In the wake of new U.S. sanctions, Iranian students are facing unprecedented challenges. Niki, a ۳۲-year-old student who had planned to take the TOEFL exam, faced discouragement and despair after the announcement of the exam's cancellation. She says, "When I found out that the exam was canceled, I didn't leave my room for several days because I was just crying. My plans have fallen apart."
Exams That Are No Longer Available
English language exams, including TOEFL and other popular options, have been suspended in Iran due to the halt in the issuance of necessary licenses by the U.S. Treasury Department. Meanwhile, Niki and other students must seek costly ways to take these exams in neighboring countries. She mentions financial difficulties, saying, "I am currently trying to get a loan so I can go to a country like Armenia and take the exam."
Economic Pressure and Despair
The economic pressures resulting from sanctions and recent wars have severely impacted the financial situation of most Iranians. The value of the rial has reached its lowest level, and the annual inflation rate has hit ۸۹ percent. This situation has made it so that only the affluent can easily travel to foreign countries and take the required exams. In Telegram groups, students are looking for alternative ways to reduce costs, but many of them know that this is not easily achievable.
Niki says that the costs of travel and the exam have forced her to change her priorities. She now has to spend her dental expenses to cover the costs of the exam. Meanwhile, Leila, another student, also expresses her despair: "I have no plans to take the exam outside of Iran. Financially, this is not an option for me. For now, I will most likely continue my studies inside Iran."
It seems that these sanctions have cast a shadow not only over education but also over the future of Iranian youth, drastically affecting their dreams.
