Georgetown University: School of Foreign Service in Qatar

During the month of March, more than 70 students and teachers from local independent schools took part in “International Day: Mexico” at the Georgetown University School of Foreign Service in Qatar.

During the three day-long events, held on March 17, March 23 and March 31; SFS-Qatar provided individualized activities for seventh and eighth grade students. The participating schools were: Al Wajbah Independent Preparatory School for Girls, Al Doha Independent Preparatory School for Boys, and Amna bint Wahab Independent Preparatory School for Girls.

Each event showcased Mexican culture and heritage through a series of history lessons and hands-on explorations of the country. “The International Days are an opportunity for younger students to get a glance at what a university is like, while learning about the diversity of the world in a fun way,” said Program Coordinator Emily Wilson.

Throughout the program, SFS-Qatar staff and students led students in Mexican-themed exercises in geography and Spanish vocabulary. To follow along with lectures, each student was given a journal to keep as a travelogue, in which they pasted stamps, maps, and photographs. Creative writing allowed students to utilize their newfound knowledge of Mexico and the Spanish language as they created their own postcards, imagining themselves as tourists in Mexico writing home to friends and family.

Students also had time to explore the artistic traditions of Mexico by creating their own woven handicrafts while learning about the native culture of Jalisco, Mexico. Other groups crafted bouquets of paper flowers, replicating décor used in Cinco de Mayo festivities.

Students from participating schools had the opportunity to meet Georgetown University faculty and staff over a traditional Mexican lunch that featured homemade chili tarts and fresh guacamole.

With university a few years off for most attendees, International Day programming provides students with early exposure to the academic environment of SFS-Qatar. The University will continue to host monthly International Days focusing on a specific country or region till the end of the academic year.

“We have been very, very impressed with the enthusiasm of all the students, teachers, and school administrators who have participated in our International Days. We look forward to seeing them back at Georgetown for different events over the coming years as they move through secondary school,” said Liz Kepferle, Director of Admissions at Georgetown’s Qatar campus.