RAR Institute Student Profile & Academic Development

Mohammed Shah

Student Profile

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

My name is Mohammed Shah, and I am a Political Science student at RAR Institute, where I began my studies on 8 May 2026. My academic interests include politics, governance, international relations, human and refugee rights, and community development, with a particular focus on Myanmar’s governmental system, political institutions, and governance processes. I value intellectual exchange and continuous learning and strive to strengthen my academic and analytical skills while contributing meaningfully to my community and society.

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

My Student ID is RAR-AD-202618, and I am currently pursuing an Associate Degree in Political Science at RAR Institute. I chose this field because I am eager to understand how governments, political institutions, societies, and international organizations function, as well as how political decisions shape people’s lives, particularly in Myanmar.

Q. What is your educational background before joining RAR Institute?

Before joining RAR Institute, I completed my Matriculation Examination in the 2023–2024 Academic Year under the former curriculum at Rohingya Life Development High School (RLDHS), a unique community-based school. This experience provided me with a solid academic foundation, strengthened my communication skills, and inspired me to pursue higher education and lifelong learning.

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

I joined RAR Institute on 8 May 2026. Before that, I was deeply frustrated about pursuing higher education, as formal educational opportunities for Rohingya students are extremely limited. However, witnessing the graduation ceremony of RAR Institute students inspired me to continue my academic journey. I was fortunate to gain admission and chose Political Science to deepen my understanding of politics, particularly in the context of Myanmar. I also aim to strengthen my critical thinking, communication, and academic skills, preparing myself for future university studies abroad, career opportunities, and meaningful contributions to my community.

Q. What were your academic confidence and skills like before joining RAR Institute?

Before joining RAR Institute, I had a basic academic foundation and a strong interest in learning and teaching, particularly within the Myanmar curriculum. However, my experience in political studies, academic discussions, research, and problem-solving was limited, and I sometimes lacked confidence in expressing my ideas. I joined RAR Institute to strengthen these skills, broaden my academic knowledge, and become a more confident and capable student who can contribute meaningfully to my vulnerable Rohingya community.

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

When I first joined RAR Institute, I faced challenges balancing my work as an NGO employee and community teacher with the institute’s schedule and self-study. I was also somewhat nervous about attending virtual classes, keeping up with class notes, and adapting to academic learning. I initially struggled with reading academic materials, expressing ideas clearly, participating in discussions, and completing assignments. However, through consistent practice, regular study, and guidance from diverse and experienced instructors, I gradually overcame these challenges and became more confident in my studies.

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

Since joining RAR Institute, my academic confidence has improved significantly. I am now more willing to participate in discussions, ask questions, share my perspectives, and explain Political Science concepts clearly. I have also become more confident in independent learning and teaching, while developing a deeper understanding of political systems and learning through listening to my classmates, instructors, and others.

Q. What important knowledge and skills have you gained from your studies in Political Science?

Through my Political Science studies, I have gained a deeper understanding of political systems, government, power, democracy, political institutions, society, and international relations. I have also developed essential skills in academic reading, analysis, critical thinking, communication, discussion, and independent learning. These skills enable me to examine political issues more critically, objectively, and logically.

Q. How has your studies improved your understanding of politics and evidence?

My studies have strengthened my understanding of the importance of reliable evidence when analyzing political issues. I have learned to evaluate information, compare different perspectives, ask meaningful questions, and support my arguments with credible evidence. I now understand that strong academic analysis should be grounded in research and evidence rather than assumptions or personal opinions alone.

Q. How has your academic writing, referencing, critical thinking and political conflict skills developed?

My academic writing, referencing, and critical-thinking skills have developed significantly through assignments, readings, and classroom activities. I have learned to organize ideas clearly, construct evidence-based arguments, and reference sources appropriately. I have also developed a better understanding of political conflicts by considering diverse perspectives, analyzing underlying issues, and approaching conclusions thoughtfully and objectively.

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

My ability to find, evaluate, and use academic sources has improved significantly. I now assess sources for reliability, relevance, currency, and evidence before using them. I am also learning to paraphrase effectively and connect evidence clearly to my arguments rather than relying on copied information or spreading rumors.

Q. What have you learned through assignments, presentations, research and classroom activities?

Through assignments, presentations, research, and classroom activities, I have developed my academic writing, research, critical-thinking, communication, and presentation skills. I have learned to organize ideas effectively, use credible evidence, analyze different perspectives, and express my arguments with greater clarity and confidence.

Q. What knowledge and understanding have you gained from the Associate Degree in Political Science?

Through my Associate Degree in Political Science, I have developed a broader understanding of political systems, government, democracy, power, political institutions, governance, society, and international relations. I have learned how political institutions function, how policies and decisions are formulated, and how the actions of governments and political actors can affect individuals, communities, and society as a whole. I have also developed a stronger understanding of political processes, accountability, and the relationship between citizens and institutions. This knowledge has strengthened my critical-thinking skills and deepened my interest in analyzing current political affairs and contemporary issues from different perspectives.

Q. How has studying Political Science changed your understanding of politics, society, governance, international relations, and current issues?

Studying Political Science has broadened my understanding of politics, society, governance, international relations, and current issues. I have learned to examine political and social issues from multiple perspectives rather than making quick judgments. I now understand that issues such as conflict, displacement, human rights, governance, and international relations often have complex political, economic, and social causes. The subject has strengthened my ability to analyze evidence, question assumptions, understand different viewpoints, and think critically about contemporary issues.

Q. How have RAR Institute instructors and designated course instructors supported and guided your academic development?

RAR Institute professors and designated course instructors have supported my academic development by explaining complex topics clearly, answering questions, providing constructive feedback, and encouraging active participation. Their guidance has strengthened my understanding of Political Science, improved my academic approach, and increased my confidence and motivation to continue my studies.

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

Mr. Kaisayr’s Course 1, Lesson 4 has had the greatest positive impact on my academic development. The lesson covered political participation, citizenship and citizens’ rights and responsibilities, elections and voting, political parties, public opinion, civic engagement, presidential systems, qualities of good leadership, and challenges to political participation. These topics strengthened my critical-thinking skills and helped me understand diverse perspectives and connect political theories with real-world social and political issues.

Q. How have your communication, presentation, public-speaking, teamwork, and Leadership skills improved?

Through classroom discussions, presentations, and collaborative activities, I have strengthened my communication, public-speaking, teamwork, and leadership skills. I have become more confident in expressing ideas, listening to different viewpoints, and working respectfully with others. These experiences have also taught me to take responsibility, support my peers, and contribute effectively to group activities.

Q. What major milestone or personal improvement have you experienced since joining RAR Institute?

Since joining RAR Institute, my major personal improvement has been the development of greater academic confidence and critical-thinking skills. I have become more confident in expressing my ideas, participating in discussions, conducting research, and completing academic assignments. Studying Political Science has also broadened my understanding of political and social issues and motivated me to continue developing myself academically.

Q. How has your education at RAR Institute influenced your future academic, career, and Community goals?

My education at RAR Institute has strengthened my academic foundation and motivated me to pursue further studies in Political Science and related fields. It has also helped me develop research, critical-thinking, communication, and leadership skills that will support my future career. Most importantly, I hope to apply my knowledge and skills to contribute meaningfully to my community and support positive social change.

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

Since joining RAR Institute, I have experienced meaningful growth academically, personally, and professionally. Academically, I have strengthened my research, writing, critical-thinking, and analytical skills. Personally, I have gained confidence, discipline, and the ability to consider different perspectives. Professionally, I have improved my communication, presentation, teamwork, and leadership skills. Overall, my journey at RAR Institute has made me a more confident, responsible, and motivated student with clearer goals for my future.

Mohammed Shah’s Journey & Growth

My journey at RAR Institute has been a transformative experience of academic, personal, and professional growth. Since joining on 8 May 2026, I have strengthened my knowledge of Political Science and developed greater confidence in research, critical thinking, academic writing, communication, and leadership. The guidance of my professors, semester wise course instructors and active participation in academic activities have broadened my perspectives and encouraged me to connect theory with real-world issues. Overall, RAR Institute has motivated me to pursue further education and contribute meaningfully to my community and society.