Details, details.

Today was all about the details for me: learning the step-by-step processes of applying to study abroad at TAMUQ, requesting housing in the Qatar Foundation dorms (where all study abroad students live), registering for classes, attending orientation, getting advising and support while in Doha, preparing for any type of emergency that might arise, and so on.

I continue to be amazed at the level of care Maiken and Eric take to ensure the study abroad students stay happy, healthy, and safe while on this campus. They make a point of speaking face-to-face with each student at least once every two weeks, though in reality they seem to run into everyone much more frequently than that. They notice when students look like they're not getting enough sleep, seem to be having trouble adjusting to life in Doha, or just need a home-cooked American meal to fight off homesickness, and they make absolutely certain those needs get met.

I also met with the lead academic advisor, Windy Lala (an Aggie herself!), who gave me the skinny on registration processes, course evaluations for cross-registering with other branch campuses, and support services available to all students at TAMUQ.

Finally, I met with representatives of the Georgetown branch campus to discuss possiblities for cross-registration in their courses. They definitely seem to have some offerings in the social sciences and humanities that could be of interest to our majors! This is the second branch campus I've visited besides Texas A&M's, and I'm getting a much clearer picture of what kinds of options our students might have if they decided to spend a semester in Doha.

I had an opportunity to tour the residence hall with Mina, one of the 18 spring exchange students from the main campus.

You can't really tell from the picture above, but that wall behind the seating area is a beautiful fountain. The lobby of this place could just as well be the waiting area of a peaceful spa somewhere.

This is about the only thing I took pictures of today, but as you can see, the facility is really lovely! There are plenty of areas for studying, meeting, and hanging out both inside and outside the buildings. Also, since the hall houses students from all the institutions in Education City, residents have a chance to get to know peers from all over the world, studying in all sorts of academic programs.

I didn't want to take pictures of Mina's actual room, but she remarked that the space she has all to herself here is about the same size as the one she shared with two other students in College Station. The dorms are nicely furnished, including mini fridges and ample storage space.

I can't leave without discussing the FOOD from today!

Maiken and I had lunch in the residence hall cafeteria, where we found really delicious, fresh, healthy options. We unwittingly filled up on salad and soup, but I did take a stroll around the whole area and note there's a pizza oven, a la Blue Baker. Mmmmm.

I must say tonight's dinner was my favorite meal since I've been here. The Turkey Central Restaurant is pretty unassuming from the outside, but what's inside is just magical. My companions and I shared the most amazing hummus, barbecued chicken and beef, and a chicken schawarma sandwich -- which I likened to the Turkish version of the California burrito, complete with French fries. So strange, yet so wonderful. Also, the restaurant serves a variety of fresh-squeezed fruit juices. Heaven in a mug.

One closing thought: The Pearl Man. If you're ever in this neck of the woods, do not forget to go see him. Your mom's jewelry collection is not complete until you've been to see The Pearl Man.