From Uncertainty to Opportunity

Afghan family builds new life through language, learning and first American jobs

July 14, 2025 | Vida, Zabihullah and their two children arrived from Afghanistan one year ago, speaking little English and without any local family, friends or professional contacts. Now, after months of perseverance, English classes and job training through the International Institute of Minnesota, they’re both working full-time jobs while caring for their family, which now includes a newborn.

“At that time, we had a lot of problems because we were new in a very difficult country. Everything is different,” Zabihullah said. “We were very confused, what should we do?”

Starting a new life felt daunting in every way, from learning new cultural and employment customs, to understanding local transportation and a different monetary system.

Education Creates a Turning Point

After signing up for English classes at the Institute, a world of opportunity opened up to the newly arrived couple. Soon they signed up for the Institute’s Customer Service Training, a six-week class that integrates English learning with retail customer service skills.

“The Institute is very good for English, for other classes, for finding a job, for everything. It’s a very good place,” said Vida, as she snuggled their 6-week-old baby.

Prior to the Customer Service Training, Zabihullah applied for job after job, but the language barrier led to him being turned down every time.

“I apply, apply, apply,” he said. “But that time my English was very bad, at the first interview.”

The couple credits the Institute with helping them gain employment. They met with their teacher, Julius, for one-to-one resume writing support and interview practice.

Zabihullah attended another job interview for an overnight security position and that time, “when I go to the interview it was very good interview,” he said. He got the job.

“When we come to the Institute and start the class, day by day, our English is getting better. All because of this Institute. It helped us a lot. This place is a very good place for learning,” Zabihullah said.

People advised Vida to wait to find a job because she was pregnant with their third child, but the couple needed the money. In Afghanistan, she was proud of her work in the Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Women, and wanted to feel confident professionally here as well.

After the Customer Service Training, she attended her first American job interview and immediately landed a full-time job as a preschool assistant. Their relief at being able to pay their bills and care for their three children is palpable. The couple also saved to buy a car.

“Without car, it’s not possible. Some of the buses, with children, it’s very difficult,” Zabihullah said.

Goals of Advancing Their Careers

As they look toward the future, Vida and Zabihullah want to continue improving their English, which they see as a key to success in America and essential for eventually upgrading their jobs.

“Language is very important in every country,” Vida said. “I want to study and I want to do a job in what I want to do to make me happy and give me positive energy.”

She dreams of studying fashion design and makeup application. Vida and Zabihullah also discuss the possibility of opening a restaurant one day, and said they want to sign up for the Institute’s Entrepreneurship Class.

As they reflect on their past in Afghanistan, their once-familiar life, culture and careers often felt simpler than their current life. Now though, the couple are proud of what they’ve been able to accomplish in just one year. lives

“When I come here, I faced many problems. I’m very proud of myself because I solved all of problems. Now I’m very fine and very happy,” Vida said. “Now I feel very successful because I can do everything.”

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Reported and written by Alisa Blackwood, Communications Specialist at the International Institute of Minnesota. Alisa’s work at the Institute comes after years of writing for publications and organizations such as The Associated Press, O, The Oprah Magazine, and more. She hopes her writing about Institute clients, students and staff bring to life the stories behind the news headlines.