Yale-NUS students enhance leadership capabilities through collaborative, cross-cultural learning in Qatar

From 24 to 29 September 2024, a group of Yale-NUS students participated in a leadership development programme in Qatar, organised by the Student Affairs Office (SAO) in collaboration with Northwestern University in Doha (NU-Q). The programme, titled “Leadership Level Up in Qatar,” was designed to promote students’ leadership capabilities through collaborative, cross-cultural learning.

As part of the programme, students engaged in unconventional learning experiences, such as a kayaking trip through the northern desert of Qatar. Gabrielle Lee (Class of 2025) shared how she particularly enjoyed this experience. “It was such a peaceful and tranquil moment,” Gabrielle said, explaining that the kayaking session, set against an unfamiliar yet serene landscape, helped foster teamwork and enabled reflection amongst attendees.

During the programme, students took part in activities such as a “Spotlight Profile review session”, which enabled students to learn about their leadership and work style. Participants were also taught strategies to improve their mental tenacity and resilience, as well as how they might communicate more effectively.

Gabrielle explained that the programme helped her to better understand the importance of self-awareness in leadership. “This trip definitely influenced the way I perceived teamwork. It helped me understand myself better, which in turn empowered me to express my thoughts, opinions, and challenges in a way that can help others better understand me too.”

The leadership programme also placed a strong emphasis on community building through collaboration, rather than the traditional top-down leadership model. One memorable moment for Muhammad Abdullah (Class of 2025) was the post-kayaking BBQ challenge, where students worked together to prepare a meal within an hour and a half. “This activity stood out because it required us to collaborate effectively, delegate tasks, and work as a team. The satisfaction of overcoming the challenge together and enjoying a well-earned meal made this experience particularly special,” Muhammad shared.

As part of the programme, students visited noteworthy places in Doha such as the Msheireb Museums, where they learned about Qatar’s past and its ongoing efforts to preserve oral histories. During such activities, both Yale-NUS and Northwestern University in Doha students had the chance to forge friendships.

For Gabrielle and Muhammad, the trip provided valuable insights into their leadership styles, teamwork, and personal growth. Muhammad summed up the experience, “This trip has laid a strong foundation for continued collaboration and cross-cultural exchange between our institutions, paving the way for future exchanges.”