at Georgetown has been driven by a desire to explore the world through the lens of academia, with a particular interest in Qatar’s foreign policy and defense strategies as a small state with big ambitions. “My love and passion for the field of international affairs and diplomacy is one of the main reasons why I joined Georgetown,” he said.

Ahmad also actively engaged in a host of extracurricular activities. He shared his experiences and insights with prospective students at admissions events and Model United Nations conferences, fostered cultural exchange through the Al Liwan Qatari Student Association, and participated in Georgetown University’s Doyle Faculty Fellows Program, which supports full-time faculty in designing or redesigning an undergraduate-level course in order to engage aspects of difference, equity, and inclusion within the classroom setting.

Ahmad says his time at Georgetown was defined by experiences both inside and outside the classroom, and he encourages new students to take advantage of the many resources and opportunities available to them. “Always seek learning in your time in Georgetown. And never hesitate to ask questions.”

GU-Q’s Bachelor of Science in Foreign Service (BSFS) stresses multidisciplinary studies in a global context. It is the same program and curriculum offered at the Georgetown University Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service in Washington D.C. The BSFS degree is offered in one of four majors: International Economics, International Politics, Culture and Politics, and International History.