For many students, spending a semester abroad can be a transformative experience, exposing them to new cultures and ways of life. Although still uncommon in Bangladesh, certain programs now offer students the chance to study overseas for a semester under various international partnerships.
One such student, Tanfia Khan Disha, an undergraduate in Biochemistry and Biotechnology at Independent University Bangladesh (IUB), took part in the Erasmus exchange program funded by the European Union. This initiative enables students from EU and partner countries to study abroad for one or two semesters. During her exchange, Tanfia attended the University of Maribor in Slovenia.
Tanfia described the academic environment at Maribor as highly disciplined and resource-rich, a contrast to her home university. “I was surprised by Slovenia’s punctuality culture. Classes started exactly on time, and latecomers were not allowed. This pushed me to be more disciplined academically,” she said. She also noted the rigorous but fair academic standards, adding that the university allowed multiple exam retakes with only the best score counting, alleviating pressure on students.
While Tanfia’s experience reflects Europe’s academic rigor and structured culture, another student, Adiba Islam Tamim, encountered different challenges and growth during her semester in the United States. Adiba, a Disaster Management student at Dhaka University, studied through the U.S. Department of State-funded UGRAD program at Southeast Missouri State University.
Adiba shared that studying independently abroad significantly boosted her confidence. “I had to manage many tasks on my own—traveling, opening bank accounts, booking hotels—which made me more self-reliant. I also developed greater empathy by learning to understand diverse perspectives,” she explained.
However, Adiba faced social challenges, including exclusion from group projects. “Local students often formed their own groups, and South Asian students did the same. I sometimes felt isolated and perceived biases based on my religious background,” she said.
Similarly, Wasif Kayum, an Economics undergraduate from BRAC University, studied at the Central European University (CEU) in Austria through the Open Society University Network (OSUN) Undergraduate Mobility program. He appreciated Europe’s emphasis on applied learning. “CEU focuses more on assignments than exams, which allowed me to deepen my research and critical thinking skills. I particularly valued weekly small-group discussions with instructors,” he remarked.
Wasif advised students to verify that courses taken abroad have equivalents at their home institutions to ensure credit transferability. Credit recognition remains a significant hurdle for Bangladeshi students studying overseas. Public universities often do not accept foreign credits, complicating degree progression.
Adiba noted, “None of my credits from Kent State University transferred, which will prolong my undergraduate studies.” Although private universities tend to offer more flexibility, the process remains complex. Wasif added that his CEU credits were only officially recognized near the end of his degree, complicating course registration. “Because my credits were counted late, I had difficulty enrolling in some classes, as students with more credits received priority,” he explained.
Studying abroad undeniably offers valuable cross-cultural experiences and academic growth. Yet, the challenges surrounding credit transfer and social integration underscore the need for prospective students to carefully consider their options in light of long-term academic and career goals.
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