‘Human behaviour is universal; culture is a thin layer’

Higher education systems today come from around 1,100 years ago and the Oxbridge (Oxford-Cambridge) system out of the UK, which is what some might call a Western-style origin of the modern university.

Over time, that model evolved in the US, and now we see a mix of British and American-style education adopted around the world. In my research, I look at the extent to which a university can be effective if a Western-style education system is embedded within a local culture that is not Western, but has Western influences. Each institution has to go through the process of deciding their own identity what works best for its own vision.

For our students to benefit, universities need to maintain comparability with the US, UK, Australia, Canada and other places where Western universities are thriving. Singapore and China are also doing well in their top universities. For our students to be recognized internationally, our university also needs to be recognized internationally. It is happening, but it takes continual hard work and diligence to ensure universities gain and maintain that recognition.

What I see in students

Human behaviour is a commonality, and culture is a thin layer on top of it. It's the same around the world – good and bad. I find students are the same everywhere. Those who sit in the front row often get the top 10% of grades. Students who participate in class tend to achieve higher grades and thrive on learning.

In China, the students I worked with had the very best behaviour of any place I have worked. I was at Fudan University, and the students there were the best of the best. In Bangladesh, the students I have encountered have an abundance of personality and are not afraid to share their ideas, discuss, and question. They feel free to ask questions politely, with curiosity and innovative thinking.

Partnerships and recognition

Many universities want relationships with universities in the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, followed by Germany, Italy, France, and other European countries. But, regional collaboration is also important. In the Bay of Bengal area, there are vibrant countries with education systems at various stages of development. It is valuable to have strong relations with neighbouring universities while also building global partnerships. There is an opportunity for Bangladeshi private universities to come together and show the world that Bangladesh is a destination for international students. Compared to many developing countries, the education here is pretty fabulous.

Exams and learning

There are multiple learning theories on how people learn. Do we want our students to be intellectually, subject-wise knowledgeable, or do we want to prepare them for the job market? Ideally, both. My first degree was in English literature and philosophy, focusing on 14th-century poetry, which did not lead to a job. So I did film school, then an MBA, then a PhD, and now I am working on a second doctorate in education.

From what I have seen, UGC requirements are reasonable and practical. There could always be suggestions for flexibility. Depending on what somebody studies, some topics lead to jobs more easily than others. It is the responsibility of universities, to work within the government framework and propose changes if needed, and find ways to support students' job prospects.

Alumni and careers

Under the Pro-Vice Chancellor's office is our alumni department. We are actively working on increasing connectivity because alumni are critical for the future of any university. We want to keep them engaged as mentors, employers, and even teachers returning to campus. Alumni often want a long-term association with their university if they are proud of it.

Having a degree is not enough to get a job. You need personality. You need to sit up straight in the interview. "Soft skills" is an uncomfortable term because it sounds like it diminishes the importance of the skill. It is not soft; it is important. You know within the first half-second of an interview whether the person has the skill.

Universities should provide ongoing preparation from year one through to graduation for the real world: how you dress, sit, respond, and balance talking and listening. We also want our universities recognized globally so that people consider Bangladesh a destination for foreign students. The more students going abroad, the more we are exporting skilled labour. It is not always a brain drain; there are benefits. These students also promote Bangladesh education to the world.