Category: Washington

U.S. Embassy Dhaka is launching the 2025-2026 Community College Initiative (CCI) Program, an exchange program that offers scholarships to Bangladeshi undergraduate students to study at a U.S. community college for one academic year. The program consists of academic coursework, service learning, internships, cultural exchange, leadership development, and action planning. Students will complete one year of academic coursework at a U.S. community college in their chosen field of study and may earn professional certificates.

The program covers various fields such as agriculture, IT, business and entrepreneurship, applied engineering, early childhood education, and creative economy and media. While not an academic degree program, participants can earn an academic certificate and gain first-hand experience through internships.

Minimum participation requirements include being a citizen, national, or permanent resident, currently residing in the eligible country, 18 years or older by July 1, having successfully earned a higher secondary school certificate, not having completed three years toward a U.S. bachelor’s degree or higher in the field of study, demonstrating commitment to the selected field of study through academic or professional experience, having basic working knowledge of the English language, having limited or no overseas study experience, submitting a complete original application, receiving a U.S. J-1 visa, being willing and mentally and physically able to complete the program, returning to their home country after completion, and satisfying the two-year residency requirement.

Applications are due on Thursday, December 19, 2024, at 4:00 p.m. (Bangladesh Standard Time). To apply, applicants can download the CCI Application Form 2025-2026 or drop their paper applications at the American Center, located at J Block, Progati Sharoni, Baridhara, Dhaka-1212.

Apply here: COMMUNITY COLLEGE SUMMIT INITIATIVE PROGRAM

If you have any questions, please contact the Bright Admission Coaching at research@brightadmissioncoaching.com.

U.S. Embassy Dhaka is launching the 2025-26 Fulbright Visiting Scholar Program, offering scholars the chance to conduct post-doctoral research and teach at U.S. institutions. Program which aims to provide opportunities for scholars with 10 or more years of professional experience, is open to experienced Bangladeshi professionals, university faculty members, and researchers from think tanks and relevant organizations. The program focuses on various fields such as university administration, curriculum development, distance learning, education technology, public health, biological sciences, pharmacy, climate change and disaster management, urban planning, and international relations.

Program offers research grants for scholars to conduct needs assessments, consult with administrators and instructors, and develop academic curricula or educational materials. It also offers one- or two-semester lecturing grants for Bangladeshi scholars and academics interested in teaching at American universities. Candidates must have excellent English language skills to function professionally in an American university setting.

During the program, Fulbright Visiting Scholars can engage in stimulating topics, meet other Fulbrighters, broaden their intellectual networks, and experience the diversity of higher education in the United States. The Outreach Lecturing Fund (OLF) provides funding for campuses to virtually host Fulbright Visiting Scholars for short-term speaking engagements, promoting academic disciplines and cultural understanding. The Enrichment Program offers Fulbright Visiting Scholars activities that enhance their exchange programs, enabling them to better experience America and further the Fulbright Program’s goal of increasing mutual understanding between the U.S. and other countries.

Eligibility requirements include being senior faculty members/researchers holding a PhD or equivalent professional training or experience, having a minimum of ten years of professional experience, excellent publication records, excellent English language skills, submitting a detailed project statement of proposed activity at a U.S. institution, and being committed to returning to Bangladesh upon completion of their research/teaching assignments.

Application Information and Deadline:
Applications are due on Tuesday, January 1, 2025, at 10:59 a.m. BST (Bangladesh time).

For submitting online application, please visit https://apply.iie.org/fvsp2025

For detailed application instructions, please check: Instructions for Completing the 2025-2026 Fulbright Visiting Scholar Program Application

For further information, please contact: research@brightadmissioncoaching.

Brac University (BU) hosted an inspirational talk by veteran astronaut Joseph M. Acaba, chief of NASA’s Astronaut Office, on 15 December 2024. Acaba, a decorated veteran, former U.S. Marine, and former educator, has logged 306 days in space on three missions and conducted two spacewalks. Event titled “From Earth to Orbit: An Astronaut’s Tale,” allowed students and faculty members to engage with Acaba and gain insights into NASA missions. Acaba discussed his journey, life aboard the International Space Station, the wonders and science behind space exploration, and the importance of STEM education.

Mahbubul Alam Majumdar, Dean of the School of Data and Sciences at Brac University delivered the welcome speech while Scott E. Hartmann, Director for Public Engagement at the U.S. Embassy Dhaka also spoke. Acaba advised students to prioritize their education and encourage them to visit NASA’s website for opportunities and pathways. He also urged students to avoid making mistakes as valuable learning experiences.

Acaba emphasized the importance of making our Earth more liveable and reflected on NASA’s vision of exploring beyond what has been discovered so far. He expressed hope that someone from this audience would be selected for NASA’s Artemis squad.

Session was expertly facilitated and moderated by Khairul Basher, Director of Communications at Brac University. In closing remarks, BU Vice-Chancellor Professor Syed Ferhat Anwar encouraged the students and expressed his hope that their names would be on the list of astronauts.

U.S. Embassy Dhaka hosted an event on 9 December 2024 to promote the USAID Healthier in Motion wellness campaign at Brac University campus. Event attended by Bangladesh national women’s football team captain Sabina Khatun and players Maria Manda, Ritu Porna Chakma, and Masura Parvin, emphasized the importance of physical and mental well-being, empowering women and girls through traditionally male-dominated activities. Event was attended by U.S. Embassy Chargé d’affaires Megan Bouldin, Brac University Pro Vice-Chancellor Syed Mahfuzul Aziz and Registrar David Dowland.

Event featured a futsal match, yoga session, and dynamic sports and fitness activities. Campaign organized in partnership with Khelbei Bangladesh and Dhaka Flow aims to create an inclusive environment where individuals particularly women can prioritize their well-being and actively participate in physical activities. Healthier in Motion also features regional and national outreach events, bringing together youth, women, and communities alongside fitness professionals, health experts, and celebrities to champion healthy lifestyles.