(MENAFN- The Peninsula) Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), a member of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development (QF), hosted 25 faculty, staff and graduate students from Colorado State University as part of its Qatar Study Tour (QST) and Young Professionals Institute (YPI) programmes.
The programmes, based on partnerships with graduate institutions in the US and delivered by staff at HBKU Student Affairs, showcase how Student Affairs' ideas transform education in Qatar. Since their inception in 2010, QST and YPI have enabled participants to broaden and exchange knowledge, extend professional network and enhance intercultural competence.
QST participants gain insight into higher education and student affairs in Qatar by engaging with administrators from HBKU, its partner universities in Education City and Qatar University.
YPI, an intensive four-day learning experience, encourages graduate students from the US to engage with stakeholders from institutions in Qatar.
Working in teams, participants research, discuss and tackle issues related to student affairs and present findings to contribute to more effective practices.
Issues discussed this year included 'Student Affairs Profession: A Job or a Career'; 'Culturally Appropriate Student Activism'; 'Challenges of Working in Start-Ups'; 'Student Affairs Practices and Local Laws'; and 'Internationalisation of Higher Education and Student Affairs in the Arabian Gulf'.
Dr Khalid Al Khanji, Vice- President, Student Affairs, said, "Increasing international understanding among student affairs' professionals has the potential to open a new frontier and future for the field. The QST and YPI programmes were innovative shared learning experiences where educators from the US and Qatar came together to understand student affairs and leadership at a deeper level."
Blanche Hughes, Vice-President, Student Affairs, Colorado State University, said, "Our graduate students, staff and faculty enjoyed cultural immersion activities, educational sessions and engaging discussions to more effectively work with students in a global context."
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