What is it like to study in Qatar? If you asked Maureen Wu, she would probably laugh and hand you her new book, Studying Abroad in Qatar.
Originally from Taiwan and raised in Shanghai, Wu is a Communications junior at Northwestern University Qatar. published in Taiwan, her book was far from a simple student guide. It was packed with unexpected adventures, food discoveries, and surprising friendships that marked Wu’s time as an international student in Doha. Her journey isn’t just another study abroad story—it is a lively, cross-cultural rollercoaster, filled with laughter and reflections along the way.
When Wu applied to college, she spontaneously selected the checkbox to be considered for Qatar’s campus. “Who knew that one little checkbox would change my life forever?” she said with a laugh. Her instinctive decision opened the door to a completely new world, filling her life, and her book, with rich, vibrant experiences. Like many international students, she initially found Qatar foreign and distant. However, within a few months, it began to feel like a second home. She was captivated by the local culture, food, and architecture and quickly formed close friendships that made her feel deeply connected to Doha.
Wu described the diverse cuisine in Qatar as one of her greatest joys—an essential theme in her book. “Doha is a foodie’s paradise! There are always new restaurants popping up, and you can find food from all over the world,” she said.
From the vibrant spices of Indian curries to New York-style brunch spots, Wu sampled flavors from nearly every corner of the globe—all without leaving Qatar. Her book captured these culinary adventures, blending mouth-watering descriptions with her food photography, each dish a delicious memory preserved on the page.
For Wu, food was much more than just a meal; it was a window into the heart of different cultures. Dining out in Doha became her chance to learn about local culture and an invitation to connect with others who shared her passion for food. Her visits to local restaurants sparked conversations, created friendships, and offered glimpses into the lives of those around her. Each meal in Doha became a story—rich with Qatar’s multicultural blend and brimming with unforgettable memories shared among friends.
She fondly remembered how her friendship with a local blossomed over their shared love for kunafa, a traditional Palestinian Middle Eastern dessert. It all started with a casual recommendation—”You have to try the kunafa from this shop!”—that quickly turned into a tasty tradition. Every visit, they excitedly order a whole kilogram of the golden, syrup-soaked treat, marveling at its perfect balance of sweetness and crisp edges.
For them, it wasn’t just about the kunafa—it was about the joy of sharing something so simple yet so special. With every bite, stories flowed, laughter echoed, and a bond grew stronger. “Eating with Maureen makes me feel incredibly happy,” Maryam AlMusleh said. “Especially seeing how much she truly loves good food.”
When talking about Qatar, Wu believesmany people tended to associate the country solely with the World Cup, but life in the country offered so much more. In her book, she shares personal experiences like attending a traditional Qatari wedding and participating in cultural practices that shape daily lives. She highlighted that the exchange of perspectives and the cultural blend made studying in Qatar special.
As a full-time student, Wu had to carve out time from her demanding academic schedule to write her book—a task that was far from simple.“No matter how perfect it needs to be, the most important thing is just to start—even if it’s only a little bit each day,” she said. She followed a strict plan, committing to write at least a few stories each week to keep herself on track. “Without that schedule, this book might never have been finished,” she added. After countless revisions and a lot of patience, she finally saw her book published. For her, this book was more than just a memoir—it was a testament to her courage and determination.
While Wu did not envision writing as her future career, she recognized this art form as a vital form of self-expression. “Writing is a kind of therapy for me,” she said. Writing wasn’t just about recording life’s moments—it was a way of gaining deeper self-understanding that emerged between the lines. In the future, she hopes to continue sharing her stories and experiences, finding joy in how writing allows her to connect with others.
Through this book, she invites readers into her world—a place where a simple dinner could become a cultural journey, and a spontaneous choice could open the door to a life filled with flavor, friendship, and discovery.
