World@VCU: Atefe Sheikhyousefi from Iran

By Amelia Heymann

World@VCU is a VCU News feature, in partnership with the Global Education Office, that highlights students from around the world who enrich the Virginia Commonwealth University community. Atefe Sheikhyousefi is pursuing her Ph.D. in education from the School of Education and graduates from the English Language Program this month.

What should we know about your home country?

I'm from Iran, and I speak Azerbaijani Turkish as my mother tongue. One important thing that many people in the United States may not know is that Iran is a country with great diversity in terms of ethnicity, culture, language and religion. Iran also has a beautiful four-season nature, and each season has its own unique and special beauty.

What inspired you to study at VCU?

One of the most attractive things about VCU for me is its diverse international student community. This has helped me learn more about people from different cultures around the world. I have been able to make friends from many countries, which makes me very happy.

In addition, VCU provides valuable academic and research opportunities that motivate students to follow their goals in a meaningful way. The university also offers different educational programs, such as support for improving English skills and academic writing, which have helped me a lot in my academic journey.

I am also very grateful for the respectful and supportive relationships I have built here with my classmates and professors.

Has there been a surprise during your time studying abroad?

One of the first things that surprised me was seeing a bus full of people from different races, nationalities, backgrounds and identities. It felt as if people from all over the world were brought together in one place. What impressed me the most was how this diversity exists peacefully, with people respecting each other's rights and living together in harmony.

Share something about a significant achievement or project.

This semester, with the support of my professor, I was able to submit two of my papers in English. This is a very meaningful and important achievement for me. It has given me more confidence and motivation to continue my academic work, to explore my questions more deeply, and to develop my ideas further with the guidance of experienced professors.

What do you like to do in your free time?

I truly enjoy the beautiful nature of Richmond. In my free time, I like to go to the riverside with my friends. I also enjoy walking in the city, which I find both beautiful and safe. I like attending events where I can meet people from different cultures and backgrounds and expand my network and experiences. In addition, I enjoy watching films, participating in film discussions and attending book reading and book discussion groups.

Give us a glimpse into your future.

I hope to complete my Ph.D. and soon begin teaching in an academic environment. I would like to continue writing and thinking alongside experienced professors in a supportive, fair and encouraging academic space like VCU.

I also hope to connect with professionals in my field and related areas so that I can make meaningful and positive contributions to the community around me. I want to take even small steps toward creating a more just and dynamic society in the place where I live.

Any advice for international students just starting their journeys?

I would suggest moving forward with clear goals. Take advantage of the many opportunities that VCU, its professors, and its community offer. Try to connect with professors and the diverse VCU community, and use these connections to grow as much as possible.

I can say with confidence that VCU and its community will support you in different ways to help you follow your dreams and achieve your goals in a positive and meaningful direction.