More than 8,000 Bangladeshi students studied in the United States in the 2020/2021 academic year, moving Bangladesh three places up from the previous year, according to the Open Doors Report on International Educational Exchange.

In celebrating the International Education Week (IEW) from November 15-19, the US Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and the Institute of International Education released the 2021 Open Doors Report on International Educational Exchange, said a press release issued by the US mission in Dhaka on Tuesday.

Bangladesh advanced three places from 17th to 14th in the list of countries sending students to the US. Amid an unprecedented pandemic with a global decrease in international students, Bangladesh only had a 2.7% decrease from 2020.  Promoting educational exchanges between Bangladesh and the US is a strategic priority because international education exchanges benefit both the countries, its peoples and professional networks.

Speaking last night at a virtual seminar on US women’s higher education institutions to open the IEW 2021 in Bangladesh, US Deputy Chief of Mission Helen LaFave said: “While Covid-19 has caused global challenges, it is heartening and exciting to see Bangladeshi students from across the country pursuing higher education in the United States.”

LaFave said she hoped the event would help Bangladeshi students find their path to study in the US, before urging the audience to engage EducationUSA advisers located at the four American Spaces in Dhaka, Chittagong and Khulna for information on higher education opportunities.

The US embassy, through EducationUSA Bangladesh, is celebrating IEW 2021 by offering several virtual programs for Bangladeshi students and scholars.  

EducationUSA advising centres in Bangladesh will host webinars on topics including sessions on women’s colleges, liberal arts education, conversation with Bangladeshi student associations at US universities and other topics related to both undergraduate and graduate studies in the US.  Speakers will include US Embassy officials, US university alumni and admission officials, who will discuss application preparation, scholarships and financial aid, and share perspectives with prospective Bangladeshi students.

BDST: 1617 HRS, NOV 16, 2021
SMS