Experiential Learning

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Experiential Learning

Experiential learning means that we learn through experience — and especially by reflecting on the experience.

Our Philosophy

At Georgetown we believe it is important for students to have the opportunity to apply the ideas and theories that they learn in their classes to real-world situations and to actively reflect on that experience as part of the learning process. To that end, students are offered several co-curricular opportunities, both with and without academic credit, to complement and enhance their learning.

See What You Can Do

 Crisis Simulation Exercise

International Negotiation and Crisis Simulation

Learn how to navigate decision-making in complex international negotiations and crisis management at this one-day simulation exercise offered in collaboration with Georgetown University’s Institute for the Study of Diplomacy (ISD).

Study Abroad

Study Abroad

All GU-Q students are encouraged to study abroad during their academic career, benefiting from exposure to new ideas and perspectives, as well as to peoples, cultures, and values that are different from their own. Given our curricular focus on international affairs, we believe that such experiences are a valuable component of the BSFS degree.

zones of conflict zones of peace group in Nepal

Zones of Conflict, Zones of Peace

This academic-credit course includes a travel component in the spring semester. Zones focuses on conflict management and resolution as well as the processes that underlie both. The aim is to contextualize classroom theory — to see the human dimension of the conflict students read about.

Discover More Hands-On Courses

Academic Internships

Gain hands-on experience working with one of our partner organizations in Doha, while getting academic credit and oversight by a relevant faculty member. In an academic internships, students benefit from:

  • Professional mentorship and oversight of the internship experience
  • Connection between the learning process of gaining substantive professional experience and the curriculum
  • Structured reflection and narrative development assignments, which help to critically focus your studies and professional goals

Current partners include the Middle East Council on Global Affairs, the United States Embassy in Qatar, Teach for Qatar, and Qatar Foundation’s Headquarters, Qatar Green Building Council, and Qatar Reads.

Students working at a construction site for CEP

Community Engagement Program

Serve the local and global community through this credit-bearing program that follows intensive classroom learning with a hands-on service experience. Develop an understanding of the world as an interdependent system and increase global awareness and concern through meeting with community members, collaboratively working on a project together, and developing follow-up activities to help sustain the project long term.

Other Experiential Learning Opportunities

Model United Nations

Help to organize and run GU-Q’s annual Model United Nations (MUN) conference by joining the MUN student board. The event is a forum for engaged high school students to debate current global issues and gain insight into the world of international politics and policy-making. Each year we welcome hundreds of students from schools in Qatar and around the world to participate in four days of MUN committee sessions and cultural experiences.

Georgetown Leadership Track

The Georgetown Leadership Track is a four-year program that is designed to channel the leader in you, which is based on the Georgetown values of: Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam, Contemplation in Action, Academic Excellence, Education the Whole Person, Cura Personalis, Faith and Justice, People for Others, Interreligious Understanding, and Community in Diversity.

  • The Track focuses on students’ leadership development over the four years through Awareness, Self-Management, and Connections
  • Through workshop attendance and active participation on campus, students will advance through the multiple tiers of the program
  • Students must demonstrate learning and advancement at each level, progressing through Copper, Bronze, Silver, Gold or Platinum levels throughout their years at Georgetown

Participate in Global Events With Travel Grants

Conference and Research Grants

Apply for funds to cover travel and fees to present your paper at a research conference or to conduct research around the world in your interest area.