New Students Get Warm Reception at Hoya Welcome Week
Georgetown University in Qatar (GU-Q) warmly welcomed its incoming class of 123 undergraduates representing 37 nationalities with its first-ever Hoya Welcome Week, a dynamic program designed to induct the Class of 2027 into community life at Georgetown and prepare them for an enriching and successful college experience.
Hoya Welcome Week aligns with the university’s commitment to a holistic education that extends beyond the classroom, empowering students with the skills, resources, and connections they need to thrive both on and off campus. That preparation will be applied to a rigorous curriculum in the prestigious Bachelor of Science in Foreign Service (BSFS) degree program, renowned for its interdisciplinary approach that equips students with critical thinking, analytical abilities, and effective communication skills in preparation for a wide range of careers.
The dean of GU-Q, Dr. Safwan Masri, warmly welcomed the newest students.
“Tapping into your hopes and aspirations, I urge you to take advantage of the incredible opportunities GU-Q offers. Discover new people and new ideas, and get involved in building our community.” he said.
Students also had an opportunity to engage with the dean during a night of bowling and at a special dinner he hosted for students and their families on campus.
The week-long welcome program offers a fun and engaging introduction to university life with the support of student mentors, faculty, and staff at GU-Q. The activities encompassed academic exploration, social engagement, and community building. Activities included an array of sessions, from academic orientations and interactive discussions about the university’s values and traditions, to an exploration of Qatar’s impressive museums and other cultural institutions.
Qatari student Athba Al-Marri, who joins GU-Q from the International School of Choueifat in Doha, said the program provided a welcome introduction to university life. “College is completely different from high school, and I think the types of activities we had helped us ease into the transition and flow of GU-Q a bit more.” The warm welcome has only increased her excitement for the academic journey ahead, she added, saying: “I cannot wait to explore the different ways all my interests–from physics to fine arts–can tie in with the study of International Politics, particularly with the multiversity environment of Education City.”
For international student from Kashmir, Henna Mushtaq, Hoya Welcome Week provided the first stepping stone to creating the friendships and networks that are crucial for a successful academic journey. “Hoya Welcome Week has been very helpful in making connections with people from different nationalities. I really like how all of the activities were designed so that every student could engage and interact with each other.”
The week’s activities culminated in a Convocation ceremony, a symbolic induction of the new students into the Georgetown community. This formal welcome emphasized the values of unity, shared purpose, and the pursuit of academic and personal growth that define the Georgetown experience.