Scholarships have helped displaced Afghan students find homes on university campuses across the US

Title: Displaced Afghan Students Embrace Education and Hope in the US

As the Taliban regained control of Afghanistan in 2021, Fahima Sultani and her fellow students faced dangerous obstacles trying to flee the country via the Kabul airport. Fortunately, Sultani is now safe in the United States pursuing a data science degree at Arizona State University, thanks to a scholarship. Her journey represents just one among hundreds of Afghan students who found refuge in US colleges and universities after the US withdrawal from Afghanistan.

Many of these students, born during the period when the Taliban was ousted in 2001, grew up with access to education and witnessing women pursuing careers. However, the Taliban’s return shattered these freedoms, leading to a rush of students seeking education outside their homeland.

In response, colleges and organizations in the US initiated numerous scholarships for Afghan students, allowing them to continue their education despite the challenges they faced. These scholarships provided a lifeline to many young Afghan women who endured traumatic experiences and boarded planes with uncertain destinations.

One such student, Mashal Aziz, left the American University of Afghanistan just before graduation and embarked on a journey to Northeastern University in Boston with the help of a scholarship. Overcoming language barriers, adapting to a new environment, and financing their education became significant challenges for the Afghan students in the US.

Despite these hurdles, the students found support and formed close-knit communities with their American peers. Faculty members like Danielle Macdonald at the University of Tulsa organized regular meetups to help Afghan students integrate and adjust to life in the US.

For many, the US was a natural destination due to their familiarity with the country. Hamasa Zeerak and her husband Hussain Saifnijat had studied and worked in Kabul, respectively, and continued their education at Rutgers University in New Jersey.

While these students pursue their dreams, they are mindful of those left behind in Afghanistan, deprived of similar opportunities due to the Taliban’s rule. Older students like Atifa Kabuli, who left her career as a doctor in Afghanistan, are now studying to practice medicine in the US.

Efforts to support Afghan students continue with initiatives like the Qatar Scholarship for Afghans Project, providing much-needed scholarships across various US institutions. However, there are still many young individuals seeking ways to continue their education in the US or escape Afghanistan and reach the US.

Among them is Yasamin Sohrabi, who, along with her sister, awaits a chance to come to the US and continue her studies at Western Kentucky University. Despite the uncertainties and hardships they face, the determination to embrace education keeps them going.

The story of these Afghan students reflects not only their resilience but also the vital role of scholarships in providing hope, education, and a brighter future for those displaced by conflict.

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More about Afghan scholarships

• “Afghan students find refuge in US universities through scholarships” (Source: University World News) – Link
• “Scholarships offer hope to Afghan students amid Taliban’s return” (Source: The Christian Science Monitor) – Link
• “US colleges rally to support Afghan students fleeing the Taliban” (Source: University World News) – Link
• “Arizona State University welcomes Afghan women on scholarships” (Source: The State Press) – Link
• “Qatar Scholarship for Afghans Project aids education for displaced students” (Source: The Peninsula) – Link