DOHA: Six journalism students from the University of Canberra, Australia, recently concluded a successful week-long educational programme in Qatar.
The delegates were in Doha as part of Australia-Middle East Journalism Exchange’s (AMEJE) programme of annual study tours between Australia and the MENA region.S
AMEJE’s study tours equip delegates with knowledge, skills and attitudes that will allow them to produce better informed journalism that builds greater cross-cultural understanding.
This year, AMEJE worked closely with Northwestern University in Qatar (NU-Q), allowing delegates the opportunity to draw on the expertise of NU-Q’s faculty and collaborate with student peers. The University of Canberra delegates were privileged to attend workshops with several successful NU-Q alumni, including documentary filmmaker Mariam Al-Dhubhani and Doha Heat podcast host Ifath Sayed.
These workshops helped the University of Canberra delegates to broaden their understanding of how journalism works around the world, and inspired them to strive for success in their own careers.
In addition to academic sessions at NU-Q’s Education City campus, the delegates also made visits to professional and cultural institutions around Doha, such as the Al Jazeera Media Network and the Sheikh Abdulla Bin Zaid Al Mahmoud Islamic Cultural Center.
University of Canberra delegate Sharn Jaye identified the group’s visit to Al Jazeera as one of the highlights of the tour. “At Al Jazeera we got a first-hand look into the world of international news production,” Jaye said. “Seeing those journalists in action renewed my passion for broadcast journalism and reminded me of the importance of a cross-cultural approach to communication.”
In addition to programmed visits, the delegates also met with a diverse range of Qataris and residents, learning first-hand about local cultures and life in the country. University of Canberra delegate Anthony Brennan particularly enjoyed getting to know Ghanim Al-Sulaiti, co-founder of Evergreen Organics.
“I was able to speak with Ghanim about his journey into veganism, which lead him to open the first all-vegan restaurant in Doha,” Brennan said. “Ghanim’s story was about rediscovering what food and love means in life, and why it is so important to find your purpose to pursue your dreams.”
