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FAQs

What is the Qatar Foundation International?

Qatar Foundation International (QFI), LLC, is a U.S.-based member of Qatar Foundation (QF) dedicated to advancing QF’s mission and Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser’s vision of connecting cultures and advancing global citizenship through education.  QFI is a not-for-profit organization in Washington, D.C., focused on grant-giving and programmatic activities that promote education as a force that facilitates collaboration across geographical, social and cultural boundaries. QFI, a special project of Her Highness Sheika Moza, is funded by Qatar Foundation, an independent, private, non-profit chartered organization based in Doha, Qatar.

 



Specifically how does QFI promote global citizenship?

In the Americas, which currently includes the U.S. and Brazil, our main focus is the promotion of Arabic language and culture learning in secondary schools, with a particular emphasis on schools and students which might otherwise not have such an opportunity. In the U.S. and Qatar, we are also working with schools to enhance the teaching of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math (STEAM).  Furthermore, Qatari and American students travel to one another’s countries through our school exchange program, breaking down barriers and building bonds of friendship. We also organize joint volunteer activities to instill a sense of social responsibility and community service.

 

 

How does QFI work?

We are not an operational entity. Instead, we work closely with our programmatic partners in the conceptualization, design, implementation, and evaluation of programs. We understand that the ambitious goals which we have established require serious, respectful, and long-term collaboration with a range of international actors.

 

 

Is QFI’s focus exclusively on education?

Education, in the broadest sense of the word, is at the core of everything that QFI does, but so is appropriate information technology. We are currently overseeing the development of web-based tools to enable educators and teachers to access first-class didactic materials, in their own languages.

 



Is there a political dimension to QFI’s work?

No. QFI is neither political nor partisan. However, like many people, we listened carefully when Her Highness Sheikha Moza, giving the opening address to the 2009 World Innovation Summit for Education, spoke of  “the power of education to prepare our youth for the profound cultural changes that result from globalization and pave the way towards a peaceful future, distinguished by dialogue, confidence, tolerance and understanding.”

 

 

Who funds QFI?

QFI’s major donor is the Qatar Foundation in Doha, itself an independent, private, non-profit organization. 

 


 

Videos

The Road to Doha

QFI's Road to Doha program helped train and bring together youth from Qatar, the U.S., Brazil and Argentina to better understand and develop solutions to critical global issues and to more effectively raise environmental awareness.

The Future We Want

In June 2012, Youth Ambassadors for Science and the Environment traveled to Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Caravelas and Abrohlos National Marine Park before heading to Rio+20 Earth Summit.

YALLAH: Commit to Action, Minnesota

QFI selected 36 students from Brazil, Qatar and the U.S. to participate in the National Service-Learning Conference held in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Madeleine Albright Visits Lindblom

On April 10, 2012, Former U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright visited QFI's partner school, Lindblom Math and Science Academy.

Concordia Language Villages

In summer of 2011, QFI established a partnership with Concordia Language Villages. 31 youth from 20 different schools attended 2 or 4-week sessions at Al Waha, the Arabic Language Village.

QFI / WeVideo Behind the Scenes

The video that launched SXSW Film, highlighting QFI student filmmakers who collaborated on short water films.

QFI Celebrates Foreign Language Week

QFI's Executive Director speaks about the importance of learning another language.

BtoQ Compilation Video

Check out all five "Brazil to Qatar" National Geographic student videos in one compilation.

"Women" during the BtoQ Exchange

Brazilian and Qatari students worked with National Geographic instructors during the Brazil to Qatar exchange to create a short piece on women.

"People and Nature" during the BtoQ Exchange

Brazilian and Qatari students worked with National Geographic instructors during the Brazil to Qatar exchange to create a short piece on people and nature.

Behind the Scenes at Brazil to Qatar: One World, Many Stories

A behind the scenes look at the #BtoQ exchange program that brought 22 high school students from Brazil to meet their counterparts in Qatar.

From Chicago to Doha: Connecting Cultures, Exploring Science

Learn about students from Chicago's Lindblom Math and Science Academy who went on QFI's exchange trip to Qatar.

Chicago2Doha Media Projects

39 students from 3 schools in Chicago and Qatar came together for the Connecting Cultures, Exploring Science trip. Students told their reflections of the trip through images, video and sound.

Glass Blowing at Chihuly's Studio: YALLAH 2011

QFI students in Seattle as part of the YALLAH cultural exchange trip in 2011 were invited to world-renowned glass blower Dale Chihuly's studio.

Sir Richard Branson speaks to Earth Day Qatar 2011

Earth Day Qatar 2011 was the premier event in the region, featuring speakers, discussions, workshops, and a special video message by Sir Richard Branson.

Meet our Brazilian students

Arabic Language and Culture in Sao Paolo - meet the Brazilian students and administrators of this program.

Crossing the divide

Watch as students from QFI partner schools in Washington DC and Boston tell their story of language learning and cultural exchange.

Our mission and the astrolabe

With its rich and varied history, the Astrolabe represents education, science, innovation and diversity. Highlighted in this video, these values underscore QFI's vision and programs.