Study in Afghanistan

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About Afghanistan

1. Afghanistan is located in Middle East and is an Islamic republic. The Kabul is the country's capital and is the largest city and fifth fastest growing city in the world.
2. The arid to semiarid climate features cold winds and hot summers which affects the school sessions beginning and ending.
3. Kabul is the destination for higher education as it provides multicultural diversity.
4. The geographical location of the region has its effects on the length of the school year.
5. School stats in early march until November and in warmer areas schools runs from September to June.
6. The afghan universities provide four year bachelors program, masters and MBA programs for 2 years.
7. With Afghanistan's economy slowly growing the graduate students find jobs at the international settings enabling them to prosper in their careers.

Quick Facts

Afghanistan is a interlocked country located within South Asia surrounded by six other countries.

The official language of Afghanistan is Pashto also known as Pakhto and Dari

A traditional Afghan community meeting is called a Jirga (Council)

The religious leader of Afghan village is called a mulla. Mullas have great influences in their communities.

The world's finest azure blue stone called lazuli, and other gemstones amethysts and rubies are mined in the country.

The Alexander the Great of Macedonia crossed the Khyber Pass which crosses the border between the Afghanistan and Pakistan to conquer the South Asia.

The Khyber pass is one of the most famous mountain passes in the world

Afghanistan's flag has black, red and green vertical stripes, and the coast of arms in the center.

The basic unit of money of Afghanistan is Afghani.

Islam is the main religion followed in Afghanistan and it greatly influences the families and community relationships.

Afghanistan is world famous for its pomegranate in Asia.

Afghans celebrate 21st March as the New year Day

The national game of Afghanistan is Buzkashi where player of two teams try to catch a goat while riding a horse.

Alexander build the ancient ‘Citadel" after capturing the Heart City

The main source of income for afghans is agriculture.

The world's largest Buddha's were first built in Afghanistan.

There is one Jewish person living in Afghanistan

Shops and businesses are closed on Friday and held as Islamic holy day.

“The father of the nation" is Ahmad Shah Durrani who founded the last Afghan Empire

The magnificent Blue Mosque is located in Mazar-e Sharif and dates from Timurids period

Admission Process in Afghanistan

1. You need to meet the minimum requirements as prescribed by the universities.
2. Application forms to be completely fill out; it can be downloaded or obtained from the admission office.
3. Attested copies of the degree obtained and the confirmation letter from High school.
4. One recent passport size photo and a copy of passport.
5. A valid score copy of TOEFL test.

Student Visa Application Process

A student who wants to study in Afghanistan must first obtain a visa. The candidate needs to contact the cultural relations department of the Afghan Ministry of Foreign affairs directly
1. Candidates need to follow the laws of Islamic Republic of Afghanistan.
2. Visa application need to be signed and the form to be completely filled plus one copy.
3. The visa process may take up to 6 weeks.
4. A letter of acceptance from the University for Study Course.
5. The application form should be submitted with visa processing fee.
6. A standard passport size photo in color with a white background (one2x2inch) with full face view directly facing the camera to be attached.
7. If visa is applied by mail, a prepaid self addressed return envelope for the return of passport and document to be included.
8. Flight itinerary from the airline/ copy of airline ticket showing en try and departure from Afghanistan.
9. The original passport should have validity for 6 months with two blank visa pages, one blank passport page for Afghanistan visa stamp.
10. Students visa is issued by Afghan Ministry to those who wish to pursue studies/work / conduct research in educational institutions.
11. One should have travel medical insurance which relates to medical emergency or evacuation during travel.
12. A detailed travel itinerary from their home country to Afghanistan and back to the home country to be provided.
13. Proof of financial funds to show the means of sustenance to cover the stay period in Afghanistan

Lifestyle

There are about 20 ethnic groups with their own language and culture. They are devoted to Islam. Many of the people show greater loyalty to their ethnic group than to their country. The largest ethnic group is the Pashtuns and most of them live in eastern Afghanistan in the mountainous regions bordering Pakistan. They speak Pashto; many farmers in Afghanistan are Pashtuns. These Pashtuns are known for their bravery and have won many wars against the British. Pashtuns are Sunni Muslims and their tribal code is teaches that the personal honor is the most prized possession and must always be defended. The second largest ethnic group is the Tajiks which make up about 25% of the population. They are Sunnis and live in northeastern and central Afghanistan. The language spoken by them is Dari. Tajiks are farmers and herders and most of them live in cities and work as craft workers, merchants and administrators. The other ethnic groups include the Turkomans and Uzbeks. There are other ethnic communities that live in the region and along with these live a smaller group called the Hazaras who are Shiah Muslims.

When Soviet Russia invades about fourth of the Afghans fled to Pakistan and Iran and are living in refuge camps. The rural people dwell in sun-dried mud brick homes. People in cities live in apartment buildings made of concrete, baked brick. Nomadic and semi nomadic people live in tents made of goat hair. The flag of Afghanistan has a coat of arms and was adopted in 2004. The life of Afghan is greatly influenced by Islam religion and is seen in all aspects of life. Afghans wear traditional clothing and rural people wear a turban and wear a heavy coat made of sheepskin. Pashtun women wear a hooded long garment that covers the entire body from head to toe. The Afghan meal consists of loaves of whole grain sourdough bread. The meals also include vegetables, chicken beef, mutton, rice and yogurt. Nuts and fruits form their popular desserts. Tea is consumed by people and it's their favorite drink.

During the Taliban regime the women had no freedom and they were forced to cover themselves completely in public. They punished women who went against Taliban's laws and made it illegal for women to work outside their homes. Women took part in the national councils after the Taliban were removed from the power. Afghans are Muslims and every village has a religious leader called a mulla, who educates the young people and leads the prayer services. There are about 20 ethnic groups having their own language and culture, and the largest ethnic groups are the Pashtuns and the Tajiks.

About Afghanistan

Afghans are mix of early sellers who came to Afghanistan. Taliban ruled most of Afghanistan in 1990'sand imposed harsh Islamic laws to the people. Taliban government was legally accepted by only few countries. The Afghan allies and the United States removed the Taliban from power in 2001 and then the United Nations helped the Afghanistan to organize a six month administration with the leaders of ethnic and regional groups.

Education in Afghanistan

Afghanistan does not have proper schools for children and hence most children do not attend schools. The schools lack in educational facilities and the teachers. Afghans who are 15 years or more cannot read or write. The schools are deprived of proper infrastructure due to the prolonged wars in the region. Afghan women have limited access to education and their careers. Most women in rural areas are deprived of equal rights and the Afghan tribes do not allow women to leave their homes. There are two universities in Afghanistan the Kabul University and the Ningrahar University in Jalalabad. K-12 and higher education forms the education in Afghanistan and comes under the Ministry of Education. About 1600 schools cater to the needs of education of students in the country. The United States established a number of Lincoln Learning Centers in Afghanistan in 2010 to provide the programming platforms in fields of English Language learning, library access, internet facility and counseling services.

Art and Culture

Afghans engage in cultural activities in form of folklore, folk songs and dances, as most Afghans do not know to read or write. All the values and traditions are passed on from one generation to another through folklore. The energetic folk dance of Afghanistan is the attan, which is played during the weddings and other special celebrations. The sports activities are enjoyed the Afghans, the sports includes games soccer, volley ball and basket ball. Hunting is also carried on by most men of Afghan and hunting dogs/ hounds are used for hunting.

Land and the Climate

Afghanistan is a landlocked country and is made up of three land regions:
1. The Northern Plains lies across northern Afghanistan and consists of mountain plateau and rolling hills. When water is available in the region cultivation occurs. Irrigation systems are built across the rivers and farming includes the raising of sheep and goats on the grass lands.
Northern plains have average temperatures.

2. The Central Highlands cover about two thirds of the country, with towering Hindu-Kush Mountains and its branches. Along the Pakistan border are the snow capped peaks. Many Afghans habitat in narrow valleys of Hindu Kush.

3. The Southwestern Lowlands consist of deserts and lies in southwestern regions of Afghanistan. The river Helmand crosses the region flowing from Hindu Kush to the Sistan basin. The average temperature is about 350f.

Politics and Economy

In 2002 Loya jirgas a grand council was conducted and a transitional government was created for a period of two years. When ever there are political or social disturbances in the country Loya jirgas are held to make the needed changes. In 2003 a permanent constitution was adopted in Afghanistan. The constitution has a president elected for five years. The National Assembly consists of House of people –Wolesi Jirga and the House of the Elders- the Meshrano Jirga. Men and women are given equal rights by the constitution.

Decades of war and internal problems blocked the progress of the country and weakened the economy of Afghanistan. With the defeat of Taliban economic aid flowed into the country for the developments in the nation. Most of the Afghans live on the agricultural occupation. The main crop being the wheat and other crops include barley, cotton fruits, nuts, rice, sugar and vegetables. There is shortage of machinery, fertilizer and high quality seed for more production.
The country has rich deposits of minerals which are undeveloped and production of natural gas is an important part of the country's economy. Coal, copper, salt are produced by the country. The industry is small in Afghanistan, gold and silver jewelry leather goods, rugs and handicraft items are made by skilled craftsmen in their homes. The large handicrafts industries of Afghanistan is Carpet weaving. The rich deep color rugs from Afghanistan are famous all around

Small industries produce matches, cement and processed foods. Herat is one of the oldest trading centers in Asia. The people of the city Mazar-e Sharif gather in front of Blue Mosque for prayers. The Mosque has the tomb of Ali, the son-in-law of Prophet Muhammad. Nuristanis are descendents of Greek warriors who occupy the Hindu Kush mountain valleys in eastern Afghanistan. They have fair complexions and light coloured eyes. They were known as kafirs until they were converted to Islam. They are called as Nuristanis after their conversion which means “people of the light".

Literature

Poetry is integrated into culture itself and forms major educational pillar of the Afghanistan and forms major educational pillar of the Afghan country. The famous poets include Rumi, Sanai, Jami, Rahman Baba, and Parween Pazhwak. The Kabul city is the home to many musicians of both traditional and modern Afghan music. The notable musicians include Ahmad Zahir, Nashenas, Ustad Sarahang, Sarban, and Naghma.

Transport and Communication

There is no railroad in Afghanistan and the roads are heavily damaged due to continued war and they are not usable. The most famous transportation route that connects the border between Afghanistan and Pakistan is the Khyber Pass. This pass cuts through the mountains which forms the part of Hindu Kush Mountains. Khyber Pass is a 33 mile passage through the Hindu Kush mountain range. It is the best land route between India and Pakistan and has a long history of violence. It is one of the most famous passes between Afghanistan and Pakistan and is known as the gateway to India. There are many watchtowers on the hills of Khyber Pass that reminds the days when caravans were ambushed by bandits in this pass. Lying on either side of the Khyber Pass there are villages and most people who live here are Pashtuns. They live on both sides Afghanistan and Pakistan and are warlike people who are known for their expert skills in traditional gun making.

Khyber Pass has been a major trade route for centuries which dates back to 326B.C. In 100's Persia, Mongol and Tatar armies came to India through Khyber Pass bringing with them the Islam religion. Later after centuries, the British troops defended the Khyber Pass when India became a part of British Empire. Today there are two highways that tread their way through the Khyber Pass the motor traffic and the other traditional caravans. There is a railway line also that travels through this pass.
The country has 150 radio station and 50 television station that are broadcast from Kabul. The country publishes several newspapers.

Cost of Living for Students

Afghanistan is one of the poorest countries in the world and the least developed. The currency of Afghanistan is Afghani, the credit cards are not accepted and the country highly depends on the foreign aid.

The Universities of Afghanistan

1. American University of Afghanistan
The University is the first private self governing non-profit institution established in 2006 by Sharif Fayez. It is located in Kabul and it offers MBA programs, undergraduate degree programs and professional development training programs. The University conducted its first commencement ceremony in 2011 and awarded the graduates and undergraduates. The institution has all the faculties and office buildings on the campus which include the computer labs, cafeteria, library, masjids, classrooms, multipurpose academic building.

2. Kabul University
It is located in Kabul and was established din 1931. The university is internationally recognized for research filed. The institution has partnership with governments with France, Germany, Russia and United States. The university offers study courses in areas of political science, law and management, disaster management, science, compute science, English, pharmacy, agriculture, veterinary science and journalism.

3. National Military Academy of Afghanistan
This university caters to the needs of armed forces of Afghanistan. It offers four year bachelors degree program to produce officers for the country in defense sectors. The institution provides the programs of English, law, computer science, management, civil engineering. The program also includes the conversation classes and interactive multimedia instructions.

4. Kandahar University
It is located in Kandahar and was established in 1990. The university provides programs in agriculture, medicine, computer science and English. The university engages in providing quality education to young generation to pursue higher education in spite of challenging adverse conditions prevailing in the country.

5. Herat University
It is located in Heart the capital of Herat Province. It was established din 1988 and provides education in literature and humanities. The most popular area of study provided by the university is Pedagogy/education.

6. Balkh University.
This institution is located in Mazari Sharif. The institution was established in 1986. The higher education provides courses in the areas of medicine, economics, journalism and law.

7. Ningrahar University.
It is government funded institution in Jalalabad. The university is second Larger University. Afghanistan has 13 colleges. The faculties included in this recognized university are education, medicine, theology, public admission and policy. The institution aims at providing foreign language. It introduces to Afghan cultural values and provides academic conferences and seminars.

Documents for University Admissions in Afghanistan

1. A valid passport
2. France campus authorization
3. Photocopies of graduation or diploma courses
4. Registration fee for Bachelor's degree /master's degree or for research work
5. A civil liability certificate along with social security fees.
6. A cover letter with a resume.
7. A health insurance card to cover the expenses during in the stay in Afghanistan.
8. A copy of English language certificate
9. Documents showing a valid score of GPA.
10. Financial funds proof for your stay in Afghanistan.

Brief history of Afghanistan

History of Afghanistan is long and of troubled times. About 100,000 years ago prehistoric hunting people inhabited the region of Afghanistan. Later the region was conquered by Persians, Greeks, Arabs, Aryans, Mongols and many others. Alexander the Great invaded Afghanistan in 330BC. The Kushan Empire was founded in the A.D. 50s which soon expanded to the Indus Valley and the western Ganges Valley. The Kushan Empire opened the and protected the Silk Road, the major trade route between the China and the Middle East. Through the Silk Road huge caravans came to India bringing silk, spices and ointments to India and the Middle East. From there they were sent to Roman Empire. The Kushans were Buddhists. The twin statues of Buddha once stood in central Afghanistan. Arabs invaded Afghanistan in 600s defeating the Sassanians and the White Huns. They came to the region with the religion of Islam. Many armies fought for conquering Afghanistan. The region was then ruled by Turkic speaking people and the conquered by Mongols led by Genghis Khan, then by Timurids.

In 1747, Afghan tribes united for the first time in history under the leadership of Ahmad Shah Durrani. He ruled and founded monarchy and remained in the power until 1973. The Afghanistan became a republic and still suffered from the civil war between the rival tribes. Great Britain and Russia fought for the control of the region and Great Britain wanted to protect its empire in India. Russia wanted an outlet to the Indian Ocean. Afghanistan became fully independent in 1919 when Great Britain ended its involvement in the country. The Soviet Union fought the war from 1979 until 1989 and during 1990's a conservative Islamic group, Taliban came to the power and allowed international terrorist organizations to start training camps in Afghanistan.

The Taliban, the military group destroyed the Buddha statues in 2001 when they came to power. Afghanistan has been continually interfered by foreign countries and Soviet Union tried to occupy the country in a war that lasted for ten years. The Taliban were removed from the power after the terrorists attacked United States in 2001 by anti terrorists and the United States. The Afghans are trying for establishing a democratic government after decades of war, and also many parts of the Kabul city are reconstructed. The official name of Afghanistan is Daulat e Entaqali Islamic Afghanistan which means Islamic republic of Afghanistan.