In 2005, Georgetown inaugurated an SFS campus in Doha, Qatar thanks to the support of the Qatar Foundation. This makes Georgetown a truly global university. Students from the Middle East and across the world are enrolled there pursuing the same majors available at the Hilltop. Georgetown faculty and staff are on site to provide a genuine Hoya academic experience.
Most Georgetown students build in a study abroad program during their time in college. Georgetown's Office of International Programs offers scores of opportunities all around the world. A different experience, however, is available every semester through bi-local course offerings. Nestled in New North right across from McNeir Hall is Georgetown's new Global Classroom. The intimate space has the feel of the Situation Room in the White House; a conference table in the middle with microphones and a large screen provide the setting for these courses. Enrollment is limited to 8 to 15 students in Washington, and the same ceiling applies to our peers in Doha. Some of these classes also include an all-expenses paid trip to Qatar to work on collaborative projects.
This semester, I was able to take the only bi-local course offered on American policy in the Arab-Israeli conflict with renowned diplomat, author and scholar, Aaron David Miller. Every Wednesday morning we would meet at 8:30am Washington time, 4:30pm Doha time. Having the opportunity to converse with fellow students in Qatar enriched the learning experience, especially with the subject of the course because of their perspective coming from the Middle East. As the semester progressed, we would often meet before class started to simply learn about our respective campuses and student life.
The relationship between the Hilltop and SFS-Qatar is in its early stages. Bi-local course offerings are merely the beginning of bringing the two campuses together. Semester abroad options are also available. A Georgetown education has always been valuable, but the global outlook now available only improves upon this record. This is a unique Georgetown opportunity for Hoyas to seek during their four-year undergraduate experience at the Hilltop.
Carlos Hernandez
SFS '11
Phoenix, AZ
