A World Of Opportunity: Afghan Students In The Usa

The number of Afghan students in the US is difficult to pinpoint. According to the Institute of International Education in New York, only 422 Afghan students came to the US for higher education last year on F-1 student visas. However, this number may not account for all Afghan students in the country, as it does not include those who may have entered through other visa categories or pathways. The US has a long history of accepting Afghan refugees, with large numbers admitted following the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979 and after the recent war in Afghanistan. As of 2022, there are approximately 155,000 Afghan Americans in the country, although this number includes all US residents with ancestry from Afghanistan, not just students.

The number of Afghan students in the US has increased in recent years, with 680 enrolled in US colleges and universities in the 2022-23 school year

The number of Afghan students enrolling in US colleges and universities has been on the rise in recent years, with 680 students from Afghanistan enrolled for the 2022-23 academic year. This figure represents a tiny proportion of the over 1 million international students in the United States. The increase in Afghan students in the US is part of a broader trend of growing Afghan immigration to the country.

The US has long been a destination for Afghan immigrants, with a history of Afghan Americans dating back to the 1860s. However, the Afghan immigrant population has grown significantly in recent decades, particularly following the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979, which displaced around 5 million Afghan citizens. In the years since, thousands of Afghans have sought refuge in the US, with California, Virginia, Texas, and New York historically hosting the largest number of Afghan Americans.

The end of the US military presence in Afghanistan in 2021 marked another turning point for Afghan migration to the US. The withdrawal of US and allied troops led to a substantial increase in Afghan immigrants, with the population nearly quadrupling from approximately 54,000 in 2010 to 195,000 in 2022. The Biden administration's Operation Allies Welcome gave humanitarian parole to 76,000 evacuated Afghans to enter the country.

The challenges faced by Afghan students in the US are significant. Many have experienced trauma and violence, requiring support and special considerations. Additionally, the education system in Afghanistan differs greatly from that of the US, with limited access to formal education and frequent interruptions due to conflict and displacement. Afghan students in the US may also face challenges related to cultural and religious differences, language barriers, and adjusting to the American way of life.

Despite these challenges, the increasing number of Afghan students enrolling in US colleges and universities reflects a positive trend, offering educational opportunities and a pathway to a different future for Afghans seeking to rebuild their lives in the United States.

Afghan students in the US may have experienced trauma and violence, requiring additional support

The number of Afghan students in the US is unclear, but sources suggest that there are at least 680. This number is likely to increase as a result of the recent US withdrawal from Afghanistan, which has led to a surge in Afghan refugees. Many of these refugees have experienced trauma and violence, which can have significant impacts on their mental health and well-being. Here are some key considerations regarding Afghan students in the US and the support they may require:

Impact of Trauma and Violence

Afghan students in the US may have experienced various forms of trauma and violence, including war, political instability, and human rights abuses. This can lead to mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and other psychological disorders. It is important to recognize that each person's experience is unique, and the impact of trauma can vary widely.

Cultural and Educational Background

Familiarity with the cultural and educational background of Afghan students is essential for providing effective support. Educators should be aware of the common languages spoken, such as Dari and Pashto, and the educational disruptions that many Afghan students may have faced due to conflict and displacement. Respect for cultural and religious differences is crucial, along with facilitating school enrollment and providing academic support.

Family Dynamics and Gender Roles

Understanding the dynamics within Afghan families is vital when supporting Afghan students. Families may experience tension due to the clash between traditional Afghan values and the American sensibilities that their children are exposed to in schools. Gender roles also play a significant role, with boys typically having more freedom than girls. Additionally, Afghan women often adapt better to life in the US than men, who struggle to find a balance between traditional and American lifestyles.

Practical Support and Resources

Practical support for Afghan students can include assistance with enrollment, academic resources, and programs to learn English. It is also essential to promote relationship-building between families and school staff to foster a sense of community. Resources such as cultural information toolkits, language learning apps, and educational materials in Dari and English can be valuable tools for both educators and families.

Mental Health Services and Interventions

Given the high prevalence of mental health issues among Afghans who have experienced trauma, it is crucial to provide adequate mental health services and interventions. This can include counseling, support groups, and trauma-informed care. Early intervention is essential to help students cope with the effects of trauma and build resilience.

Addressing Discrimination

Afghan refugees, including students, may face discrimination and xenophobia, which can exacerbate the trauma they have experienced. It is important to create a supportive and inclusive environment, both within the school community and at a broader societal level, to counter discrimination and promote social cohesion.

In conclusion, Afghan students in the US may have unique needs and challenges due to their experiences of trauma and violence. By recognizing these factors and providing appropriate support, educators and support services can play a vital role in helping Afghan students thrive in their new environment.

Many Afghan students have had their education interrupted due to conflict and displacement

The mass displacement of Afghan students due to the Taliban's swift takeover of Afghanistan has disrupted their access to tertiary education. The loss of educational records and the difficulty in obtaining required documentation are significant challenges that prevent displaced Afghan students from enrolling in educational institutions in their host communities. This issue is not unique to Afghan refugees, as similar challenges have been observed with refugees from Syria, Venezuela, and Iraq.

As of 2018, nearly 400,000 Afghans were enrolled in tertiary education institutions across Afghanistan. However, with the Taliban's rise, women's education is at risk of returning to the restrictions observed during the Taliban rule of the 1990s. This poses a significant threat to the educational aspirations of Afghan students, particularly women.

Afghan refugees have been accepted by the United States and its allies, with more than 60,000 Afghans resettled in various American states. Among these refugees are students who have experienced trauma and violence and face barriers to continuing their education. Language and financial challenges, in addition to documentation requirements, create obstacles for Afghan students seeking to enroll in American educational institutions.

The Institute of International Education reported that 680 students from Afghanistan were enrolled in U.S. colleges and universities in the 2022-23 school year, a minuscule proportion of the over one million international students in the country. This highlights the need for proactive support systems to assist displaced Afghan students in continuing their education without significant disruption. Initiatives such as earned admissions programs, credential evaluation, and regional reciprocity agreements between institutions are crucial in helping Afghan students navigate the challenges of displacement and maintain access to education.

English language learning is a priority for Afghan students in the US, who can access various resources and programmes

The Need for English Language Learning

English proficiency is a challenge for Afghan immigrants in the US. In 2022, about 56% of Afghans aged 5 and over reported speaking English less than "very well", compared to 46% of all immigrants. This issue is more pronounced among women, with 60% of Afghan women and girls lacking English proficiency, compared to 53% of men and boys.

Programmes and Resources for English Language Learning

The US Department of Education offers several toolkits and resources to support Afghan students and their families, such as the Newcomer Toolkit, the English Learner Family Toolkit, and the Welcoming, Registering, and Supporting Newcomer Students toolkit. These toolkits provide information on understanding, supporting, and engaging newcomer students, as well as resources on topics like funding, rights of students, and creating a welcoming environment.

The Refugee Educator Academy also offers resources like the Supporting Newcomer Afghan Students and Families Padlet, which includes information on the resettlement process, language and culture resources, and upcoming training opportunities.

Additionally, organisations like the English Empowerment Center and Odils Learning Foundation provide English language classes and resources specifically for refugees and asylum seekers.

Teaching Strategies for Afghan Students

Teachers play a crucial role in supporting Afghan refugee students. Here are some strategies recommended by teachers with experience in teaching English Language Learners (ELLs):

• Teach through a "trauma-informed" lens: Emphasise relationship-building activities, be aware of potential "triggers," and establish predictable classroom routines.
• Work closely with school counsellors or community providers to address students' mental health needs.
• Provide online support in students' home languages to aid English language acquisition and create a sense of familiarity.
• Familiarise yourself with students' cultural and educational backgrounds and respect cultural and religious differences.
• Facilitate the school enrolment process and provide after-school and academic support.
• Promote relationship-building between families and school staff.
• Utilise resources like the U.S. Department of Education's Linguistic and Cultural Resources and Switchboard's toolkit for educators.

Language Learning Tools

Several tools are available to assist Afghan students in learning English:

• English Polyglot and the English for Persian YouTube channel are recommended for Dari/Persian speakers.
• Google Translate can be useful for communication with students and families, particularly for Pashto and Persian.
• A free ESL app designed for Pashto speakers learning English has received positive feedback.
• Flashcards that show how to pronounce English words phonetically in Dari/Pashto and vice versa are available.
• Storyweaver offers hundreds of stories for children in Pashto and Farsi.
• American English: Everyday Conversations and Dialogs for Everyday Use are resources for students to listen to and/or read dialogues in English.

Community Support

Afghan Resource Centers, such as the one in Virginia, also offer various resources and events to support Afghan newcomers and help them navigate life in the US.

Afghan students in the US may face cultural challenges and family tensions as they adapt to the American education system

Cultural Differences in Education:

• Afghan students are accustomed to a different style of education, which emphasizes memorization and recall rather than small group work and center-based instruction.
• Teachers in Afghanistan often have less formal education than their US counterparts, and students are not expected to have strong computer skills.
• The Taliban's control of Afghanistan and the previous US withdrawal have traumatized many Afghan students, impacting their ability to concentrate and manage their emotions.

Family Tensions and Values:

• Afghan students in the US may face tensions between their family's traditional values and the independence and confidence fostered by the American education system.
• Boys typically have more freedom than girls, and parents may not allow their children to participate in after-school activities due to transportation challenges and concerns about Western influences.
• The rapid acquisition of English by children can undermine the traditional authority of fathers and create a need for children to act as translators and spokespersons.

Language Barrier:

Many Afghan students and their parents face a language barrier, as English is not their native language. This can make it difficult to navigate the school system and communicate with teachers and staff.

Academic Challenges:

• Afghan students may struggle with academic writing due to a lack of focus on writing skills in their previous education.
• Differences in curriculum and educational standards between Afghanistan and the US can create challenges for Afghan students in meeting the expectations of US universities.

Discrimination and Social Integration:

• Afghan students and their families may experience discrimination and social tensions due to their cultural and religious background.
• Socializing primarily with extended family members can make it challenging for Afghan students to integrate into American society and form diverse friendships.

It is important to recognize that each Afghan family is unique, with their own beliefs, history, and goals. Respecting their cultural values while providing support and resources to navigate the American education system is essential for helping Afghan students succeed in the US.

Frequently asked questions