Who You Are

My name is Jaafer Zaino. I am 37 years old, born and raised in Damascus, Syria. I am a medical doctor trained and practiced in Syria as an endocrinologist, specializing in diabetes and hormone disorders. I left Syria in September 2024 after receiving a scholarship for a research internship in Spain. My time in Spain was one of the most beautiful periods of my life, both personally and professionally, and it is where I met my fiancée.

What Brought You to Villa

While in Spain, I was offered the opportunity to join Emory University as a post doctoral fellow in the Department of Endocrinology. I am currently working on a clinical trial evaluating a medication for the treatment of a thyroid disorder. I arrived in Atlanta at the end of January 2025. It was my first time in the United States, and I was naturally concerned about where I would live. A friend I met in Spain, who had previously rotated at Emory, highly recommended the Villa to me. The ISSS office and Emory administration also suggested it, which gave me confidence in choosing it.

Villa Experience

My first impression of the Villa was excellent. I found myself surrounded by highly educated people from all over the world who were friendly, respectful, and eager to share their cultures and experiences. The Villa staff were welcoming, supportive, and considerate. Because of this environment, I decided to make the Villa my home in Atlanta, and I have now lived here for about 13 months.

Beyond being safe and conveniently located near the CDC and Emory campus, life at the Villa is vibrant and lively. The monthly calendar is filled with inclusive activities—chai chats, movie nights, bonfires, birthday and international festival celebrations, meet‑and‑greet dinners, game competitions, group cooking, grocery and shopping trips, hiking, and sightseeing excursions. Every day at the Villa is an opportunity to learn from different cultures and perspectives.