US varsities woo students in Qatar

By Hamza Jilani/Staff ReporterTwenty one US universities participated in the third edition of the International Student Network’s (ISN) American Education Expo in efforts to promote undergraduate and graduate education in America by offering scholarship and recruitment opportunities to expat and Qatari students at an event in Doha on Monday.“There is a growing trend of Qataris seeking education in the US,” said US Embassy educational advisor Nihad Lawson, via an outfit dubbed Education USA that is sponsored by the State Department. “In 2008, there were 245 Qatari students enrolled at American universities. By 2012, that number grew to 979. Tomorrow looks promising.”According to Lawson, students from Qatar choose to major in fields relating to engineering and business - they choose specialties that make them and their families happy and proud. “However, it’s important for them to keep Qatar’s future in mind and make sure that they major in something beneficial to the country which strives to diversify its economy,” she added. According to Education USA, 80%  of Qatari students currently pursuing their studies in the US are undergrads on scholarships. While scholarships run from anywhere between $10,000 to full coverage, they are based on academic merit, not just grades, according to ISN event coordinator Luzia Tartari. “Some schools expect more than just high grades from students. They seek students that are keen to be involved in school affairs and programmes, like athletics and such.”While the Education USA section at the embassy seeks to strengthen relationships between the US and Qatar by promoting higher education opportunities in America , Tartari says that the embassy’s consular department ensures a smooth student visa application. But getting there is just the beginning.“A lot of students experience an initial culture shock that revolves around three aspects of their lives in American: language, scarcity of ethnic food and being away from their families,” she said. “But if you are studying in a big city like Washington, you’ll feel right at home. And if you are studying at a medium-sized school, you are sure to be supported by the student community there.”Tartari says that what makes studying in the US an excellent educational opportunity is the fact that students have to work hard. “With education in the US being student-based, unlike the rest of the world, the student is forced to come out of his or her shell and show academic excellence, study and gather information conclusively for projects and debates, and be on time – something that Qatari students usually need getting used to,” she says with the hint on a smile on her lips.“While Qatari students are enrolled in US universities under a student visa, they can work up to 20 hours a week on campus. And after they graduate, they are allowed to work one year within the US if they apply for ‘Optional Practice Training’ at the Immigration Department,” Lawson explains. “However, if they major in STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering and/or Mathematics), then they can work up to two and a half years.”Qatari applicant Zaid Mohamed told Gulf Times that he was eager to seize the opportunity to study abroad – although still undecided what degree to pursue.“I’ve worked hard throughout my student life and I’ve always wanted to go to America and experience the life there. If I make it, this will be my first time really living outside Doha and not just on vacation. I’m ready for it,” he says with youthful excitement.As a Qatari national, he is eligible for full government support through the local Council of Higher Education if his grades are good enough, which he and other students will have to show along with language proficiency tests – TOEFL and IELTS – along with SAT and ACT scores. The ISN organises five other education fairs a year. The next one to be held is the US Educational Group  will take place on April 3.