Abu Ahad
Life of a Bangladeshi Civil Servant at Glasgow
I am proud to be a student at the University of Glasgow. Every year, around five to ten students from Bangladesh come to the University of Glasgow and most of them come for postgraduate study. I am also here with a scholarship from the Institute of Public Finance, Bangladesh.
Being a student at this university carries two different meanings to me. One is attaining a world-class education and certificate from one of the most prestigious universities in the world. Another is to become one of the few Bangladeshi people to hold this achievement. However, I expect my country and its people will benefit from the knowledge and aptitude I will gather here, through my service.
The legacy of Adam Smith, James Watt and eight Nobel laureates makes me feel confident and makes me believe that even I can be a world changer. The magnificent brand of the University inspires me with honour and enrichment. The access to library resources, i.e. books, archives and databases, and that to almost all online journals through institutional identity has opened a new horizon for me. I love the classrooms, the design of sitting arrangements, the inclusion of technological advancement in teaching, using various teaching materials and different assessment methods here.
I have been selected as one of the Class Representatives where I can represent the words and opinions of my classmates, which I love to do. I am also writing this article as an SPS Cultural Ambassador, which is a great sense of pride for me. James McCune Smith Learning Hub is the place I love the most and I enjoy watching students busy with their studies in the open spaces of this iconic building. I have my accommodation in Havannah House, where I have six Indian partners in my apartment. I love my room, my solitude there and having somewhere that is just for me. I also love the free chocolates and cookies offered by Residential Services!
In Glasgow I have to walk a lot and the weather here is pretty cold for me. It can be challenging and at times lonely being a mature student living away from my family. I miss having my big family around me with my four kids and a loving wife along with my mother and siblings.
In my country, I need to move around a lot because of my job so I have lived in various towns for the last thirteen years. However, I grew up in Dhaka, my loving city. It is very crowded, noisy and dirty, but mine. I do miss my land, my people, my language, my food and my family but I know I will be making them proud.