"The English class in particular has helped me improve my writing skills tremendously by working on my organizational and topic analysis. Writing a scientific paper was a hassle for me before I took the Bio-research and Exploration course, but now I find it very interesting because I have learned the basis and the purpose of writing a good scientific paper. My summer in Ithaca was an unforgettable experience!"
Amna Al Khuzaei, Class of 2014 (Foundation Program 2008)
Student life
Upon their arrival in Ithaca, students take part in an orientation program designed to help them adjust to academic and student life. They meet with the Summer College director, residential staff members, faculty members, teaching assistants, and other Summer College participants. Students learn about Cornell's academic structure, the classroom atmosphere, and instructor expectations. They also discuss relevant health and safety issues, banking and money matters, and public transportation options. (Because Cornell has a large campus, many QCPPP students recommend using buses to get to class. Bus passes can be purchased in the Summer College office. Students may also use these passes to explore Ithaca.)
Qatar-Cornell students live together in private wings of University residence halls and share bathrooms with other QCPPP students. They eat all meals in University dining halls. Meals feature a wide variety of options, with the exception of halal meat. Summer program students often opt for vegetarian meals while on campus. In addition, special dietary accommodations are willingly made upon request at North Star Dining in Appel Commons.
Teaching assistants, residence hall community advisors, and program assistants carefully supervise the students during their stay on campus. In addition, QCPPP students meet weekly with the Summer College director, who provides guidance to them about their experiences in and outside of the classroom.
Learning to live with people from different countries and cultures is an important part of Summer College, which attracts students from all over the United States and the world and from a wide variety of ethnic, religious, and cultural backgrounds. Last year, 174 international students from 32 countries attended Summer College and many students spoke languages other than English. All students are responsible for respecting these differences and helping to make Cornell a friendly and welcoming place.
In addition, QCPPP students are expected to get to know American and other international students in their classes and residence halls by participating in Summer College activities, cultural and arts events, intramural sports, and local field trips. They also are encouraged to become familiar with Cornell's beautiful campus, architecture, and facilities; to tour University research labs and libraries; and to meet local families and enjoy sightseeing and shopping in Ithaca.
