DOHA: Around 600 students at Qatar University’s (QU) fifth Study Abroad fair gathered information about study programmes from 22 participating institutions. Organised annually by QU Scholarships and Partnerships Office, the fair was opened by QU President Dr Hassan Rashid Al Derham, in the presence of vice-presidents of the university, ambassadors and representatives from many countries.
Sixty-six students from QU are pursuing higher studies in 11 countries under scholarship programmes.
The fair provided students with the opportunity to meet embassy and academic representatives to learn about academic opportunities and cultural and other information about various countries. QU faculty and researchers also met peers from overseas institutions and discussed academic and research collaborations.
A memorandum of understanding was signed between QU and Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID, Spain) to establish collaboration between QU and the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
As a first step, a lecturer for Spanish language is expected to join QU this September.
Dr Al Derham said, “The event’s main objective is to promote countries among Qatari nationals as destinations for graduate studies and QU students who may benefit from scholarships offered by their governments and study opportunities that will enrich their academic endeavours.
“With 66 scholarship holders in 11 countries around the world, it is fair to say the objective to provide them with cultural and academic environments has been achieved”, he said, adding the scholarship programme is preparing another 40 students to leave next year.
“The Scholarships and Partnerships Office is always on hand to guide them in making an educated choice on their destination in line with their personal aspirations and that of QU.
“Since taking office in June, I met 23 returned scholars who had been hired at QU and I am sure they will be great ambassadors for Qatar and QU wherever they go.”
Dr Al Derham also highlighted the importance of the fair in matching QU faculty and researchers with international colleagues to establish research and other collaborations.
Cesar Wazen, Director, Scholarships and Partnerships Office, said QU has around 95 students on the programme. He said from 2011 to 2016, the number of enrolled students increased by 137 percent, reflecting national students’ passion to continue graduate and undergraduate education at top universities around the world.
The Peninsula
