Key Highlights:
- According to the latest UNESCO data, 52,799 students from Bangladesh went abroad for their studies in 2023
- The average annual cost of living for Bangladeshi students in the US is approximately USD 25,000, which is equivalent to about BDT 26,38,398
- Bangladesh ranks 7th worldwide for graduate student enrollment in the US
In recent years, Bangladesh has experienced a significant upsurge in student migration, showcasing the nation’s heightened dedication to education and global involvement. A global phenomenon of escalating student mobility is evident, with Bangladeshi students increasingly joining the ranks of those pursuing higher education opportunities overseas, especially in the United States.
On September 22, 2023, Washington announced it had begun implementing the visa restrictions first declared on May 24, 2023. These restrictions target members of law enforcement, the ruling party, and the political opposition in Bangladesh.
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The May 24 announcement specified that visa restrictions would apply to individuals and their immediate family members if they were found to be responsible for or complicit in undermining the democratic election process in Bangladesh. Despite these limitations, there hasn’t been any impact on students so far.
According to the latest UNESCO data, 52,799 students from Bangladesh went abroad for their studies in 2023. Among them, 8,524 chose to study in the United States. This marks an all-time high for Bangladeshi students in the US, reflecting a more than 300% increase over the past decade.
Bangladesh Claims 7th Study Spot in the US
More Bangladeshi students are studying in the US due to easier access to student loans, higher parental income, increased scholarship opportunities, and simplified access to information. The current number of Bangladeshi students in the US marks one of the largest increases in an academic year globally, rising by 28% from the previous academic year (2021-2022).
2,500 Bangladeshi students are enrolled in undergraduate programs this academic year, representing a more than 50% increase. Additionally, with about 10,000 graduate students enrolled, Bangladesh ranks 7th worldwide for graduate student enrollment in the US.
The 2022-2023 academic year saw the fastest growth in the number of foreign students studying in the US in 40 years.
Bangladeshi Students in US Higher Education
Category | Number/Percentage | Academic Year |
---|---|---|
Increase in students from last year | 28% | 2021-2022 |
Undergraduate students enrolled | 2,500 | 2023-2024 |
Percentage increase in undergraduates | More than 50% | 2023-2024 |
Graduate students enrolled | 10,000 | 2023-2024 |
Bangladesh’s rank worldwide | 7th | 2024 |
Stellar Scholarships Bring Bangladeshi Students to US Campuses
The United States boasts some of the world’s most prestigious universities. Offering scholarships to international students, including those from Bangladesh, is a key application of soft power. This approach prioritizes building stronger, more amicable relationships between people over other national interests.
There are various scholarships available to Bangladeshi students pursuing higher education in the US, including:
1. Fulbright Foreign Student Program– Covers tuition fees for Bangladeshi graduate students to study in the US.
2. Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program – Provides funding for mid-career professionals from Bangladesh to study in the US.
3. Boren Awards for International Study– Offers funding for both undergraduate and graduate Bangladeshi students to study in the US.
4. The Mitchell Scholarship – Grants tuition fees for Bangladeshi graduate students to study in the US.
Additionally, many full scholarships are available for Bangladeshi students in the US, covering tuition, room and board, and other expenses.
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Living Costs in the US for Bangladeshi Students
The cost of living in the US varies by location, but it is typically higher than in Bangladesh. However, scholarships and financial aid can help offset many of these expenses. On average, students budget around $1,000 to $1,500 per month for accommodation, food, and other necessities.
The average annual cost of living for Bangladeshi students in the US is approximately USD 25,000, which is equivalent to about BDT 26,38,398. Additionally, some universities offer homestay programs, allowing students to live with a local family. This option can provide a unique cultural experience and may be more affordable than other housing choices.
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Students Cash in on US Work Permits
Bangladeshi students in the US are allowed to work on-campus for up to 20 hours per week. They can also pursue off-campus employment, provided they follow strict regulations and obtain the necessary documentation.
Popular on-campus jobs include teacher assistantships, research assistantships, cashier positions, library assistants, and cleaning roles. Additionally, students can take up off-campus internships related to their major field of study.
These internships, which can be either paid or unpaid, provide valuable work experience and exposure. By working part-time, students in the US can earn between $12 to $13 per hour.
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Career Possibilities for Bangladeshis with US Degrees
Earning a degree from a university in the US can unlock numerous career prospects for students from Bangladesh. Upon graduation, they have the option to return to Bangladesh and explore opportunities aligned with their field of study or opt to further their education or career in the US.
Regardless of their decision, the hands-on learning experiences and networks cultivated during their time in the US serve as invaluable assets in any career trajectory.
How Student Mobility Bridges Cultures?
Student mobility plays a pivotal role in advancing Track 2 diplomacy, encompassing informal channels of communication and collaboration beyond official government channels. Through student migration, direct person-to-person interactions are facilitated, nurturing personal bonds and networks.
These informal engagements foster a deeper appreciation of diverse cultures, beliefs, and viewpoints, laying the foundation for Track 2 diplomacy initiatives. Studying in the US or any other country exposes students to a myriad of cultures, languages, and societal norms, promoting cross-cultural comprehension and dismantling stereotypes.
International students often participate in local media and communication platforms, sharing their perspectives and experiences. This public discourse influences perceptions and contributes to public diplomacy endeavors, harmonizing with the objectives of Track 2 diplomacy.
As the journey of Bangladeshi students to US campuses unfolds amidst visa hurdles and geopolitical complexities, their resilience shines through. Despite challenges, the allure of American education, encouraged by robust scholarship programs and promising career opportunities, continues to draw them in record numbers. Beyond academic pursuits, their presence fosters cultural exchange, enriching both nations and transcending diplomatic barriers. Through their collective experiences and unwavering determination, they embody the transformative power of education in bridging cultures and shaping a more interconnected world.