From Kabul to Georgetown: My Journey in the MA-IBP Program and Residency in Vietnam

This story is part of the Student Voices series, which provides a firsthand perspective of the student experience at Georgetown McDonough.

Who I Am and How I Arrived at Georgetown

My name is Hasina Ghafoori (MA-IBP’24) and I am honored to be the first Afghan female student in the Master of Arts in International Business Policy (MA-IBP) program at Georgetown University. Over the past year, Georgetown has become a place where I can combine my passion for global affairs with my personal mission to support Afghan women and others who are fighting for their rights.

I was born and raised in Kabul, Afghanistan, a country where being a woman often felt like a crime. I strongly focused on my education, hoping to help make my country better. However, on August 15, 2021, everything changed when the Taliban came back to power. It took only a few hours for everything that I had worked toward building, and all my hopes and dreams, to be destroyed. The Taliban’s takeover was a clear sign that I would no longer be able to continue working for women’s development and humanitarian projects because the Taliban are known to be oppressive toward women, especially those working with international aid agencies. 

Even though I was scared, I kept helping others by coordinating evacuation and translating and negotiating for Afghan-American citizens. After a difficult evacuation from Kabul, I arrived in the United States to start a new life. After nine months, I was admitted to Georgetown University, where I embarked on a new chapter. The MA-IBP program has been a perfect fit for my aspirations, providing me with the tools and knowledge to continue advocating for women’s rights and international development. 

My Residency in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

As part of my MA-IBP degree, I had the great opportunity to engage in a residency in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, in August. Through this experience, I was able to observe firsthand how Vietnam balances its rich cultural heritage with the demands of modern economic growth. The residency offered valuable insights into how global business works on the ground, from supply chain operations to local manufacturing practices and the role of government in fostering economic reforms.

I learned how Vietnam’s strategic efforts to open its economy through foreign investments, trade agreements, and industrial expansion have positioned the country as a competitive global player. More importantly, I saw how businesses in Vietnam navigate global challenges like sustainability, regulatory issues, and cultural integration, which are critical in today’s interconnected world. The hands-on experience of interacting with local businesses and understanding their challenges taught me the importance of adaptability, cultural awareness, and long-term planning in driving successful global ventures. 

The experience was not only professionally enriching but also very personal as it helped me draw similarities between Vietnamese culture and experiences with those in my home country of Afghanistan.

Women’s Life and Freedom in Vietnam

One of the most striking aspects of my time in Ho Chi Minh City was witnessing the role of women in the workforce. Contrary to the current situation in Afghanistan, women in Vietnam actively participate in various sectors of society, from business to education to government. During my visits to Cicor, Framas, and Fulbright University, I noticed how active women are in the workplace. Their contributions are respected and valued, which I found both inspiring and heartwarming. It was a powerful reminder of what is possible when women are allowed to thrive.

In my interactions with Vietnamese women, I was struck by their kindness, resilience, and determination. They reminded me of the women in Afghanistan who, despite facing unimaginable hardships, continue to fight for their rights. It warmed my heart to know that there was hope for Afghan women still. 

The Culture and People of Ho Chi Minh City

The people of Ho Chi Minh City are some of the kindest and most respectful people I have ever met. From the moment I arrived, I was welcomed with open arms and treated with respect and friendly behavior. The city’s peaceful atmosphere, combined with its beautiful landscapes, provided a stark contrast to the chaos and turmoil I had left behind in Afghanistan.

The city itself is a blend of the old and the new, with modern skyscrapers standing side by side with traditional Vietnamese architecture. It was in this vibrant environment that I found peace and a sense of belonging. One evening, we all gathered for a memorable cruise dinner with our classmates and professors. The city of Ho Chi Minh sparkled beautifully under the night sky, adorned with colorful lights that danced across the peaceful waters, creating a serene and magical atmosphere.

Street Food and Scooters

One of the highlights of my residency was exploring the local cuisine. The street food in Ho Chi Minh City is nothing short of amazing. The flavors are rich and varied, offering a taste of the culture that is as diverse as the city itself. My first experience trying Vietnamese street food such as banana sticky rice, scallops with peanuts and chili, Bánh xèo (Vietnamese pancake), Bánh mi (Vietnamese sandwich), and coconut ice cream was unforgettable – the freshness of the ingredients and the boldness of the flavors were unlike anything I had ever tasted before. It was a culinary adventure that I will always value.

Another unforgettable experience was riding a scooter for the first time. In Ho Chi Minh City, scooters are the main way people get around and almost everyone rides one. I joined my classmates for a fun street food tour and rode a scooter through the city’s busy streets. With the wind in my hair, vibrant sights all around, and the excitement of navigating the crowded roads, it was an exhilarating experience. It truly reflected my adventurous spirit, and I couldn’t help but see a parallel to my life – always moving forward, always embracing new challenges.

Cultural Similarities with Afghanistan

During my time in Vietnam, I noticed some surprising similarities between the way people live there and in Afghanistan. One of the most striking parallels was the way people store water in their homes. The big water tankers in each building reminded me of being back home, as we have something similar in Kabul that you see on rooftops.

Crossing the road in Ho Chi Minh City was another experience that brought back memories of Kabul. The city, like Kabul, has very few traffic lights, and navigating the streets requires a certain level of confidence and experience. While many of my classmates struggled to cross the roads, I found it surprisingly easy. 

This residency in Ho Chi Minh City has had a big impact on my understanding of global business. I learned how important it is to adapt to new cultures, understand different business practices, and work with people from different backgrounds. I also saw how countries like Vietnam are growing their economies by balancing tradition with modern business strategies. The experience taught me that success in global business requires flexibility, cultural awareness, and long-term planning. These lessons will stay with me as I continue my journey, using the knowledge I gained to make a positive impact in the world of international business.

-Hasina Ghafoori (MA-IBP’24)