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For innumerable youths worldwide, the University of Oxford is the pinnacle of academic achievement - a centuries-old institution that combines history, status, and intellectual pursuit. To stroll the ancient halls of Oxford is to enter the dreams of individuals seeking knowledge and the opportunity to alter the world. For Fariha Khan, a brilliant and dedicated University of Dhaka pupil, this desire was not an uncommon one. The trip from Bangladesh’s busy metropolitan to the tranquil and legendary streets of Oxford was marked by dedication, hard effort, and a firm confidence in the power of education.
Fariha’s tale resonates strongly with the expectations of many youths in Bangladesh, where the word “Oxford” conjures up images of academic competence and worldwide influence. It is a voyage that defies location, money, and expectations, expressing a generation’s greater aspiration to make their mark on the global arena. As she manoeuvred the tough environment of academic scholarships, Fariha was awarded the renowned Commonwealth Scholarship, a light of opportunity that made her aspirations come true. At Oxford, she would be more than just a student; she would be a torchbearer for those who dare to dream large, demonstrating that with grit and determination, even the most ambitious aspirations are achievable.
Fariha Khan, completing her graduation and post-graduation in the Department of Development Studies at the University of Dhaka with excellent results, turned this dream into reality when she was awarded the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship to pursue a master’s degree in Development Economics at the University of Oxford. Her journey, marked by meticulous planning and determination, serves as an inspiring example for those aspiring to follow in her footsteps.
Preparing for the journey: Fariha comprehended right away that she wanted to study in the United Kingdom, preferably at one of its prestigious universities. “Since I knew I would only apply to UK universities for master’s, I completed the IELTS at the onset,” Fariha said. This planned strategy allowed her to concentrate on other important application areas, such as choosing the correct universities and programs. “This is a time-consuming and nerve-wracking process, but it helps to know the intended field of study and level of degree.”
To streamline the selection process, Fariha prepared numerous Excel files filled with details on course structures, available funding, and application requirements. This level of organisation saved her time and reduced stress as deadlines approached. Simultaneously, she worked on crafting her Statements of Purpose (SOPs) and reaching out to potential referees, ensuring that every element of her application was meticulously prepared.
Securing the Commonwealth Scholarship: Fariha’s journey to Oxford was made possible by the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship, jointly funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO) and the university she would attend. The application process was rigorous and competitive. “The application window usually opens in late November. In the scholarship application, several short essays need to be written,” she explained. The process involved two stages of assessment—first by the university and then by the FCDO. The waiting period was long, with six months elapsing before Fariha received the final decision. But the reward was worth the wait—a fully funded opportunity to study at one of the world’s most prestigious institutions.
Overcoming challenges: Despite the excitement of securing her place at Oxford, Fariha faced significant challenges along the way. “Adjusting to the fast pace of studies took a while to get used to,” she admitted. Although the academic system at Oxford was somewhat similar to what she was used to in Dhaka, the transition to living alone in a foreign country presented its own set of hurdles. “The main challenges came from adjusting to living alone in a foreign country, and of course, the British weather!” Fariha’s resilience in the face of these challenges highlights the importance of adaptability and perseverance for anyone pursuing studies abroad.
Advice for aspiring scholars: Reflecting on her journey, Fariha has valuable advice for those who aspire to follow a similar path. “My main advice would be to not self-reject,” she emphasised. Fariha noted that many students, particularly women, tend to underestimate their abilities and shy away from even attempting to apply for prestigious programs. “For me, I was so embarrassed while requesting reference letters for the application to Oxford. But this experience proved to me that anything is possible.” Fariha also stressed the importance of applying to multiple scholarships to increase the chances of securing funding. “Despite our best efforts, it is often outside our control,” she noted, highlighting the unpredictable nature of scholarship decisions.
Candidly, Fariha revealed that Oxford University has an extremely demanding academic atmosphere. Students typically spend their days from 9 am to 5 pm in class and then continue their studies in the library. She emphasised the constant pressure to excel academically, which can be quite overwhelming for Bangladeshi students. Unlike the structured and intensive Oxford programme, undergraduate studies in Bangladesh often lack a rigorous schedule, particularly in honours programmes. Fariha suggested that the Bangladeshi education system might benefit from adopting a more consistent, demanding academic approach throughout a student’s education to better equip them for international studies.
Fariha Khan’s journey from the University of Dhaka to the University of Oxford is a brilliant illustration of what can be accomplished with careful planning, unshakable perseverance, and the guts to have great dreams. Her story strikes a chord with youths in Bangladesh and beyond, offering optimism that the journey from Dhaka to Oxford is not just a pipe dream but an attractive prospect. Fariha’s accomplishment serves as an important reminder that even the highest aspirations are reachable with the correct attitude and unwavering work in a world where opportunities are frequently perceived as unattainable. Her journey reminds us of the saying of Ralph Waldo Emerson, “Dream lofty dreams, and as you dream, so shall you become.”