For many students, the summer holidays beckon. Not for Mohammad* and Fatemeh* from Iran. They have been studying at a music course at Fontys in Tilburg for several years, but since the outbreak of the armed conflict between Iran and Israel, they have been caught between two worlds. “I feel guilty that I am here and my family and friends are suffering there,” Fatemeh says.
On the one hand, they are busy with exams and deadlines. On the other hand, they receive photos and videos from their home country every day. “This is the street where my parents live,” Fatemeh shows, as she scrolls through images of destroyed apartment buildings. “I was shocked. Fortunately, not much later I received a message that they were safe.”
Making contact with family is difficult. “I couldn’t talk to my family for 88 days because the internet was shut down,” says Mohammad. “Sometimes my parents could send a message through other people, but I haven’t seen or spoken to them in all that time.”
The uncertainty is not their only problem. “We simply don’t have the money for our studies anymore,” says Fatemeh. She works eight hours a week in a clothing store, but that is not enough to pay the tuition fee of 12,000 euros per year.
Mohammad’s parents had saved for his education. “But they now need that money themselves. Prices in the supermarket are rising every week. Everything has become ten times more expensive.”
“At school they really think along with us.”
The two have sought help in many ways. “At school they really think along with us,” says Fatemeh. “We don’t have to adhere so strictly to deadlines and the door is always open if we want to talk.”
However, educational institutions cannot provide financial support. Fatemeh received a scholarship of 4,500 euros, Mohammad did not. “But I must have paid the full 12,000 euros in August.” They organized a benefit concert and set up a fundraising page.
If the tuition fees are not paid, the residence permit will also lapse. And then return to Iran is the only option. This entails risks: human rights organizations warn that students who have been active abroad may be detained at the airport upon arrival.
“We could very well end up in jail when we arrive,” says Mohammad. Still, he wants to take that risk. “My music is extremely important to me. I will not give that up.”
“I don’t want to give up my dream.”
For Fatemeh, returning feels impossible. “It’s difficult as a musician in Iran, let alone if you’re also a woman. But I can’t imagine going back. I don’t want to give up my dream.”
94 Iranian students study at Fontys. The college offers support through a dean, payment arrangements and information about work opportunities and scholarships. Tilburg University states that it examines what is needed for each student, both financially and psychologically. The situation is also on the agenda of the Hogeschool Association
Iranian students in Brabant
The situation of Iranian students has received national attention and is on the agenda of the Association of Universities of Applied Sciences. Fontys and Tilburg University also indicate that they are actively working on the situation.
94 Iranian students study at Fontys. They can receive help with psychological and financial problems, for example through a counselor or a payment arrangement for tuition fees. The college also points out work options – 16 hours a week or full-time in the summer – and available scholarships. To avoid additional stress, Fontys does not send automatic payment reminders.
Tilburg University says that a number of students have already received help. The conflict in Iran has left them in a difficult situation. Each student’s needs are assessed, both financially and psychologically.
*Mohammad and Fatemeh are not their real names. For privacy reasons, the names have been changed, the real names are known to the editors.