Georgetown Qatar

The Georgetown University in Qatar

Georgetown University in Qatar (GU-Q) is an extension of Georgetown University’s Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service in Washington, D.C.

Established in 2005, the institution is located in Doha's Education City, a groundbreaking initiative led by the Qatar Foundation. GU-Q serves as a critical bridge between cultures and nations, reinforcing Qatar’s role as an educational hub in the Middle East.

Academic Disciplines

GU-Q offers a Bachelor of Science in Foreign Service (BSFS) program, providing concentrations in International Politics, International History, International Economics, and Culture and Politics. These programs have been meticulously designed to shape future leaders in international relations and policy, reflective of Georgetown's longstanding tradition of academic rigor since 1789.

A Groundbreaking Exploration

Dr. Christine Schiwietz's book, "America's Higher Education Goes Global: An Inside Look at the Georgetown Branch Campus Experience in Qatar," offers an unprecedented view into the dynamics of this transnational education model. U.S. Ambassador to Qatar, Patrick Theros (retired) describes the book as, "The most important development in American higher education in the twenty-first century." Dr. Schiwietz explores the advantages for both international and American students and provides firsthand insights into global experiential learning and the multiversity experience.

The Rise of the Global Campus: The Multiversity

As noted in the book, the concept of a global branch campus is a ground-breaking development, opening doors for students outside the United States to benefit from a top-tier American education. Dr. Schiwietz takes a deep-dive into the process of how the branch campus was initiated (Georgetown's first) and brought to fruition.

GU-Q’s state-of-the-art campus features cutting-edge facilities that include high-tech classrooms, specialized research labs, and a truly magnificent library. Student life is augmented by various extracurricular activities, student-run organizations, and opportunities for community engagement.

Faculty and Expertise

With a low faculty-to-student ratio, GU-Q provides an intimate learning environment. Faculty members, drawn from different parts of the world, bring a wealth of expertise and diverse perspectives to the classroom, encouraging students to think critically.

A Confluence of Cultures

One of the standout elements of GU-Q is its culturally diverse student body. Dr. Schiwietz’s book highlights many of these in student testimonials, offering a glimpse into how the institution serves as a microcosm of international relations and diplomacy.

The Road Ahead

In a rapidly globalizing world, Georgetown University in Qatar stands as a solid testament of how American higher education can influence and enrich global academia. With a growing alumni network positioned all over the world, the GU-Q enters into its third decade with a bright future.