Samah Sulyman, Palestinian-Lebanese

Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar (VCUarts Qatar) graduate in Fashion Design

My experience at a university at Education City has been amazing. One of the qualities I gained from attending VCUarts Qatar is leadership. It helped me speak for myself and become a better person – a better speaker, a better leader, and a more creative individual. I believe leaders are not just practical people; they’re also creative people.

When I learned there was a fashion program here, I knew it was for me – I knew I would go to Education City and study at VCUarts Qatar. After I graduate, I hope to gain more experience and eventually start my own business.

At QF, I found the freedom to create and the space to turn my passion for design into purpose – one stitch, one layer at a time.

Al Dana Al Disi, Jordan

Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar (CMU-Q) graduate in Biological Sciences

I chose CMU-Q because I had heard so much about it, and about QF and the supportive community that I would find – and it proved all those expectations right.

I always felt supported and part of a community. And because the classes are small, we formed strong bonds with each other and our faculty. The biggest thing is the wealth of opportunities available. I was able to engage in research as an undergraduate in ways I wouldn’t have been able to elsewhere.

When I was looking at my options – especially CMU-Q and QF – it was clear that it was a very supportive environment, and I knew my values aligned with theirs. I could already see the opportunities for self-growth. To me, the highlight is not just the training or the opportunities, but the open-mindedness I developed that allowed me to launch myself into those opportunities.

As a biologist, I’ve ventured beyond the lab space into unimaginable experiences. Through the opportunities at QF, I didn’t just gain molecular insight but also interdisciplinary curiosity.

Ahamed Akmal Lebbe, Sri Lanka

Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar (WCM-Q) graduate

I always wanted to study medicine, and WCM-Q was the perfect combination. It was right at home, and it had a really great reputation. I’m really happy I made that decision.

The support that the faculty give to the students is incredible, and we get a lot of opportunities we wouldn’t get elsewhere. We can do research in the US, and that experience is really helpful in developing your research skills.

Among students, there’s a big focus on improving your communication skills. It takes a lot to be a good doctor – to know what your patient is thinking before they even ask. Leadership, analytical, and problem-solving skills are all really important, and we’re encouraged to grow in all those areas.

I want to be a gastroenterologist. I’m going to go into internal medicine. After graduating, I’ll be going to the US to do my residency, which takes three years.

After six years at QF, it’s the community that stands out most. I’m grateful to have shared this journey with such an incredible group of people.

Ghanim R. Al-Kubaisi, Qatar

Georgetown University in Qatar (GU-Q) graduate in International Politics, with a minor in History and a certificate in Media and Politics

I chose GU-Q because I felt it was a melting pot of cultures, and it’s very diverse. I believe that diversity is key to broadening our perspectives and becoming better learners — so I thought GU-Q was the perfect environment for me.

GU-Q helped me sharpen my pre-existing skills because it gave me the platform to exercise and refine them through various opportunities. GU-Q is very supportive of students who express themselves freely, which gave us more confidence. The nature of the environment itself allowed me to grow both personally and academically.

I’m going into a master’s program in Negotiation and Conflict Resolution, which should take one to two years. After that, I’m still figuring things out — possibly between academia and diplomacy. Maybe both.

At QF, I found that diversity opens minds and grants perspective. With perspective you can bridge different worlds.

Khalid Alyafei, Qatar

HEC Paris, Doha, Executive MBA graduate and physician at Sidra Medicine

I chose HEC Paris because it’s a well-known business university, and people from all over the world apply to it. I had been thinking about it for a few years before signing up, but then I decided to go for it.

In the past, I took leadership courses, but I felt HEC Paris would help me go further. I wanted to strengthen my skills – financially, economically, and in leading teams. That’s why I enrolled.

We had excellent professors who discussed current market issues, why they’re happening, and what’s predicted. The networking was also valuable. There were doctors, administrators, and professionals from different disciplines and operations. It was great to meet people from various sectors, and I saw this as a strong opportunity for business development, networking, and enhancing my leadership skills.

My biggest takeaway was learning how to be an authentic leader. Sometimes there’s a lot of politics and things beyond your control. But ethically, you want to do what’s best for the organization or society before thinking of yourself. I learned how to face those challenges and remain authentic.

QF isn’t just about education – it’s where future leaders find purpose, drive innovation, and create change.

Sashreek Garg, India

Northwestern University in Qatar graduate in Journalism, Media, and Integrated Marketing Communications

The power to talk about the Global South through the means that we have is so important, because most of the universities that are highly ranked in media are in the Global North. So having a university in Qatar that focuses on the Global South is very unique.

I chose Northwestern because its journalism school is ranked as one of the best. I also chose Qatar as a location because I knew my experience would be much more unique than most people’s. I thought studying in the Middle East, with a unique perspective, would set me apart from others.

Having the opportunity to talk to so many different people from diverse backgrounds is very unique. This diversity makes me feel like I’ve learned so much more about the world – and about human experiences.

My education at Northwestern Qatar taught me to look beyond binaries, to question who tells the story, who is left unheard, and to seek truth not in sides, but in nuance.

Salwa Almulla, Qatar

Hamad Bin Khalifa University PhD graduate in Islamic Finance and Economy

From the first day I joined HBKU, I felt different. When I finish work, I come to study. But once I arrive at university, I feel relaxed. Professors teach us how to think outside the box, how to critically analyze, and how to read between the lines. 

As a PhD student, I’ve gained many skills. I see and read things differently. I’ve been a PhD student for five years, and I’m currently working full-time at the same time. It hasn’t always been easy.

I would like to become a professor in the future while continuing my current job. I’m also working as a writer for a newspaper. My academic journey has significantly influenced my writing – I write in a different way. Whatever we learn, we reflect it in our work and writing. My perspective has evolved, especially in areas like finance and sustainability.

Graduation is just the beginning – a commitment to use my knowledge and passion to uplift the nation, defy limits, and serve humanity.

Lolwa Al-Kaabi, Qatar

Texas A&M University at Qatar (TAMUQ) graduate in Electrical and Computer Engineering

TAMUQ offers a diverse environment. We had classmates representing different nationalities and backgrounds. It was a great experience engaging with people from all over the world.

A highlight during my time at TAMUQ was going to College Station in Texas, where we presented our senior design project. Experiencing the main campus firsthand was incredible – it offered a completely different perspective and was a memorable part of my academic journey.

My sister, Moza, was also enrolled in the same university; we tried to take the same courses and stay together. After graduation, my next step is to pursue a master’s degree and, eventually, a PhD. 

QF has been a journey of growth, challenges, and lifelong connections that I will always cherish.