Latin American Students Bring Their Cultures — and Their Passions — to Life at Georgetown Qatar
At Georgetown University in Qatar (GU-Q), students from Latin America find more than just a world-class education — they find a home. Two graduating seniors, Santiago Rubio Henao from Colombia and Emilia Pacheco De Larrea from Ecuador, have spent the past four years bringing the richness of their cultures to campus while pursuing ambitious academic and professional goals.
Through salsa masterclasses, Latin music nights, cultural exhibits, and academic lectures, Santiago and Emilia helped create spaces where students from all backgrounds could connect with Latin American traditions. As co-leaders of the Latin American and Caribbean Society (LACAS), they created connections between GU-Q and the local diplomatic community, planning and moderating various events.
Left to Right: Coffee Chat with Ambassadors at GU-Q: Luis Figuereido (Ambassador of Brazil), Álvaro Segura (Ambassador of Costa Rica), Óscar De León (Ambassador Cuba), Pascual Del Cioppo (Ambassador of Ecuador), Musa Asvat (Ambassador of Panamá), Juan Benavides (Consul of Uruguay), Santiago, Emilia
Emelia and Santiago with Ambassador of Mexico to Qatar
They coordinated protocol with local Latin American embassies and built bridges to get ambassadors, university students, higher education leadership across Qatar Foundation, and the larger Latino community in Doha engaged.
Santiago Rubio Henao
For Santiago, an International Politics major who grew up in Cali, Colombia and completed high school in Eswatini, the opportunity to celebrate and share his Latin American heritage was at the heart of his Georgetown experience.“I grew in a country known for its festive spirit, where life revolves around community gatherings, festivals, and family, and I wanted to share that,” he said.
Santiago introducing Latinidad Night of Music
For Santiago, an International Politics major who grew up in Cali, Colombia and completed high school in Eswatini, the opportunity to celebrate and share his Latin American heritage was at the heart of his Georgetown experience.“I grew in a country known for its festive spirit, where life revolves around community gatherings, festivals, and family, and I wanted to share that,” he said.
His commitment to uplifting his community and culture also extended into his academics as well. His Certificate in Media and Politics research, which explored how traditional media shaped Colombia’s peace process following the 2016 accord, earned him the program’s best thesis award. He also earned the prestigious Lisa J. Raines Summer Research Fellowship, where he studied the social integration of the Palenquero community — descendants of escaped slaves — within Colombia.
His deft research and communication skills earned him a place as a peer tutor and teaching assistant, while Internships with the Embassies of Costa Rica and the United States, and interactions with DC campus students while studying there for a semester, and through short term exchange programs gave him further experience in forging connections across cultures. “These interactions consistently challenged me to articulate my views more clearly, drawing from my experience to provide a more global and alternative outlook,” he shared.
He steps forward into life after graduation with the security of having built a lasting network in Qatar. “The most memorable part of my time at GU-Q was the constant opportunity to bridge cultures and be reminded, both through my experiences and those around me, that we all share a responsibility to care for one another. The commitment to dialogue, community, and mutual care that defines GU-Q will stay with me long after graduation.”
Emilia Pacheco De Larrea
Emilia Pacheco De Larrea, who majored in International Politics with a minor in History, also made her mark at GU-Q. Born in Ecuador, Emilia completed high school in Oman, which prepared her to quickly become a driving force in showcasing Latin American culture and diplomacy when she arrived in Qatar.
Emilia with the GU-Q women’s football team
“I concentrated on diplomatic, cultural, and extracurricular events to showcase my home region’s identity,” she shared, which included playing on the Women’s football team for all four years.
She honed her skills in cultural diplomacy by participating in a NATO crisis simulation exercise and helping to organize and host five Model United Nations conferences for thousands of local and international high school students. “I learned how to moderate and lead delegates ensuring that they had a fun, engaging, and fruitful experience at GMUN, where hopefully they were inspired to continue in the path of politics. The practice helped me moderate other events, such as the LACAS events with real ambassadors,” she recalled.
Emilia Singing at Latinidad Night
Emilia representing Ecuador at the Seeds of Change Cultural Exhibition
Alongside her cultural leadership, Emilia pursued specialized academic research at the intersection of cybersecurity and global trade. Her Media and Politics Certificate project explored how preferential trade agreements can support the digital sovereignty of Global South nations like Ecuador, offering a fresh perspective on resisting data colonialism in a tech-driven world. She also earned professional certifications in cybersecurity and digital diplomacy through the Organization of American States and IBM.
“Cybersecurity and digital governance are becoming increasingly important topics as they relate to politics, development, the law, and economics. As digital systems and cyberspace become new gateways for interconnectivity and societal growth, I am determined to contribute to the growing conversation on how these digital tools can be regulated to secure the best future for all, especially the Global South, ” she said.
Both Santiago and Emilia have shown how GU-Q is a place where Latin American students thrive — academically, culturally, and personally. Through their leadership, research, and creativity, they have made Georgetown University in Qatar a more vibrant, connected, and welcoming community for all.
Georgetown University in Qatar offers a Bachelor of Science in Foreign Service (BSFS) degree, preparing students for global leadership roles with a curriculum rooted in international affairs, politics, economics, history, and culture. This year, GU-Q proudly celebrates 20 years in Qatar — two decades of academic excellence, community building, and international impact. Located in Doha, Qatar’s capital — a modern, thriving, and diverse city — GU-Q provides students with a unique environment that blends rich cultural traditions with dynamic global opportunities.