RAR Institute Student Profile & Academic Development

Anowar Shah

Student Profile

What is your full name, and how would you introduce yourself as a RAR-Institute student?

My name is Anowar Shah. I am a student of RAR Institute, where I have been developing my academic knowledge, research skills, critical thinking, and communication abilities. My experience at RAR has helped me become more confident as a learner and has strengthened my interest in academic research and community development.

What is your Student ID, and which program(s) are you currently studying at RAR Institute?

My Student ID is 523038. I am studying the Diploma in Academic Research Studies program at RAR Institute.

What is your educational background before joining RAR Institute?

Before joining RAR Institute, I completed my secondary education at Community School in Bangladesh 2023. I also completed the Refugee Higher Education Access Program (RhEAP) in 2025.

When did you join RAR Institute, and what motivated you to begin your studies?

I joined RAR Institute in January 2024. At that time, I wanted to continue my higher education and take the next step in my academic journey after completing my previous studies. I was motivated to join RAR because it provided an opportunity for Rohingya students to pursue higher education in our own community. I was especially interested in developing my knowledge, academic writing, research, and critical-thinking skills.

What were your academic knowledge, confidence, and skills like before joining RAR Institute?

Before joining RAR Institute, I had a basic academic foundation, but my knowledge of academic research was limited. I had less experience with research methodology, academic referencing, critical analysis, and structured academic writing. I was also less confident in presentations and academic discussions. I knew I had the potential to learn, but I needed a stronger academic environment to develop those abilities.

What challenges did you face when you first started your studies at RAR Institute?

When I first started, adapting to academic research and structured academic writing was challenging. Understanding research methodology, using references correctly, developing arguments, and critically analyzing information required a lot of practice. Balancing my studies with my responsibilities outside the classes was also quite challenging. However, I gradually became more comfortable through practice, assignments, classes activities, and guidance from instructors.

How have your academic confidence and participation developed since joining RAR Institute?

My academic confidence has improved significantly. In the beginning, I was more hesitant to express my ideas, but now I feel much more comfortable participating in discussions, asking questions, giving presentations, and sharing my views. I have also become more willing to take responsibility in academic and community activities.

What important knowledge and skills have you gained from the Diploma in Academic Research Studies?

The Diploma has helped me develop knowledge of research methodology, academic writing, literature review, referencing, both qualitative and quantitative research, data collection, research ethics, critical thinking, and academic communication. I have also learned how to approach a research problem systematically and develop conclusions based on evidence rather than assumptions.

How has the Diploma program improved your understanding of research methodology and academic research?

Before studying the Diploma, I had only a general understanding of research. Now I understand how to develop research questions, use appropriate methods, select appropriate participants, collect information, use primary and secondary sources, organize and analyze qualitative information, and conduct thematic analysis. I have also learned about research ethics, including informed consent, confidentiality, voluntary participation, avoiding bias, the right to withdraw, and protecting participants’ identities.

How has your academic writing, referencing, critical thinking, and research skills developed?

My academic writing has become more organized, clear, and evidence-based. I have learned how to develop arguments, connect ideas, paraphrase information, and support claims with appropriate sources. My referencing skills have also improved. Most importantly, my critical thinking has developed because I now try to question information, compare different perspectives, examine evidence, and distinguish between reliable information and unsupported claims.

How has your ability to search for, evaluate, and use academic sources improved?

I have learned that finding information is only the first step. I now pay attention to the credibility, relevance, purpose, and reliability of a source. I have become more comfortable searching for academic articles, reports, institutional publications, and other credible sources. I also understand better how to use those sources to support arguments rather than simply adding them to my work.

What have you learned through assignments, presentations, examinations, research projects, and classroom activities?

Each academic activity has helped me develop different skills. Assignments have improved my writing and research abilities, presentations have strengthened my communication and confidence, and examinations have helped me review and apply course knowledge. Classroom discussions have taught me to listen to different perspectives and express my ideas clearly. My final research project has been especially valuable because it allowed me to apply the research skills I learned throughout the program to a real issue affecting the Rohingya community.

Which instructor, course, lesson, or academic activity has had the greatest positive impact on your development, and why?

Among the instructors who have contributed to my academic development, Mr. Kaisayr sir has had one of the greatest positive impacts on me. His guidance has influenced not only my academic learning but also the way I think about education, research, and my own potential as a learner. What I particularly value about Mr. Kaisayr is that he encouraged us to think beyond simply completing assignments or passing examinations. He encouraged us to question, analyze, discuss, and develop our own understanding. His teaching helped me realize that academic learning is not only about receiving information from an instructor; it is also about developing the ability to think independently and apply knowledge to real situations. His guidance became especially meaningful during my research journey. He encouraged me to take my research seriously, pay attention to the quality of my work, and approach academic research with responsibility and commitment. Whenever I faced difficulties or felt uncertain about my work, his feedback and encouragement helped me move forward. Because of his influence, I became more confident in seeing myself as someone who can conduct research and contribute academically. His mentorship has therefore been an important part of my development from a learner who was mainly focused on studying course materials into a learner who is beginning to think and work like a developing academic researcher.

How have your communication, presentation, public-speaking, teamwork, and leadership skills improved?

My communication and public-speaking skills have improved through my presentations, classroom discussions, group activities and community work. I have become more comfortable speaking in front of others and explaining my ideas clearly. Teamwork activities have taught me how to listen to others, share responsibilities, and work toward a common goal. These experiences have also helped me develop leadership and facilitation skills.

What major academic achievement, milestone, or personal improvement have you experienced since joining RAR Institute?

Since joining RAR Institute, I have experienced several important achievements and changes in myself. Academically, one of my significant achievements was receiving 3rd Position in Semester Three with a GPA of 3.60 (A-). I also received recognition for Outstanding Academic Performance in my second semester, which gave me a strong sense of encouragement and showed me that my continuous effort and commitment to learning were producing results. Another important achievement was receiving the highest midterm score among 14 writers in one of my academic activities. For me, this was meaningful because it reflected not only the result itself but also the improvement in my academic writing and ability to express my ideas clearly. However, one of my most important milestones has been completing my final research project. Conducting my own research gave me the opportunity to apply what I had learned throughout my studies and experience the research process as a developing researcher. It also challenged me to work independently, remain responsible for the quality of my work, and connect academic learning with real issues affecting my community. Beyond these academic achievements, I have experienced significant personal growth. I have become more confident in expressing my ideas, participating in discussions, giving presentations, communicating with others, and taking responsibility for my academic work. When I look back at myself when I first joined RAR Institute, I can see that I have developed from a learner who was still building confidence into a more independent, confident, and research-oriented student. For me, therefore, my greatest achievement is not only the positions, grades, or recognition I have received. It is the overall transformation in my academic confidence, knowledge, skills, and mindset, which has prepared me to continue my education and pursue my future goal of becoming a researcher.

How has your education at RAR Institute influenced your future academic, career, and community goals?

My education at RAR Institute has strengthened my interest in becoming a researcher and working in areas connected to human services, advocacy, rights, and community development. I want to continue my higher education and develop stronger research, communication, and analytical skills. In the future, I hope to use research and education to create awareness, document community issues, and contribute meaningfully to the Rohingya community.

Looking back from the day you joined RAR Institute until today, how would you describe your overall academic, personal, and professional development?

Looking back from the day I joined RAR Institute until today, I can see a significant change in myself. I started with a basic academic foundation and limited knowledge of research, but I have gradually developed stronger skills in academic writing, research, critical thinking, presentation, communication, and analysis. I have also become more confident, responsible, and purposeful about my future. RAR Institute has not only given me academic knowledge; it has helped me develop the mindset of a lifelong learner and an aspiring researcher.

Anowar Shah’s Journey at RAR Institute

Anowar Shah’s journey at the Rohingya Academic Research Institute (RAR Institute) reflects his commitment to learning, personal growth, and academic development. Through the Diploma in Academic Research Studies, he has developed his understanding of academic research while strengthening his research skills, critical thinking, communication, and academic knowledge. His experience at RAR Institute has helped him become more confident as a learner and encouraged him to explore academic research and community development. With dedication and continuous learning, Anowar is building a strong foundation for his future academic goals. His journey demonstrates how education can inspire confidence, create opportunities, and encourage young learners to contribute positively to their communities.