GU-Q International Students Embrace Qatari Traditions at Souq Al Wakrah
Newly arrived international students at Georgetown University in Qatar (GU-Q) were treated to an immersive cultural experience as part of their orientation program. Following an introduction to life in Qatar, students ventured to Embrace Doha, a women-run cultural house located in Souq Al Wakrah, where they engaged in activities designed to deepen their understanding of Qatari traditions and customs.
Angela Marongiu, Student Support Manager at GU-Q, emphasized the importance of this outing in helping students acclimate to their new surroundings. “The Embrace Doha outing offered our new international students a deep and immersive experience into Qatari culture,” she said.
The day began with a traditional coffee ceremony in the majlis, where students were introduced to the etiquette of Qatari greetings and the significance of coffee in local hospitality. For Halaa Mutahar (SFS’28), this was a highlight of the trip. “My favorite part was the coffee drinking because we were told about the etiquette and we were able to practice it,” she shared. “It was a very informative trip, especially for international students.”
The cultural exchange continued with discussions on various aspects of Qatari life, including the history behind local customs and the traditional dress code. Jarffah Amadou (SFS’28) described the experience as “eye-opening to the Qatari culture.” He explained, “At first, I didn’t know a lot about [it], but learning about the tea ceremony, the traditional dress, and how non-verbal communication plays a role in the culture was amazing. It really opened my eyes to the traditions and the typical way of life here.”
For Sparsh Adhikari (SFS’28), a student from Nepal, the chance to try on thobes left a lasting impression. “It felt special and gave me a deeper appreciation for the culture,” he said.
Students were also treated to a traditional Qatari dinner, rounding out a day filled with cultural discovery. Reflecting on the experience, Angela Marongiu commented, “This experience not only enriched their understanding of Qatar but also helped them build a sense of belonging and connection, which is crucial for their successful transition and integration into the community.”
The Embrace Doha experience was a meaningful step towards helping new members of the GU-Q community feel at home in Qatar. As Halaa put it, “I would 100% recommend it to international students and even local students, because there’s a lot of information here that you would not expect to learn.”