QF Students Developed New Skills, Discovered Passions Through Summer Experiences

Doha, Qatar: From intensive musical training and discovering a passion for cycling to navigating simulated diplomatic scenarios under pressure, the summer offered Qatar Foundation (QF) students opportunities to develop new skills, explore their interests and gain experiences that extended beyond the classroom.

For eight students from Qatar Music Academy, part of QF's Pre-University Education, the summer included an educational programme at the prestigious Reina Sofía School of Music in Spain. The experience strengthened their artistic and technical abilities while exposing them to new musical perspectives.

Talia Chourhury said the programme helped her discover new aspects of music and performance.

“I particularly enjoyed visiting the opera house and seeing what happens behind the scenes. I also learned how to move and stand confidently on stage and developed my violin bowing techniques,” she said, adding that watching other musicians inspired her to work harder and set new goals.

Fredrick Saba described the experience as both musically and personally enriching.

“I had the opportunity to learn from talented musicians and teachers, develop my skills, and discover new ways to express myself through music. Performing on stage and meeting young musicians from diverse backgrounds were among the highlights,” he said.

Sean Carey said the programme broadened his knowledge of the violin and introduced him to new techniques.

“I practiced for six hours a day, and despite the intensity, I noticed a clear improvement in my playing,” he said.“I also enjoyed making new friends and experiencing a different musical environment, and I left the camp with a completely new perspective on the violin and how I play it.”

At“Mukhayamna,” a QF Pre-University Education summer camp in Education City, several female students discovered a passion for cycling that continued after the camp ended. Following their introduction to the sport, they began training with the federation, turning a summer activity into a longer-term pursuit.

Shaikha Nasser Alattiyah said the camp helped her discover cycling among the different sports she tried.

“I now hope to continue training, improve my performance, become faster and better, and compete in tournaments and achieve strong results. In the future, I hope to represent Qatar,” she said, describing the camp as“a wonderful start” to her sporting journey.

Afra Abdulrhman Naqadan said her passion for cycling began at the camp, with encouragement from her mother helping her continue training afterwards.

“Through training, I learned new skills, such as how to stop properly and position my feet correctly on the bike,” she said.

For Rashid Mohammed Al Ghafri, a student at Qatar Academy Al Wakra, the summer provided an international experience at the Bosphorus Diplomacy Forum in Istanbul, Türkiye. He took part in discussions, explored diverse perspectives and received recognition for his participation.

The experience strengthened his communication, leadership, critical-thinking and decision-making skills.

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