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Qatar Young Professionals Institute held this week at Qatar Foundation

12 January 2012 (Doha, Qatar): Dr. Abdulla bin Ali Al-Thani, President of Hamad bin Khalifa University and Vice President for Education at Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development (QF) , welcomed the Qatar Young Professionals Institute (YPI) to Doha earlier this week. 22 students from the University of Maryland and Colorado State University in the U.S. are visiting Qatar to engage in a dialogue with a similar number of young Qatari professionals from the higher education sector.

"This critical initiative focuses on the importance of student learning and development as essential components of effective higher education. The Young Professionals Institute provides an important opportunity for students in Qatar to further themselves in their professional development process. We are pleased to once again cooperate with Colorado State University and the University of Maryland in offering this program," remarked Dr. Al-Thani.

The students' trip began with the Qatar Study Tour (QST), comprising visits to Souq Waqif, the Mathaf Arab Museum of Modern Art, and the Museum of Islamic Art, as well as a briefing at Fanar Islamic Cultural Center, setting the stage for the discussions that are now taking place at the YPI.

Placed in teams with educational professionals from Qatar, University of Maryland and Colorado State University graduate students explored topics of recruitment, admissions, retention, and international student needs, as well as student affairs as a career path in Qatar. Their findings will then be offered to the wider student body and higher education professionals in the concluding YPI Symposium, wrapping up the students' trip to Qatar.

"I have been fascinated by the devotion of the Royal Family of Qatar to ensure the future of the nation through education, science, and the arts," said University of Maryland participant Tiffane Chochran. "I have also been overwhelmed by the hospitality of the Qatar Foundation to ensure that our experience in Doha is a great one. This has truly been an unforgettable time."

Jennifer Nival of Colorado State University further reinforced Tiffane's views, commenting, "This experience has helped me expand my knowledge of higher education and student affairs globally. From the generous hospitality to the commitment to education, it has been a breath taking experience."

Evan Witt of Maryland concluded, "This country has an uncanny ability to make dreams reality. I have been amazed by the visions of Qatari people and their ability to create their future."

The 2012 YPI plays an important role in building human capacity inside Qatar. Dr. Dennis Roberts, Assistant Vice President for Faculty & Students Services for QF stated, "Offering opportunities for Qatari and expatriate workers to engage with leading institutions in the United States will deepen their understanding of how to enhance student learning and is essential for the future of higher education in the Gulf."

By hosting the YPI and giving both international and Qatari students an outlet to discuss together subjects relevant to student leadership, QF is undoubtedly building Qatar's future for a knowledge-based economy.

-Ends-

Qatar Foundation - Unlocking Human Potential
Qatar Foundation for Education, Science, and Community Development is a private, non-profit organization that is supporting Qatar on its journey from carbon economy to knowledge economy by unlocking human potential for the benefit of not only Qatar, but the world. Founded in 1995 by His Highness Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani, Amir of Qatar, QF is chaired by Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser.

QF carries out its mission through three strategic pillars: education, science and research, and community development. QF's education pillar brings world-class universities to Qatar to help create an education sector in which young people can develop the attitudes and skills required for a knowledge economy. Meanwhile, its science and research pillar builds Qatar's innovation and technology capacity by developing and commercialising solutions through key sciences. Finally, its community development pillar helps foster a progressive society while also enhancing cultural life, protecting Qatar's heritage and addressing immediate social needs in the community.

For a complete list of QF's initiatives and projects, visit http://www.qf.org.qa

For more information about this press release please contact:
Grace Wittenberg
Tel: +974 6601 2961
Email: gwittenberg@qf.org.qa

Basil Mahfouz
Tel: +974 6654 5255
Email: bmahfouz@qf.org.qa

For more information about Qatar Foundation please contact:
Tariq Al Sada
Press Office Unit Head
Qatar Foundation
Tel: +974 4454 0991
Email: talsada@qf.org.qa

Anwar El-Shamy
Press Office Coordinator
Qatar Foundation
Tel: +974 55904407
Email: aelshamy@qf.org.qa

© Press Release 2012