Riwaj Khatiwada (SFS’25) Forges His Path in International Economics and Math at Georgetown

Riwaj Khatiwada (SFS’25), a senior at Georgetown University in Qatar has forged a unique path for himself during his undergraduate career. Graduating in May 2025, his journey has been shaped by analytical rigor, curiosity, and a deep interest in the intersection of International Economics (IECO) and Math: his major and minor.

At Georgetown, Riwaj’s passion for interdisciplinary learning has taken him from classrooms in Education City to research projects that apply quantitative analysis to real world socioeconomic challenges. In this profile, he opens up about experiences that have shaped his academic career at Georgetown.

An Education Built on Exploration and Purpose

As an IECO major and Math minor, Riwaj faced the unique challenge of structuring his coursework in a way that aligned with his academic goals. At GU-Q, all students must declare one of the four Bachelor of Science in Foreign Service (BSFS) majors. However, students have flexibility to tailor their academic experience by selecting courses that complement their interests. This is what allowed him to not only design his one-on-one courses (Tutorials) with professors but also spend a semester abroad on the D.C. campus taking courses that fulfilled his minor.

“One of the unique aspects of being a student in Education City is the opportunity to take courses at other universities,” Riwaj explains. “Through the cross-registration program available to all Qatar Foundation undergraduates, I registered for a math course at another university in Education City. This experience not only allowed me to connect with others who share my interest in mathematics but also deepened my understanding of the subject in a new academic environment.”

When asked why he chose IECO and Math, he explains that “International Economics and Mathematics are more than just graphs and numbers. Together, they allow me to approach everyday problems from both a quantitative and qualitative perspective, helping me develop potential solutions. This balance was exactly what I hoped to achieve when I chose to go down this path.”

A Leader, Teacher, and Researcher Modeled at GU-Q

At Georgetown, Riwaj has taken on multiple roles that reflect his commitment to research, mentorship, and leadership. He has worked as a Research Assistant for two professors, contributing to academic projects that deepen his understanding of International Economics and Math. Beyond research, he has served as a tutor for Quantitative Methods and Calculus, helping fellow students grasp complex mathematical concepts. His passion for strategy and critical thinking led him to found GU-Q’s Chess Club, which has since become a hub for students, staff, and faculty alike: regularly hosting tournaments and fostering a competitive yet collaborative community.

What Next? 

After graduation, Riwaj plans to attend graduate school to further pursue his academic interest in Applied Mathematics or continue his research within this space. “No matter what, I will still do something I love,” he says.

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