Student Exchange: Bridging Cultures and Motivating Language Learning

In May 2024, 15 students from a high school in Qatar visited a high school in Virginia, US, as part of a cultural exchange facilitated by a Classroom Connections grant the schools received from QFI in 2019. Twenty-five students from the Virginia school’s Arabic Club served as “buddies” for their Qatari peers during the trip.

This is the second exchange facilitated by two schools. In November 2023, 11 students from the US and 3 teacher chaperones traveled to Doha for the first exchange.

After the initial trip, all students from Virginia indicated:

• Increased receptivity in beginning or continuing to learn Arabic.
• That learning some Arabic increased their understanding of Arab culture.
• Openness to new opportunities, ideas and ways of thinking (70% of students indicating a life-changing experience; 30% indicating a major increase).
• Increased understanding of different perspectives to problem solving and decision-making.
• Increased resilience in new situations.

“This experience made me realize I have the ability to engage with others in a different part of the world and learn a lot from them,” another student shared. “Learning even the basics of the [Arabic] language helps open these doors.”

In May 2024, the second part of the exchange took place with students from Qatar visiting their peers in Virginia. In addition to taking part in several American cultural activities, the Qatari students worked together with students in the Virginia school’s Arabic Club to lead Arabic mini-lessons in classes, with the goal of exposing more students to the Arabic language and Arab culture.

After the exchange, Dr. Abdirahman Handule of the school in Qatar shared the following reflection:

"The exchange between [the schools] has profoundly enriched Qatari exchange students by fostering global perspectives and a deep appreciation for cultural diversity. As part of their experience, the Qatari students took on the role of cultural ambassadors, teaching their peers Arabic and sharing the rich traditions of Qatari culture. This initiative has not only broadened their own horizons but also significantly enhanced the wider [Virginia] school community with diverse insights, a desire to learn the Arabic language and collaborative learning experiences, creating a vibrant and inclusive global educational community."

Both schools report sustained enthusiasm and engagement for the partnership and exchanges among students, staff, and the broader community. Another reciprocal exchange is planned to Doha this November.