Georgetown University: School of Foreign Service in Qatar

Recently, SFS-Qatar classes had some new faces curiously examining Professors, classroom discussions and each other. These 50 new faces are the newly admitted students to Georgetown University School of Foreign Service in Qatar. They were on campus on April 19, 2008 for the Georgetown Admissions Ambassador Program – GAAP.

GAAP is an Office of Admissions-sponsored event to give the admitted students the chance to observe what their life at SFS-Qatar would look like. They visit sample lectures, meet with current students, attend presentations and ask questions.

This year’s GAAP started with ice breakers, followed by the Dean’s welcome note. After his address, GAAP Participants visited sample lectures and got a feel for course materials, discussions and Professors. “Course material can be complex and challenging, but the classes are very interesting!” said one of the participants. Majority of the participants showed equal enthusiasm in their willingness to join SFS-Qatar student body.

During the lunch break, Ambassadors from the current students were available to answer participant questions. One of the Ambassadors, Shaily Agrawal remembered her GAAP Day last year. “I was fascinated by the sample lectures that I wanted to graduate from SFS-Qatar” said Shaily. At GAAP, she and her friends became a valuable resource for the admitted students. GAAP is an important piece of the Admissions season, as incoming freshmen have the opportunity to ask questions to their future classmates, who can perfectly relate to their situation.

Although some were anxious about the work load, they were all very excited to be part of the student life on SFS-Qatar Campus. Students had a chance to learn about campus activities and student involvement during their one-to-one interaction with the Ambassadors. They were mostly interested in learning more about social life, activities, academic challenges and transition.

Before the conclusion of the GAAP Day, admitted students attended Faculty Panel to ask questions about courses. Faculty from Theology, Government, Economics and Humanities were present to give them a perspective on the challenges of the courses and their expertise in their subjects.

The event concluded with a student compiled video comprising of events, lectures and distinguished guests. Current students are already looking forward to New Student Orientation in August 2008 to host the Class of 2012.