Building a Shared Future
A message from AUAF President, Dr. Ian Bickford
On behalf of the American University of Afghanistan, I offer thanks to the State of Qatar for its heroic support in our greatest hour of need. As a university that has long defined the highest standards of education for Afghanistan, but separated from our campus since 2021 and striving to sustain our mission, we found a hand outstretched across borders and gratefully grasped it. That hand has guided 200 students and AUAF operations to a new hub in Education City in Doha, Qatar and toward a future in which education is the acknowledged right of all.
This relocation is thanks to the remarkable partnership of the Qatar Fund for Development and the Qatar Foundation, working together to provide AUAF students with shelter, sustenance, medical and mental health care, and a secure environment where they may continue their studies in confidence and peace. Qatar is home to one of the most ambitious, inclusive, and far-reaching educational systems in the world, and AUAF is proud to be part of it for this interim in our history.
Our dearest hope is that one day, AUAF may resume its place at the heart of Afghan civil society, bringing with us all that we have learned during our time in Qatar. Until then, and indeed for all time, we are indebted to the people of Qatar for their warm embrace of Afghanistan’s best and brightest.
On Apr 10, AUAF’s Student Government Association moderated an Eid celebration for the entire AUAF community based in Doha, where AUAF staff and students came together and celebrated Eid al-Fitr.
The event kicked off with a poem recitation by the students and the SGA team organized entertaining activities for the students. The purpose of holding this event was to gather all students for a friendly, memorable, and pleasant environment.
AUAF community joined an Iftar party hosted by the United States Mission to Afghanistan, based in Doha. The Iftar party was an opportunity to experience the spiritual and cultural significance of the holy month while connecting with Afghan supporters.
Charge d’Affairs Karen Decker shared her thoughts on AUAF fostering a community that celebrates learning, as she said “I want to thank AUAF that allows for world class education. It is not easy for you either and I am grateful for all you do to set these young human beings up for success.”
On February 24, a number of AUAF students based in Doha, had an enriching trip to North Sedra Farm in Qatar. The trip was a chance for the students to get more immersed in the natural world and learn more about Qatari culture. Many thanks to Spirit of America for sponsoring the trip!
The Law Student Association at AUAF hosted a lecture on “Legal Education and a Legal Career in the US,” featuring a keynote speech by Margareth Etienne, Senior Associate Dean for Graduate and International Programs at Illinois College of Law. Her opening remarks shed light on the institution’s unique features, including its smaller class sizes and flexible bar exam options, setting the stage for an enriching exploration of the legal opportunities awaiting students.
Professor Etienne artfully highlighted the integrated classroom experience, where students are presented to a blend of theoretical perspectives and real-world skills, facilitated by a faculty comprised of graduates from prestigious institutions. Notably, she highlighted the LLM program’s international student cohort, diverse course concentrations, flexibility, affordability, and networking opportunities, along with the availability of partial tuition scholarships.
As the session concluded, the enthusiastic engagement underscored the attendees’ eagerness to further explore the opportunities presented and highlighted the valuable guidance provided by Professor Etienne and her colleagues. Overall, the session served as a valuable resource for students navigating their academic and career journeys in the dynamic legal landscape.
A delegation from the Canadian Embassy recently visited AUAF, this discussion highlights a partnership aimed at overcoming challenges and enhancing education in Afghanistan. The embassy’s commitment to support AUAF underscores our shared dedication to fostering educational opportunities in Afghanistan.
Curtis Stefaniuk, Senior Programming Officer for Afghanistan at Global Affairs Canada, has pledged its unwavering support for AUAF’s mission, recognizing the university’s pivotal role in leading Afghanistan through times of crisis and towards a brighter future.
On February 6th, AUAF organized a compelling hybrid debate competition between the AUAF Speakers Club and the AUAF Debate Club. This debate session was conducted by the SGA, AUAF Speakers Club, and AUAF Debate Club. Centered on the motion of the advantages and disadvantages of online education, the event was kicked off by the SGA President, who outlined the rules and set the tone for the discourse.
The AUAF Speakers Club passionately advocated for the benefits of online education, citing its accessibility, flexibility, and capacity to provide high-quality learning experiences. They emphasized its role in fostering a global learning community, promoting technical skills, and supporting environmentally friendly practices, ultimately securing victory in the debate.
Hasina from the Speakers Club, expressed her thoughts about the online education: “In terms of getting education, online learning emerges as a dynamic force, redefining how we acquire knowledge and skills. As we navigate through the digital age, the advantages of online education not only enhance accessibility but also revolutionize the way we approach learning.”
On the opposing side, the AUAF Debate Club articulated concerns regarding the drawbacks of online education, drawing from personal experiences and observations. Issues such as social isolation, lack of immediate feedback, and challenges in maintaining motivation and engagement were highlighted. Additionally, they underscored the advantages of in-person education, including increased interaction, timely feedback, and a sense of community and collaboration fostered through face-to-face encounters.
“Without in-person instruction, students will struggle to receive immediate feedback and clarification which would hinder their understanding of complex concepts.”
“The virtual nature of e-learning decreases the possibility of forming meaningful relationships between students and instructors to easily ask for their support and guidance in different situations.”, said Farhat.
After a lively debate, the judges announced the results, declaring the AUAF Speakers Club as the victors. The decision was based on the depth of their insights and the comprehensive nature of their presentation, as acknowledged by the judging panel. Members from both clubs, were awarded for recognizing their valuable contributions to the enriching debate experience.
Overall, the event provided a platform for robust discourse and unity among its participants. With 20 engaged individuals exchanging ideas in a hybrid format, the event exemplified AUAF’s commitment to fostering intellectual dialogue and community engagement.
As AUAF continues to navigate the evolving landscape of education, such events serve as invaluable opportunities for students to explore pressing issues and advocate for meaningful change, which is also supported by Qatar Fund for Development
AUAF’s Computer Club arranged a joyful gaming event. The session commenced with an insightful exploration of IT concentrations, offering students a glimpse into the vast possibilities within the department.
Later, teams united for lively community games, embracing the camaraderie through activities like charades. Strategic minds faced off in intense board game battles, and the gaming arena buzzed with energy during thrilling PlayStation matches. Laughter and friendly competition echoed throughout the campus, making it a day to remember.
We would like to thank Spirit of America for providing the support to organize such lively events and programs at AUAF’s Doha campus.
Congratulations to 10 AUAF students selected for the Doha Debates Ambassadors Program. Become an inspiration to the world through your skills and attitude to reach the highest level of success. Thank you Qatar Fund for Development for providing such determination and support to our students.
The AUAF Men’s Cricket Team came in third place for the National Qatar College Sports Federation Cricket Tournament. This was their first year playing in the competitive tournament. We congratulate the 2023-2024 Men’s Cricket Team for their amazing achievements.
We would like to give a special thanks to the Qatar Foundation for utilization of their cricket pitch for practices, Friends of AUAF for providing them uniforms for the tournament, and to the supporters and fans of the team!!! Thank you all so much.
Also, Qatar Fund for Development provides the facilities and resources for our students to learn and develop their athletic skills which they possess.
When the Afghan capital Kabul fell to the Taliban in August 2021, more swiftly than anyone had anticipated, it unleashed chaos in the lives of Afghan people, including students at the American University of Afghanistan (AUAF) who felt particularly vulnerable due to the institution’s association with the United States.
AUAF scrambled to evacuate staff as part of the US-led withdrawal and within three months announced it was relocating to Qatar with some staff and as many AUAF students as could get visas – around 1,000 students were enrolled at the Kabul campus, almost half of them women – leaving behind its deserted campus in Kabul.
The shift to Doha allowed the AUAF to carry on face-to-face teaching and enabled students, particularly its women students, to continue their education without fear and the total insecurity and uncertainty that had enveloped Kabul after the Taliban takeover.
Restrictions on women and girls and a ban on female education were quickly implemented by the Taliban regime.
A decision not lightly taken
AUAF’s decision to leave Afghanistan was not taken lightly but was considered the best prospect for students if they were to continue their education, amid a massive and highly uncoordinated evacuation of tens of thousands of Afghans from Afghanistan, AUAF President Ian Bickford told University World News in a wide-ranging interview at the Qatar campus.
“Extensive and strenuous” contingency planning had already begun well before the Taliban takeover “including the almost unthinkable – moving AUAF out of Afghanistan”, he said. “Early in 2021, it was difficult to know what the future would hold. However, we were painfully aware that Afghanistan was likely to change, and probably in ways that were not favourable to the kind of education that we had been offering for, at that point, 15 years.”
“The reality came upon us quite quickly. And it was a difficult and painful matter to close the doors of our campuses in Afghanistan for operations outside of the country.”
“Nearly every US government, NGO partner and implementing partner left Afghanistan at that time. It would have been very difficult to buck the trend,” said Bickford.
“For our faculty and staff, our Afghan colleagues, there was a great deal of uncertainty about what the future would hold for them in Afghanistan. It became important, in conversation with their families, [for them] to leave Afghanistan, though they were well aware they were contributing to the prevailing brain drain.”
Bickford insists the move “was the right thing to do at the time”, particularly after the Qatar Foundation offered buildings and facilities for teaching in Education City in Doha, as well as student accommodation and, crucially, visa assistance for students. The Qatar Foundation also undertook to provide full scholarships for around 200 students who could make it out of Afghanistan.
Talks with Qatar
This was due to groundwork laid earlier. “We had already begun working with the State of Qatar, potentially for AUAF to be hosted here … That meant we were able to activate that plan quickly,” Bickford said. The agreement with Qatar “made sure at least a subset of our students were able to come here”.
Several nations were hosting Afghan refugees, including students, but Bickford said the university wanted to make sure their students could continue their degrees. “It was important to us that we did so safely, with minimal disruption to their lives and education.”
Nonetheless, “it did take time to bring students here [to Qatar] safely”, he acknowledged.
Reports emerged of students unable to get visas, or getting visas but being turned away from the airport in Kabul, or even being taken off aircraft waiting on the tarmac. Many were unable to leave Afghanistan at all. They continued with the online classes offered for free by AUAF.
Online classes
“Online learning is a permanent part of what we’re able to offer, because in whatever situation, we’re able to reach more students in more places and in more ways,” Bickford explained.
“With faculty all over the world, it helps to support the small academic team here [in Qatar] in offering a wider array of courses, in a hybrid mode, for students both in situ and online working together.”
“We’ve also benefited from OSUN [Open Society University Network]-connected courses, which have put our students in a community with their peers around the world, [and which] have provided them a window to the world at a time when they feel that their lives have closed in,” said Bickford, who is strongly involved with OSUN.
“It has added to the strength of our own academic offerings.”
Victoria Fontan-Medinger, AUAF provost and vice-president for academic affairs, told University World News that online classes had already been in place for some time due to the COVID-19 pandemic. “We adapted very quickly because the majority of the faculty was already outside [Afghanistan] and the only tangible thing that we had left were our online courses,” she said.
“We were ready to start the semester on time, minus a couple of weeks, adapting some of our beginning of semester activities to [set up] study groups [and] for students and faculty to process what had happened [in Afghanistan]. And then to move on to regular classes.”
Just a few weeks after the Taliban took over the capital, “we started with almost a full student cohort,” she said, noting that over 80% of around 1,000 AUAF students were able to resume their studies on time online from different countries, including Afghanistan.
But with the chaos and pull-out of many diplomatic missions from Kabul, it was some months before the first students arrived in Qatar and face-to-face classes could resume.
“Without being assured of a durable student visa arrangement, we felt it was irresponsible to bring students out of Afghanistan on a temporary basis, knowing that they may well be stranded and that we might not be able to support them in that place,” Fontan-Medinger said pointing to major issues with the evacuation, when “many, many people were stranded in strange lands and without [a means of] livelihood”.
In the rush to leave Afghanistan, some cohorts of students had relocated to the American University of Iraq-Sulaimani which hosted more than 100 AUAF students, and the American University of Central Asia in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, which hosted a similar number. Bard College in the United States pledged to take 100 students free of charge.
The State of Qatar’s 100% funding for 200 AUAF students covered housing, meals and stipends for the students.
“For the third year in a row, we’ve been able to support every enrolled student with 100% financial aid support from USAID, the US Department of State, private donors, corporate donors and the State of Qatar. “We’ve been able to do it,” said Bickford proudly.
Hope for the future
Several Afghan women students who managed to make the perilous journey out of Afghanistan by various routes told University World News that relocating with AUAF to Qatar had given them renewed hope, despite leaving everything behind.
Hadiya (not her real name), in her third year of a computer science degree at AUAF in Qatar, said she missed her family. “Aside from that, being here gives me a feeling of hope, which I did not have in Afghanistan, not being able to go out or have education. It felt like we were not part of the community; we were not existing.
“But I have improved a lot since coming to Qatar – at least there is no one to stop us getting an education.”
Sheela (name changed), who is in the first year of a computer science degree at AUAF in Qatar, was in her final year of an economics and computer science degree at Kabul University, the country’s top public institution, but was unable to continue after the Taliban barred women and girls from education.
On fleeing to Qatar, she had to start her degree from scratch.
After the Taliban took over, “I tried to get my transcript from Kabul University, but they didn’t allow girls to take their transcripts. They said, ‘taking your transcript means you want to go to other country to study’. So I had to start again.”
Joining AUAF was “better than I imagined”, she said, noting that the quality of learning was better than the education offered at Kabul University after the Taliban. “The professors and teachers at Kabul University that were high quality all left the country, and the quality of teaching became very low,” she explained.
“Before, I was really sad because I had to leave everything behind. It is very hard if you study six semesters and then have to start again from the first semester. But coming to AUAF opened my mind, my vision, even changed my goals from the ones I had when I was at Kabul University.”
She now looks beyond her own community and country, she explained. By the time she finishes a masters degree, “I hope the situation in Afghanistan will have changed. I did not have this goal to live in a foreign country, but when I finish my studies I want to go back and serve people in my country and do something for them.”
Her family back in Afghanistan is very supportive. “They say to me: ‘you should study hard; you are the voice of those who are remaining in Afghanistan. Improve yourself so that you can do something for other women’.”
The pain of leaving
Ahmadi (name changed), a second-year business studies student at AUAF, left behind two sisters in Afghanistan who had already started university but could no longer continue under Taliban rule. “They have lost hope”, she said, “but at least I can continue my education in Qatar, and the dreams that I have.”
She vividly remembers the day the Taliban took over. It was her second day at the AUAF campus in Kabul. “It was 11.30 am and my sister called me saying don’t go to the university because the Taliban had taken over. I did not believe her and said, ‘No way, the Taliban can never come and take Kabul!’.”
She said she cried when she learned it was true. “I thought, what will happen now? What will be my future? It was a black day in my life and I became depressed thinking how to adapt to the situation, to wear the hijab and cover my face, not go to the market, to parks, and just stay at home,” she said.
In 2021, aged 20, she was able to get to the Afghan border with friends, but leaving the country was emotionally difficult. “I felt like I had lost everything. I felt really bad. I’d lost my family, my education, everything I had. When I came here [to Qatar] “it was very hard for me to adapt, as I lived with my family in Kabul so I was missing them.”
Although the facilities at Doha’s Education City are not as extensive as those of AUAF in Kabul, they are good and the community in Qatar is supportive, she added.
A life-changing opportunity
Mina (not her real name), a first-year computer science student at AUAF Qatar, was enrolled at AUAF in Kabul on a three-year scholarship when the Taliban took over. She was also working in art in Afghanistan, which she noted was seen as “unacceptable” among the Hazara community she comes from, and in Afghanistan generally, particularly under the Taliban.
She was not able to go to university for six months but got a visa to leave Afghanistan in August 2022. “I still remember the day. It was my birthday, and we were all sitting together,” and it seemed that her family would not allow her to go.
“We are a Pashtun family. It is very hard to let a girl go out of the country. We cannot go out alone, even if the situation is normal.”
But she knew that if she stayed, “I’d be nothing. My whole existence, my personality, the dreams that I have, I’ll not achieve any of them. So, starting from my dad and every family decision-maker, I sat with them and talked to them for hours and hours until they were convinced.
“It took two weeks to convince them to let me go,” she said. “But my mum supported me and just because of her, I was able to come here.
“My whole family supports me now that I’m here and can continue my education. They say they are really proud of me, because in my province I was the only girl working in art.”
She describes joining AUAF as a “life-changing opportunity”. Even when classes were online “it gave me a vision for a better future”.
The move to Qatar and a wider group of professors was enriching. “We had new professors of different nationalities, who had different experiences and were seeing the world in a different way. They teach us more than what we could learn in Afghanistan,” she said.
“It is my goal to do something better for myself, as well as for my family, for my own people in my country,” she said. “My dad told me: ‘The day you return back to your country you will be someone that Afghanistan needs. I’m very proud of you.’ And I remember his words.”
An improved institution
Bickford believes the experience of the past three years, including the contingency planning, has made the university stronger and more resilient. “The extreme experience has improved us. It has invited us to improve upon our already very strong academic programmes, and has improved us as an academic community.
“When we see our students succeeding against the odds and against the grain, it produces a great level of trust, respect and admiration for each other,” he said.
This article is part of a series on Academic Freedom and Resilience published by University World News in partnership with the Open Society University Network (OSUN). University World News is solely responsible for the editorial content.
AUAF students currently studying at the AUAF hub in Doha, Qatar have been enjoying drawing classes held by an AUAF student throughout the year. During these classes, students experiment with a variety of different art tools and mediums, present their work to their peers, and learn lessons which are taught by the student organizer.
Thanks to the Qatar Fund for Development, which provides AUAF with the facilities and resources, AUAF students can learn and develop their artistic skills.
On December 27, 2023, the Korean Embassy hosted a movie night for more than 90 students, faculty and staff of the American University of Afghanistan with VIP guests including representatives of the Korean Embassy as well as diplomats from the United States and Germany. The featured film was “Life is Beautiful” and the event included finger food and drinks for all attendees.
AUAF had the distinct honor of hosting an enlightening lecture on Public Diplomacy by esteemed guest speaker Dr. Vivian Walker Executive Director of the United States Advisory Commission on Public Diplomacy at the Department of State.
The event brought the community together to delve into the intricacies of diplomatic communication. Dr. Walker, a scholar in the field, captivated the audience with her insights and experiences, shedding light on the role of public diplomacy in fostering international understanding and cooperation. Her engaging discourse not only enriched the academic community, but also provided valuable perspectives on the evolving landscape of global communication. The event served as a testament to the university’s commitment to offering enriching experiences that broaden the horizons of its diverse student body.
The Qatar Foundation held a football tournament under the name of “Tahadi”. Students from the Qatar Foundation community participated in different teams, and a shared team of AUAF and HBKU students owned the championship.
AUAF players played in different groups and among those players, one student was part of the winners team.
“The State of Qatar has always placed Education as a key component of sustainable development and critical to national and global prosperity. […] As the de-facto authorities suspended university education for women nationwide in Afghanistan, and despite all the challenges in place, AUAF has been committed to providing education to hundreds of Afghan students — whether in person or online. […] Qatar continues to support AUAF’s efforts while they navigate the challenges and uncertain future for Afghanistan. It is essential that we all work together to offer unwavering support to AUAF and their critical efforts — even in the face of immense challenges they encounter.”
Her Excellency, Lolwah Rashid Al-Khater
Minister of State for International Cooperation
student life in qatar
Leslie Schweitzer, FAUAF Founder & Chair, sat down with AUAF students in Doha, Qatar to discuss their journey to Qatar and their deep gratitude to Qatar, donors, and AUAF supporters.
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Friends of AUAF is a District of Columbia non-profit corporation and has been recognized by the IRS as a tax-exempt public charity under Sections 501(c)(3) and 170(b)(1)(A)(vi) of the Internal Revenue Code. Donations to Friends of AUAF generally will be tax deductible as charitable contributions. EIN: 26-3639601.
The event commenced with a profound exploration of generative AI, notably the emergence of Chat GPT in November 2022, a groundbreaking application discussed by Mr. Gajre. The presentation unfolded with insightful definitions, explaining artificial intelligence and generative AI while delving into machine learning, deep learning, and AGI.
A key focus of the event was on the capabilities of Chat GPT, exemplified through its proficiency in handling vast amounts of internet data, prompting awe-inspiring performances on various exams. Furthermore, Professor Gajre touched upon the ethical considerations of AI use in classrooms, outlining policies and guidelines for responsible utilization.
The session concluded with Mr. Gajre’s insights into the classroom application of GPT models, providing academic recommendations and policies for students. As the event concluded, students expressed keen interest in learning the capabilities of AI in the academic pursuit.