For Somy Bhattarai, a Nepalese PhD student in environmental engineering at Khalifa University in Abu Dhabi – and the only student from her country in the program – studying in the UAE is an exciting opportunity after two years working as a research assistant in Nepal.
While memories of past incidents involving Nepali students caught in Middle East conflicts remain fresh for many in the community, Bhattarai didn’t hesitate before moving to the UAE to pursue her PhD.
But the latest escalation between the US, Israel and Iran has brought the conflict closer to home, with Tehran launching missile and drone strikes towards the UAE, which hosts US military facilities like several other Gulf states.
The attacks have reportedly killed South Asian civilians, injured dozens, and struck sites including the US Consulate in Dubai and Amazon data centres in the oil-rich country.
“My family and many Nepalese are worried about the situation here. The media portrayed the situation quite negatively without fully showing the actual scenario, which created more fear,” Bhattarai told The PIE News.
“Right now, I feel worried and concerned, not just for myself but for all of humanity. This situation is indirectly affecting our future research, progress and mankind. War is not a solution.”
For students at the Indian Institute of Technology-Delhi (IIT-Delhi) Abu Dhabi campus, the atmosphere has similarly been tense due to their proximity to Al Dhafra Air Base. Students have reported vibrations from missile interceptions, though the campus remains safe – with emergency protocols in place.
“We have connected on an online meeting with all the staff and authorities, along with the director of the institute, reassuring the students,” a student told the Indian Express. “Evacuation is not safe to be done this time. But we are getting regular updates on how to stay safe and alert.”
This situation is indirectly affecting our future research, progress and mankind
Somy Bhattarai, Nepalese student in UAE
South Asian embassies in the UAE have issued advisories for millions of citizens, as Nepal halted work permits for Gulf jobs and the Indian embassy urged people to “remain vigilant and stay calm”, while Indian airlines began limited non-scheduled flights to India.
With universities and schools across the Gulf, including US branch campuses in the UAE and Qatar, shifting online and postponing exams to ensure safety, institutions are rising to the moment – a reality echoed by students like Bhattarai.
“One good thing during this time is that the WhatsApp group of students becomes very active and helpful. We receive notification alerts about missile interceptions, so we become aware earlier,” she said.
“The university also has dedicated counselling services. They are mainly helping international students who may be facing fear or any problems during such a crisis.”
While the UAE has largely kept daily life moving, intercepting dozens of ballistic missiles and drones and resuming airline operations on a reduced schedule, the situation is far more dire in Iran. State media reports that US and Israeli attacks have killed over 1,200 people, including 168 children at a school in the southern province of Hormozgan, as well as the country’s supreme leader, Ali Khamenei.
Over 2,000 Indian students, many studying medicine, in Iran face rising safety concerns as the conflict intensifies, with the country’s education minister telling UNICEF that around 20 educational centres across several cities — apart from Tehran — have been damaged or destroyed.
About 200 students relocated from Tehran to Qom reported hearing explosions nearby, while another 107 at Urmia University of Medical Sciences have written to the Indian consulate in Tehran seeking evacuation via land routes to neighbouring countries such as Armenia or Azerbaijan.
Several students have also shared videos urging help, with the All India Medical Students’ Association (AIMSA) saying it is coordinating with the Indian embassy to facilitate evacuation while assisting students with accommodation, food and other immediate needs.
“We have urged to take immediate steps to evacuate students through nearby borders,” stated Dr. Mohammad Momin Khan, national representative of AIMSA. “There are currently no classes or university activities, and internet access is largely unavailable. Students are extremely frightened and continuously reaching out to us for assistance.”
Pakistani students – among roughly 3,000 in Iran – have been fleeing the war-hit country, reporting anxiety and panic as strikes hit Tehran and other areas, with buses leaving the Pakistani embassy compound and crossing into Pakistan via land border crossings in Chagai District and Gwadar District.
Many students, having left before completing their degrees, are now staring at an uncertain future.
“I need to go back. I want to go back, I have only one year left,” a Pakistani student told Al Jazeera.
“But I don’t know, realistically, if I will be able to. I really hope things improve and I get the chance to return. We just have to sit and wait,” he added.
The post “Worried and concerned”: international students navigate Middle East conflict appeared first on The PIE News.
* Nguồn bài viết Tư vấn du học Anh Quốc - Quốc Tế Du Học Đồng Thịnh dongthinh.co.uk (+84) 96 993.7773 | (+84) 96 1660.266 | (+44) 020 753 800 87 | info@dongthinh.co.uk
Post a Comment