Elite institutions at Int’l Fair impress eleventh-hour visitors

Hundreds of parents, educators and prospective students flocked to the Qatar International College Fair on the last day hopeful of meeting with university and education institutions’ representatives to secure albeit temporary places in campuses of their choice.

“This is the first time we have seen such an array of some of the best universities in the world under one roof,” said Balqhis Babikr whose daughter is in grade 10 at Amna bint Wahab School. “We are getting a lot information about campuses in and outside Qatar that will help parents prepare for their children’s future.”

Speaking at the closing ceremony, Mr. Mohammed Saleh Al Mannai, the acting director of the Higher Education Institute expressed his deep appreciation to all the participants to the fair and hoped they will return to an even bigger event next year. Each representative received a crystal plaque in recognition of their participation and offering advice to the students. “This event has been very successful. The number of students attending has exceeded our expectations,” said Al Mannai.

Majid Sultan Al Badi, a 12-grade student at the leadership academy said, “it’s exciting to have many top universities under one roof. I have gathered so much information from the Internet that under normal circumstances, would take me ages to obtain from the Internet. What’s even better is the fact that we get to meet representatives one-on-one instead of the usual emailing process.”

Held under the patronage of HE Sheikha Al Mahmoud, the Minister of Education and Secretary General of the SEC, the Qatar International College Fair took place the Four Seasons Hotel form February 26 – 28, 2008. More than 60 universities, educational institutions, and international test providing centers from the United Kingdom, United States of America, Australia and Qatar participated in the event organized by the Higher Education Institute.