Student Experiences

How is It to be at Georgetown University?
Zineb & Zaynab’s Experience

Introduction:
Georgetown University, founded in 1789, is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the US. It offers the best intellectual, political, and cultural environment for students and distinguished faculties. Georgetown University was the first University in the US to develop a liberal art undergraduate program focused on international affairs and approached from an interdisciplinary perspective. Many political and public people figures graduated from Georgetown University, such us Bill Clinton, King Abdullah of Jordan.

Zineb & Zaynab’s Testimonies:

1. Zineb’s Testimony:
   “It is a pleasure to be an ambassador for Alakhwayn University in one of the most competitive schools in Washington DC and in the United States. Georgetown University is a center of knowledge where distinguished faculty and qualified students interact in every day life. The campus, as you see in the pictures, is amazing. Students are highly qualified and you get a chance to learn from their experience. Learning is an everyday achievement at Georgetown; I fell I grow up not only intellectually but also socially in a daily basis. Spending a year at Georgetown was one of the best and challenging experiences. I would encourage all AUI students to live the experience of being an AUI student at Georgetown University.”

2. Zaynab’s Testimony:

   “Representing my beloved country and university at such a great university is a great honor.”
   “One of the things I most appreciate about Georgetown University is its multicultural aspect and its excellence in studies.”
   “Every morning, I am prepared to live a new experience. Being here is so enriching and we have the chance to meet people from all horizons and very emeritus professors.”
   “My advice: Do an exchange because you will build your personality and you will build your future career.”

Interview with Lisa Gordinier, Resource Center Advisor & Exchange Student Coordinator:

Z&Z: What does an exchange bring to students most importantly?

L.G.: Exchange programs bring a personal growth. There is also an important growth in the academic and social levels because students are experiencing a different learning style and meeting new people. In fact, they are seeing a new part of the world and they are making new friends almost everyday. Here in Georgetown University, the academic aspect is so strong and there are very good professors.

Z&Z: Why is Georgetown University so concerned about exchange programs? We noticed that it is not the case of all American universities.

L.G.: It is a commitment. Georgetown University attracts a lot of international students and scholars and it encourages its students to go abroad. International relations are very important for Georgetown University especially because of the fact it is located in Washington, DC. In a little town, it is not the same for sure.

Z&Z: Does Georgetown University require its students to study abroad?

L.G.: Language majors and International Studies majors highly recommend students to go abroad and generally all deans recommend their students to do an exchange for all the benefits it brings them. They go in most cases in their junior year for one semester or a full year and most of the time they do many summer programs abroad.

Z&Z: What do you think exchange programs bring to the world?

L.G: It brings future leaders. Gabriel (an exchange student from Mexico who is known to be very sociable) is may be the next president of Mexico. Laughing. Moreover, international students are meeting together and building future relations that can be very important in their working lives.

Z&Z: Why Georgetown University is so international?

L.G.: Again, it is a commitment. Georgetown University is really concerned about having a diversified body. About 10% of Georgetown University students are internationals which is very significant. Knowledge is to learn from each others.

Z&Z: What are Georgetown University students’ preferences when going abroad?

L.G.: Arabic speaking destinations are very popular now mostly because of the world’s events. Spanish speaking destinations are also very popular because it is very useful to speak Spanish in the United States.

Z&Z: What are the programs offered to international students at Georgetown University?

L.G.: They come in most cases for a 4 years degree program and they go back to their country. Also, lots of international students come as a part of official exchange agreement between their home universities and Georgetown University.

By Zineb Benalla and Zaynab El Bernoussi.