VCU partnership helps refugees resume their academic and career paths

By Dina Weinstein

Asad Afzali was a computer science major in Afghanistan, but when the Taliban retook control of the country in late 2021, his life changed abruptly. The power shift put his family in danger - his father was a government official - so they fled the country on a U.S. military airlift.

Arriving with no possessions, they spent time on American military bases in Germany and Texas before settling in the Glen Allen area of Henrico County, near extended family.

"This is the bad part of my life," Afzali, 26, said of leaving behind his home, job, friends and country. "I will never forget that."

About 15,000 Afghan refugees have been settled in Virginia since 2019, according to the Virginia Department of Social Services. For many, financial survival is the top priority after finding housing, and for Afzali, his academic and professional aspirations seemed almost unattainable.

Though he had studied computer science and worked in information technology, his prospects in America were dim without a formal degree. Even when he fixed a networking issue at a job he found, Afzali felt hurt that his boss was surprised that someone from Afghanistan would have such skills.

But last year, a friend told Afzali about ReEstablish Richmond, a nonprofit that helps refugees acclimate to their new home. "I registered myself for services to start my bachelor's degree again" - either from the beginning or to pick up from where he left off in Kabul, said Afzali, who was motivated in part by his parents' advanced degrees and their support for higher education.

Through caseworker Sheeba Adli, who is also from Afghanistan, Afzali met Rachel Aziz, admissions coordinator at Virginia Commonwealth University's English Language Program, part of the Global Education Office. They helped Afzali submit transcripts from his previous university through the World Education Service Gateway Program, a credential evaluation service for individuals who have been displaced and may have limited proof of academic achievements.

"They helped me a lot," he said.

Adli and Aziz have helped refugees from Afghanistan and elsewhere submit credentials through the WES Gateway Program, which verifies transcripts from educational institutions in countries shaken by war, collapsed governments or limited diplomatic relations. The services are available at no cost to potential students, which is notable because document translation can be expensive or difficult to execute or verify, especially when coursework is not equivalent to offerings at U.S. institutions.

Potential students can access the program only through a referral partner. Since its WES partnership started in summer 2020, VCU has assisted 70 clients with gaining translated and verified documents, six of whom have enrolled at VCU. Others have enrolled elsewhere or gained certifications to work in their fields of training.

The process of applying to college is especially confusing for refugees, and the partnership between VCU and ReEstablish Richmond, with Adli acting as a cultural bridge and translator, is a big help.

"For newcomers, it's a very big challenge if they are paying for university classes out of pocket because they are working mostly as laborers or in very entry-level jobs - and they really can't afford to pay out of their pocket for their education," said Adli, whose guidance includes how universities operate and exploring financial aid.

At VCU, Aziz tries to ease the process of applying as a transfer student.

"If a student has decided that they want to apply to VCU once they get their credit report, we look at their GPA and we say, 'This seems like you could be admissible to VCU. Let's go ahead and apply,'" she said. "I guide them a bit through the application process and follow up with them as needed. And I guide them very generally on financial aid and refer them to counselors."

Aziz noted that VCU's large size can be a challenge for any student to navigate, "but then add in the language barrier and the cultural differences and expenses," she said of newcomers. "They're worried about improving their English before they start classes. A lot of them are working full time, and so they're trying to figure out when they can come to class."

The ELP has been averaging about 100 to 120 students in recent fall semesters, with roughly 60% international students and 40% domestic residents who may be refugees, asylees, permanent residents or U.S. citizens.

"VCU provides support to ensure the success of all students," said Jill Blondin, Ph.D., associate vice provost of global initiatives at VCU's Global Education Office. "The English Language Program, in particular, fills a critical need for those wishing to improve their English language skills for professional and personal reasons. The English Language Program's collaborative work with ReEstablish Richmond and WES demonstrates the commitment to serve."

Asad Afzali submitted transcripts from his previous university in Afghanistan through the World Education Service Gateway Program, a credential evaluation service for individuals who have been displaced and may have limited proof of academic achievements. (Courtesy of Asad Afzali)

Afzali isn't the only member of his family to embrace the transition: His 23-year-old brother, Rahmat, and 28-year-old sister-in-law, Sajia, a mother of two, have also submitted credentials for certification through the WES Gateway Program. All had their education interrupted when they fled Afghanistan, and with eagerness to restart classes, they are taking a series of ELP classes focusing on reading, writing, speaking and comprehension.

"When I came here, I didn't think I can start my college again," said Rahmat, who is studying information systems. "It was like a dream. [I thought] maybe I can, but maybe I'm not eligible, maybe the requirement is hard, because I didn't know the rules."

He is grateful for how ReEstablish Richmond and VCU are guiding him. "They help us a lot," he said. "When they transfer my credit from Afghanistan, I was so happy. I start my education again, and I hope I will graduate with my bachelor's and my master's degree. I hope to continue."

Sajia aspires to go into dentistry.

"I want to improve my skill. I want to achieve my dream as soon as possible, I'm happy I can do my education because I'm tired from this situation that I have," said Sajia, whose typical week includes taking classes in the mornings, working at a daycare in the afternoons and, on Saturdays, working in a dental office as a hygienist.

In the upcoming fall semester, she will take a biology class toward her major in addition to ELP classes, achieving her academic goals, along with her brothers-in-law.

Since connecting with the ELP, Afzali has improved his English and is on his way to enroll in VCU classes that will bring him closer to his bachelor's degree. An advisor told Afzali that he will need to study for about four semesters to graduate - which is a relief, in that he does not have to start over.

"I was so surprised. I was so happy because I never thought [it would happen]. I just planned to start my bachelor's degree from the beginning. I'm so lucky to have this chance," Afzali said. "I'm excited to finish my bachelor's degree because it's taken almost eight years. I plan to finish and get a good job and have a better life."

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