Orlando, June 02 (QNA) - Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development (QF) announced three new study-abroad agreements with American universities during its participation in the NAFSA 2026 Annual Conference and Expo, held in Florida, USA.

In a statement on Tuesday, QF said that the agreements with Hampton University in Virginia, Xavier University of Louisiana, and Prairie View A&M University in Texas - supported by the Embassy of the State of Qatar in Washington, D.C. - are designed to deepen cross-cultural exchange and understanding between US and Qatar-based students. HCBUs are US universities established before the country's 1964 Civil Rights Act with the principal mission of educating African American students, with 107 of these institutions now educating students regardless of race.

QF indicated that these agreements pave the way for students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in the US to experience QF's globally unique ecosystem of learning, Education City.

"These agreements reflect QF's commitment to building globally connected learning environments and advancing partnerships that promote inclusion, cultural exchange, and academic excellence," said President of Higher Education and Education Advisor at QF Francisco Marmolejo.

"Hosting students from US Historically Black Colleges and Universities for a semester at universities based in Education City will enrich the academic experience for all involved, energizing classroom discussions and deepening global understanding, while fostering a dynamic and reciprocal learning environment that benefits both visiting and local students culturally, socially, and academically. We are grateful to the Embassy of the State of Qatar in Washington, DC, for their invaluable support toward advancing this important initiative," he added.

For his part, Executive Director of Student Services within QF's Higher Education division Dr. Abdulnassir Al Tamimi indicated that the partnerships are focused on creating meaningful, student-centered experiences beyond the classroom. "By welcoming HBCU students and faculty to Qatar, we are offering them an opportunity to engage with our culture, traditions, institutions, and diverse community firsthand. At the same time, our students and the broader QF community benefit immensely from the perspectives, histories, and lived experiences that HBCU students bring," he added.

In turn, Senior Vice President for Business Operations and Finance at Hampton University Robert Pompey said: "The agreement reflects a shared commitment to global education, cultural understanding and academic excellence. It enriches and empowers Hampton University students through study abroad and other international opportunities while advancing QF's mission to expand and strengthen the educational experiences of HBCU students."

"Together, both institutions benefit through collaboration, innovation, and meaningful global engagement," he added

Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs at Xavier University of Louisiana Marguerite Giguette said: "We are honored to work with QF's Higher Education division in advancing opportunities that broaden our students' academic and cultural horizons."

Assistant Vice Provost for Global Engagement and Partnerships at Prairie View A&M University Dr. Godlove Fonjweng said the partnership between QF and the Texan institution will create "transformative global learning opportunities for our students."

"This collaboration reflects the university's longstanding commitment to academic excellence, cultural exchange, and preparing students to lead and thrive in an interconnected global society," he added. (QNA)