Students from the University of Doha for Science and Technology (UDST) in Qatar had the amazing opportunity to participate in the Okanagan Global Summer Program at the University of British Columbia (UBC) in Canada. UDST’s commitment to global collaboration with prestigious higher education institutions was evident through their participation in this program. The students, specializing in various majors such as engineering, business, computing, and health, spent their summer at UBC’s Kelowna campus, engaging in interdisciplinary courses and lab sessions. This experience aimed to equip them with a blend of skills and knowledge that they could apply to real-world issues.
The Okanagan Global Summer Program offered two innovative course packages with themes focused on “Designing the Future” and “Leadership and Decision-Making in Health.” These courses covered a wide range of topics such as autonomous vehicles, automation, robotics, technical communication, effective leadership in global health organizations, management of change, strategic project management, and data-informed decision making. The students not only had classroom and lab time but also had the opportunity to interact with local organizations, businesses, and campus facilities. One of the highlights of their experience was visiting the Visualization and Emerging Media Studio (VEMS), which is dedicated to exploring immersive media and technologies.
Dr. Salem Al Naemi, the President of UDST, expressed his pride in the students’ participation in the prestigious UBC program, highlighting their ambition and the university’s commitment to providing them with unparalleled opportunities. He emphasized how these experiences broaden their academic and professional horizons, preparing them to become leaders in their respective fields. Brad Wuetherick, Associate Provost at UBC Okanagan, emphasized the program’s focus on expanding world perspectives, pursuing top-tier academics, and building meaningful relationships. He mentioned how students had the unique opportunity to engage in collaborative learning and research, making connections and friendships through the social program.
The collaboration between UDST and UBC in the Okanagan Global Summer Program was not only valuable for the students but also important for both institutions in fostering global opportunities to enrich student learning and collaborative research. Dr. Rehan Sadiq, Provost and Vice-President, Academic at UBC’s Okanagan campus, highlighted the significance of this collaboration in providing students with an unforgettable and incredibly valuable experience. The program aimed to immerse students in a unique learning environment where they could engage in collaborative research, make connections, and build friendships, enhancing their overall academic and personal growth. Overall, the partnership between UDST and UBC in this program symbolized a commitment to global education and collaboration, providing students with a platform to excel in the competitive local and international job markets.
