Between home and here: Life beyond borders
Distance is rarely the only factor while leaving home. For a lot of international students at BracU, it starts as a curiosity, an opportunity or a recommendation. But it develops into something much more to deal with. What begins as an academic choice gradually turns into a lesson of diligence, connections and juggling between two different worlds.
Most students come anticipating a rigorous environment which they usually meet. The fast-paced academic system requires independence, critical thinking and constant adaptation of piled up deadlines and responsibilities. However, despite this intensity, the international students have the support of welcoming faculties, cooperative classrooms and peers dealing with the same uncertainty. Coming from Pakistan, Sania Zehra (Junior, MNS) said, “I anticipated academic rigor and an inclusive campus culture, and both were met. My confidence and independence increased as a result of the supportive community and individual learning that I gained from here.”
The shift is more difficult outside academia. Dhaka moves quickly and everything feels unfamiliar at first. Easy everyday tasks become hard and homesickness sets in suddenly. For some, linguistic challenges mostly occurs outside the classroom. Observing, inquiring, accepting and occasionally just learning to let things unfold becomes a part of their daily life. Loday Thaye (Senior, ESS), a Bhutanese national shared, “Adjusting to traffic, food and weather was difficult at first. Although there were some language and cultural barriers as well, it has become more manageable now.”
What genuinely reshapes the experience is connecting with other individuals. Shared academic problems, late-night talks, cultural exchanges and moments of unexpected compassion slowly turn strangers into anchors. Friendships grow not simply among other international students but also across the cultural boundaries. From Bhutan to Bangladesh, Karma Tobgay Yangchen (Senior, BBA) shared, “Building such meaningful bonds based on comfort, support and genuine effort made me feel far less like an outsider here.”
However, not everyone discovers this quickly. For some, campus life is lonely, social circles appear limited and belonging still remains a work of progress. Kirembeka Ronald (Junior, SoP) from Rwanda stated, “Academically, supportive and dedicated faculties have been a highlight of my experience. While the accommodations have been satisfactory, the campus environment frequently feels strange rather than homely.” This dualism is reflected in life both inside and outside of the classroom. Many students find energy and purpose in clubs, seminars, volunteering and creative places, whilst others like the regularity of class, home and repeat. Still, growth occurs even when one is alone. The journey is challenging yet transformative.
BracU is a site of beginnings, rather than just a campus for the international students. It is where every struggle, unfamiliar moment becomes a part of the journey that defines not only their education, but also who they become in a world far from home.
