Dhaka, 31 August, 2019: On behalf of the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) in the UK, the British Council recently organised a pre-departure briefing for departing Commonwealth Scholars for 2019-20 at the auditorium of the British Council Dhaka University branch.
Tawseef Mannan Khan, Regional Coordinator, South Asia Commonwealth Scholarship, conducted the briefing attended by 50 meritorious scholars and fellows from around the country, including 5 Commonwealth alumni. The scholars were presented with a range of useful information and tips during the briefing pertaining to issues of visa, accommodation, medical facilities, food, etc.

Faye Nicholls, Deputy Director, British Council opened the event with a brief note encouraging the scholars to utilise the facilities UK education has to offer for personal and academic development. Suraya Jahan, Head of Education, English and Skills, Programme, British Council closed the event with a note of thanks and expressed her hope that the scholars will make valuable contribution to their respective sectors upon their return to Bangladesh.
Many of the scholars had already signed up for the Commonwealth Alumni Mentorship Plan (CAMP) as mentees to receive guidance from Commonwealth alumni mentors on academic support, life in UK, professional development, etc. during their time in UK. They were introduced to the alumni who are also registered mentors to establish rapport and facilitate communication between the pairs before their journey to the UK. The mentors shared their scholarship experience and encouraged scholars to reach out to them for queries and guidance.

Three alumni also took sessions on academic research, dissertation writing and academic success. “Participating in today’s briefing and meeting with so many fellow scholars about to go through a similar experience has made me much more confident about starting my UK journey,” expressed a scholar who took part in the briefing.

The British Council and University Grants Commission in Bangladesh have been supporting this scholarship under Commonwealth Scholarship in coordination with the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) under the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) UK, who administers the fellowship program on behalf of the UK government. Students aspiring to apply for a Commonwealth Scholarship are encouraged to contact University Grants Commission, Bangladesh, or visit British Council website (http://www.britishcouncil.org.bd/en/commonwealth-scholarship-and-fellowship-plan-csfp) for information.