How To Not Waste Your Summer 101

Serikkali Abdrakhman is a sophomore at GU-Q from Kazakhstan. He is a Writing Peer Tutor majoring in Culture and Politics.

For me, summer is usually a heap of unrealized plans, spontaneous travels, and the irritatingly slow mind marches of daydreaming on my bed. The summer of 2025, however, to my surprise, was completely different. 

In the spring semester of my first year, I knew I wanted to spend the summer doing what I love—writing. Good writing, nevertheless, flourishes when one is in a new setting, with differences capturing your every sense. So, I looked for summer writing courses in various countries, with the intention of challenging myself. 

After countless arduous fill-in forms and 546 revisions of personal statements, I was accepted to a writing program at the University of Amsterdam. Luckily, Georgetown has a great support system for students who want to pursue their interests during the holidays: from professors who agree to write recommendation letters to staff who assist with logistical questions.

Not wanting to leave the picturesque image of Amsterdam I had conjured in my mind, coupled with the fear of another summer being wasted, I immediately applied for GU-Q’s Research Fund. As a result, I received support to fund my tuition fees, travel, and accommodation! And just like that, in June, I arrived in Amsterdam.

My summer school experience was marked by an eye-opening learning opportunity, as I was surrounded by not only students but professionals in the industry. Being able to write in the city of Venice of the North, learn from a diverse student body, and enjoy the experience that redefined my worldview. 

On the weekends, I would solo travel to neighboring countries, all the while writing freely. The variety in history, culture, and people struck me, and it reinforced my desire to be a person who isn’t afraid to embrace differences. The late-night FlixBus rides through hardly pronounceable Dutch cities, the strangely delicious croquettes at warm-lit convenience stores, and the backpack I carried while walking for an hour to my hotel in Paris because my Google Maps was indifferent—all are small moments that encapsulated my summer travels.

If there is one thing that my summer in Europe taught me, it is that traveling opens doors. And I am grateful to have had such an amazing journey with the help of Georgetown. Now, summer no longer feels like a heap of unrealized plans, but rather, a window for growth. 
If you were a student at Georgetown University in Qatar, how would you spend your summer? If you ask me, I would tell you that you should start planning in advance, research opportunities and take advantage of the experiential learning support GU-Q students get.

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