PAINT A BRIGHT FUTURE

A rising number of Bangladeshi students are opting for a higher education in the United Kingdom. As a popular destination for higher studies, UK's fame is not unwarranted. Harbouring some of the most renowned universities in the world, the region, with one percent of the world's population, is responsible for as much as eight percent of global scientific publications.

The history of institutional edification in the UK dates back to the 6th century. Currently, a highly sophisticated system of module-based education has established it as a premier destination of higher education for students worldwide.

"They stress on a lot of research-based assignments. This compelled us to develop a practice of continuous research and to remain updated about current affairs," says Md. Tausif Rahman, an alumnus of Nottingham Trent University. 

"What attracted me to an education in the UK is the legacy it has created. A certificate from a UK institution is highly valued worldwide," says aquatic ecologist Dr. Haseeb Md. Irfanullah, who obtained a PhD from the University of Liverpool.

But education is only one of the many factors that make a person – it's also about how he sees and understands the world, how he adapts to his surroundings, and how well he connects with others. The UK attracts students from many countries. These people bring with them their own culture and values. Coming-of-age students find a unique opportunity to interact with a diverse range of people, which allows them to broaden their spectrum of perspectives, enabling them to communicate with and accept any view in order to grow as individuals.

"There were students from 29 different nationalities in my class of 102. This enabled me to understand different people and cultures, which helped me mature as a person. This diversity has caused the people in the UK to embrace fellow humans from any corner of the world," says Salman Kabir, who completed his MSc in Marketing and Strategic Management from the University of Warwick.

"Life as a student in UK helps you become practical. When you live and work on your own, having to make your own decisions, you grow in yourself an ability to be your own man," Tausif says. Salman's words are also very similar.

"It is very important to remain focused on your purpose. When in UK, you are essentially an ambassador of your country. It is important not to get distracted, and remain persistent on the pursuit of knowledge," Dr. Irfanullah stresses.

All three of them are now established professionals. Owing to his passion for taking on new challenges, Tausif is currently handling a new project as Project Manager at Humac Lab, after working as Operations Manager and Project Manager at Amar Phonebook Limited, Senior Corporate Marketing Executive at Toshiba in Bangladesh, and running his own business for a year in the UK following his graduation. 

Salman is currently working as an Assistant Director, Marketing and Public Relations at Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel. Dr. Irfanullah is now the Program Coordinator at International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), Bangladesh. 

They are thankful to have gained education experiences in the UK, as it not only made them accomplished human beings, but also enabled them to work in their preferred fields, remaining ahead of the competition.

To pursue an undergraduate education in the UK, students should first consider completing their higher secondary education as well as obtaining an IELTS score acceptable by their desired university. Universities in the UK also offer Foundation and Diploma courses for students who may have certain gaps in their education. A postgraduate degree in the UK would require completion of undergraduate education, as well as a good IELTS score.

Social media and a flurry of agencies sometimes make it difficult for aspiring undergraduate and graduate candidates to choose the right foreign university. To get the most unbiased, updated, pertinent and comprehensive information on education in UK, students can visit www.educationuk.org – the British Council's official website for international students.

British Council, the United Kingdom's international organisation for educational opportunities and cultural relations also organise different events e.g. seminars, open days, Education UK exhibitions at different cities throughout the year to help the aspiring students in taking informed decisions.