The Academic Bridge Program (ABP), Qatar Foundations (QFs) pre-university programme for high school graduates, hosted the International Career and College Counseling (IC3) Regional Forum Doha, the focus of which was to enhance and develop effective learning strategies for those in the field of education whose work focuses on vocational and university counselling.

Director of ABP Dr Saheim K Al Temimi said: “At ABP, we recognize the importance of equipping our students not only with academic prowess but also with the skills, resilience, and adaptability necessary to thrive in a dynamic global landscape.”

Dr Al Temimi explained that ABP’s commitment to excellence extends beyond the programme’s physical spaces, as it supports local schools and universities and fosters partnerships that contribute to the regional educational ecosystem.

President of Higher Education and Education Adviser at Qatar Foundation (QF) Francisco Marmolejo said: “The IC3 Forum provided a distinctive platform to gain insights and knowledge about best practices from counsellors aiding students in their transition from high school to university.

“It also served as an excellent chance to illustrate to delegates from over five countries the innovative environment at Qatar Foundation. This integrated environment includes offering students the ability to create a more tailored educational journey by selecting courses across various partner universities in Education City. Additionally, it presents numerous practical experience opportunities through the over 50 entities under Qatar Foundation’s umbrella.”

Director of Student Life at Qatar Foundation Dr Mohammad Al Kuwari said: “This initiative marks a significant step forward in enriching guidance for school students and creates a valuable platform for counsellors to collaborate and exchange vital insights. The effectiveness of counsellors is rooted in their robust communication abilities and deep comprehension of the challenges students face. They are an essential resource for students, and their participation in such initiatives substantially improves our students’ prospects.”

Dr Al Kuwari explained that initiatives such as IC3 can open up “new horizons” for students, both within Qatar and globally.