Mission
Afghan Female Student Outreach (AFSO) is a volunteer non-profit organization committed to helping return Afghan women to intellectual and professional life by way of real-time, synchronous distance learning in the liberal arts and sciences, engineering, and health sciences, taught by university professors throughout North America, Europe, and the Middle East (including Trinity College, Wesleyan University, University of Connecticut, Pennsylvania State University, Carleton University, New York University, the University of Turino, and more).
OUR COURSES
HOW TO APPLY
The deadline for Spring 2024 seminars is now past. Applications received will be considered for Summer 2024.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Explore our FAQs section, a curated compilation of answers to the most commonly asked questions about what we do and how we do it.
Are AFSO classes and activities open to students of all genders?
AFSO classes and activities focus on helping return Afghan women to intellectual and professional life by way of real-time, synchronous distance learning in the liberal arts and sciences.
What makes AFSO different from other remote learning programs available to Afghan women?
First, our seminars are synchronous, meaning that you meet with the professor and the rest of the class in a real-time setting where you can ask questions and have discussions. Second, our seminars are small and flexible. Finally, all our seminars are led by esteemed university professors, who are volunteering their time so this opportunity can remain free of charge for all qualified Afghan students.
Can you help me leave Afghanistan and come to the United States?
We cannot make any arrangements for emigrating from Afghanistan or immigrating to the U.S. We do offer transition counseling. We have close relationships with a number of institutions that accept qualified Afghan students, offer scholarships, and sometimes assist with visas or travel arrangements. Students who do well in AFSO seminars are occasionally referred to these institutions, and our Colloquium offers exceptionally qualified students the resources to learn more about opportunities available outside Afghanistan.
Do you accept high school students? What about university graduates?
We accept women who have finished high school and were ready to attend university when they were barred from education. We also work with students who are hoping to continue toward a master’s degree or doctorate.
Is AFSO a university?
AFSO is not a university. We are a collective of university professors dedicated to the education of university women in Afghanistan.
Does AFSO give a degree or certificate?
We do not award degrees. We are developing a certificate program for English language learners.
Will AFSO help me prepare for the TOEFL exam?
Many of our seminars include an English language learning component. We may develop a specific course to prepare for the TOEFL. For now, we suggest students looking for such preparation consult the Educational Testing Service.
I need to finish my engineering degree. How will AFSO help me do that?
We have seminars in many areas of study, including engineering. However, we do not have a degree-granting program, and students in our classes are likely to have varying levels of education and experience. We can help you maintain and enrich your knowledge of engineering as you make plans to complete your education.
I am very strong in my field of study, but my English is weak. Is this a problem?
Some AFSO seminars can accommodate and help students with weak English skills. We are not an English language learning institute, but many of our classes are designed to strengthen students’ academic English while engaging them in subjects of interest. Students who are beginners in English should take this free online course, and when they have earned that certificate, they are welcome to take our classes.
SUCCESS IN NUMBERS
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