The Lived Experiences of Threatened Afghan Scholars and Students: A Collective Case Study of their Journey from Trauma to Safety
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Grant: Students Partnering with Faculty (SpF)
Caitlin Braine
CoPIs:
Kelly Moehlman-Bene
College:
The College of Health Professions and Human Services
Major:
Counseling
Faculty Research Advisor(s):
Jane Webber
Abstract:
This study explored the lived experiences of threatened Afghan scholars and students journeying to a new country and university in Europe through the Global Campus Scholars and Students at Risk Project.
The advocacy project has provided 34 participants the financial, logistical, and compassionate support to resettle in a European University to continue their teaching, research, or studies. Many were living
under extreme fear for their activism and political views when they received the life- and career-saving opportunity through the advocacy of the Global Campus of Human Rights staff in Italy, guiding them
through the complicated travel and visa journey to a new country where they are safely continuing their lives. Upon resettlement in their new country and university, participants received housing, a living
stipend, and health care. Participants also received psychological support individually and in groups through the Global Campus, as well as support services by participating universities. This qualitative
phenomenological study was composed of a written survey and semi-structured interviews that were part of a larger project evaluation. Of the 34 project members, 21 completed the survey and six
completed the interview.
The Global Campus Project Director in Italy conducted the interviews in English on the campus or via Zoom. As participants might shift to their native language during the interview, a staff member who was
a native of Afghanistan and fluent in Dari and Pashtu was available. The interviews established a safe space for Afghan refugees to share their experiences of fleeing and resettling; chronicle the process of
their journeying to safety and resettlement; explore experiences of resilience, and posttraumatic growth, as well as distress and trauma; and understand refugees’ perspectives regarding met and unmet
needs during and after the resettlement process.
Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed using Otter-ai. Data were analyzed by a research team composed of a Kean Counselor Education professor and two graduate Counseling students through a
Kean Students Partnering with Faculty grant and collaboration with the Global Campus Project Director in Italy. The Kean SPF research team studied the history, culture, religions, and experiences of
Afghanistan prior to reviewing the recordings and transcripts, and collaborated with the Global Campus Project Director to understand the religious and ethnic discrimination and struggles in the country. Six
themes emerged: (a) family concerns; (b) waiting for visas; (c) distress and trauma experienced in Afghanistan; (d) exiting/fleeing Afghanistan; (e) struggles, transitions, and successes in a new country;
and (f) uncertainty about the future. Qualitative themes were consistent with the participants’ responses to the written survey. Participants’ interview responses frequently integrated several of the
themes, particularly struggles in adjusting to a new country; distress and trauma experiences before leaving Afghanistan, and uncertainty about the future. Participants’ recommendations became part of
the program evaluation for consideration.