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Cross-Cutting Themes

Partnership

QFI recognizes that our programming efforts depend in large part on having strong local partners who share our overall goal of promoting global citizenship. Our operational partners range from secondary schools in the USA, Qatar, Brazil and elsewhere, to corporations, universities, and foundations. QFI’s partners are selected based on rigorous criteria that include proven performance, technical expertise, a long-term vision, and a focus on practical solutions. Assessing the merits of particular partnerships falls to QFI staff, assisted by our Program Advisory Groups, comprised of external experts in their respective fields.

Appropriate Technology

Our programs harness technology to promote collaborative learning in the areas of Arabic language and culture and STEM. Open Educational Resources, virtual learning groups and hybrid translation are all used to help teachers and students access and exchange information, ideas and best practices. We take great care to make certain that our technological tools are appropriate and do not outstrip the users’ capacities.

Community

Given our focus on global citizenship, both ethical and practical considerations dictate that QFI be closely connected to the communities we serve. Working directly with community organizations – schools, boards of education or local governments -- in Qatar, the United States, Brazil and elsewhere to develop and monitor education initiatives inevitably results in more effective and sustainable programs. Furthermore, this approach affords the members of our partner communities the opportunity to become more internally cohesive and cooperative.

Cultural Connections

Our Mission Statement says, in part, that we will “promote education as a force that builds strong local communities, facilitates collaboration across geographical, social, and cultural boundaries, and creates networks of global citizens…” To that end, we at QFI take our internationalist agenda seriously and strive to ensure that our programs both reinforce the cultural commonalities that bind us all as well as recognize and embrace our differences.

Videos

Madeleine Albright Visits Lindblom

Former U.S. State Secretary Madeleine Albright visited QFI's partner school, speaking about the importance of understanding other cultures.

YALLAH: Commit to Action

In April 2012, QFI selected 36 students from Brazil, Qatar and multiple cities in the U.S. for a youth leadership in Minnesota, done in partnership with the National Youth Leadership Council.

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.