VCU news

By Global Education Office staff

World@VCU is a VCU News feature, in partnership with the Global Education Office, that highlights students from around the world who enrich the VCU community. Ali Ansari is enrolled in the GEO’s English Language Program.

What should we know about your home country?

Afghanistan has a rich culture – a diverse mix of ethnic groups that lived together peacefully for many years. We have also been home to various religious communities, including Muslims, Christians, Jews and Hindus, who co-existed for centuries before the conflicts of the past 40 years. Additionally, I want to clarify that we don’t speak Arabic in Afghanistan. Our main languages are Persian, specifically the Dari dialect, and Pashto, which has roots in Persian.         

What inspired you to study at VCU?

I was born in Afghanistan during the war and grew up there until I was 13. Then, as an Afghan refugee in Iran, I had no right to study. After a few years, I moved to Turkey, where I didn’t know the language or the culture. I had to start from zero. After another few years, I moved again, this time to Greece. I stayed for a year and then traveled with my backpack through North Macedonia, Serbia, Hungary and, finally, Austria, which became my home from 2015 until 2022. VCU is now part of my journey.      

Tell us about a favorite memory or experience so far here in America

At VCU, I appreciate the diversity and enjoy seeing so many international students. There are also plenty of opportunities to study and grow at VCU.

Has there been a surprise during your time studying abroad?

I didn’t expect there to be so many events at the school, which is really nice. I also love seeing all the activities at the gym.

Share something about a significant achievement or project.

My wife, Olivia, and I started a business to support small businesses and women in Afghanistan, especially those who lost their jobs after the regime change. We’re very happy to see our business positively impact people’s lives – helping families in Afghanistan put food on the table – all the way from Richmond. They’re grateful for this support, and they hope our business grows so they can continue to provide for their children. This is truly a community impact, and we’re proud to be part of it. 

What do you like to do in your free time?

Travel. I would love to spend time traveling with Olivia throughout the U.S. and to learn more about the beautiful country.

Give us a glimpse into your future.

I would like to pursue a bachelor’s degree in political science and Chinese to serve the community I live in. I also want to use the languages I speak – Dari, Farsi, Turkish, German and English – to assist others. 

Any advice for international students just starting their journeys?

Make the most of the opportunity. Learn something new and work hard for a few years to earn your degree. With a degree, many opportunities will come your way, and you can use your success to inspire others in your community to work hard as well. By prioritizing education, you can help your people and your country. Studying is not easy, but it is incredibly rewarding, and I love to learn. When I was a child in Afghanistan, my grandfather would say in Farsi, benevis and benevis ta bashavid khad nevis – that means “write and write until you become a writer.”