STUDENT PROFILE & ACADEMIC DEVELOPMENT

Abdur Rahman

Student Profile

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

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

Answer:

My full name is Abdur Rahman and as a student of the Rohingya Academic Research Institute, I introduce myself as a disciplined, committed and hardworking student who researches, documents, writes and represents the history of the Rohingya community and the long-term struggles of my people.

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

Answer:

My student ID is 523026 and I am currently pursuing a Two Years Diploma Program in Academic Research Studies at the Rohingya Academic Research Institute (RAR-Institute).

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

Answer:

Before taking admission at RAR- Institute, I was studying at community-based school and I also completed several short courses in the private centers inside the camps. After enrolling in this prestigious institute, it opened my eyes and I was honored to get the opportunity to study the RhEAP program, a bridging program for the refugee students provided by Centre for Peace and Justice CPJ- Brac University in collaboration with Bard College and Hubs for Connected Learning Initiatives and I also got the opportunity to give IELTS examination under UNHCR. Through this institute, I learned and found out the academic chances here in the camp.

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

Answer:

I joined the RAR- Institute on 24th of February 2024. As it is the only institute for the Rohingya students to study higher education at no cost after secondary school, I experienced many of the students here were improving their academic skills, gaining valuable knowledge, and developing research skills, I was highly eager to take enrollment and I saw how Mr Kaisayr was conducting classes on academic research and I wanted to be a lead in the community: therefore; it matched my interests and I was quite impressed and inspired by the instructor and senior brothers improvement after joining here.

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

Answer:

Before joining RAR Institute, my academic knowledge was limited, my confidence was so low and my skills were weak. As a Rohingya student who has no access to digital devices and I was accustomed to the traditional learning but after becoming part of this valuable institute, I learned more about general knowledge, gained more confidence and developed my academic skills as well personal life after learning the principles and values of life from my beloved instructor, lecturers and research mates.

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

Answer:

When I first started my academic journey at the RAR Institute, it was a bit challenging to understand the concepts of academic research, understand the lectures conducted by intellectual individuals from other countries. As time passed, I have adapted to the learning and teaching methods of this institute and accessing a stable network during live sessions was another challenge.

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

Answer:

Since joining the RAR Institute, my academic confidence and participation has developed a lot through engaging with course instructors during the online classes, attending physical workshops with seniors where we completed many small projects and appearing for the exam in person also enhanced both my academic and personal life.

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

Answer:

I have gained knowledge of academic research, research methodology, academic writing, referencing, critical thinking, data collection and research ethics. I have also developed my ability to conduct and present research on contemporary issues and I also learned the importance of maintaining confidentiality in conducting research from the Diploma in Academic Research Studies.

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

Answer:

The Diploma program assisted me in understanding how academic research is planned and conducted. I learned about research methodology, data collection techniques, research design and research ethics especially in displaced communities.

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

Answer:

My academic writing skills, referencing and critical thinking have developed significantly after studying at RAR-Institute. I learned how to organize my ideas logically, use evidence critically and references, and analyze information more carefully while writing academic pieces.

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

Answer:

I learned how to search for relevant and reliable academic sources, check their reliability and use the information properly in my research and academic writing. This program helped me not only for academic work, but it also opened many doors for me to study higher education as I got access to online opportunities and built a network.

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

Answer:

These activities taught me how to apply my knowledge, manage academic tasks responsibly, work with others, present my ideas and prepare for examinations. They also increased my confidence. These experiences helped me a lot during the semester end examination conducted in person by the management affair of the RAR-Institute.

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

Answer:

I have gained knowledge about politics, governance, human rights, society, international relations and political systems. It helped me understand political and social issues that people are facing in today’s world.

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

Answer:

Political Science helped me understand how politics, society, governance and international relations are connected in countries. It also helped me understand current issues from different perspectives, which globally affect societies in everyday life.

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

Answer:

My instructors guided me through difficult lessons, provided constructive feedback on my work and encouraged me to improve my academic and research skills. Their support increased my confidence and I stayed committed towards learning and shaping a path to achieve my goal.

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

Answer:

Mr. Kaisayr and the research courses had a great impact on my development. His teaching and guidance inspired me to take academic research seriously and improve myself. The way he conducts and explains the lessons and the concepts of academic research is quite clear and understandable. His teaching style is so unique and expressive which deeply inspired me to keep learning. He is not only an academic instructor but also a supporter who stands with us in our bad times and provides the essential support.

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

Answer:

Through presentations, discussions, workshops and group activities, I became more confident in communication and public speaking. I also learned how to work with others and take responsibility.

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

Answer:

During my studies at the RAR-Institute, I have grown more academically. In the first semester examination, I won the first position among almost a hundred students and back then I also stood among the top five students in the second semester and I also achieved the second position in the third semester examination. In addition, I was selected as a top learner several times while completing daily analytical questions over the last few years. Alongside, I also received some appreciation letters after presenting research topics and performing well during group activities. These small achievements pushed me to learn more about research and utilize these useful skills and knowledge in rebuilding my community.

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

Answer:

RAR Institute strengthened my interest in academic research and higher education. I want to continue my studies and use my knowledge and research skills to contribute to my community. It helped me hope more and innovate something meaningful for our people.

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

Answer:

I have developed significantly since becoming part of the RAR Institute. My academic knowledge, confidence, research, writing, communication and presentation skills have improved a lot and I now feel more prepared to contribute to my community, which I have started using for the development of my marginalized community. In addition, it helped me to build a strong network among the society and I am now able to conduct research systematically and deliver those skills and knowledge to the younger generations.

MY STUDY JOURNEY AND GROWTH AT RAR-INSTITUTE

My academic journey at the Rohingya Academic Research Institute (RAR-Institute) began on 24 February 2024. Before joining the institute, my academic knowledge was limited, my confidence was low, and my academic skills were still developing. My previous education was mainly through community-based learning and short courses. Joining RAR Institute gave me an opportunity to continue my education and discover new academic possibilities.

At the beginning of my journey, studying academic research was challenging. I had to understand new research concepts and follow lectures delivered by professors, course-wise instructor in each semester from various universities, colleges and Institutions globally. Accessing a stable internet connection during live sessions was also a challenge. However, as I continued studying, I gradually adapted to the institute’s learning and teaching methods.

Over time, I developed important knowledge in academic research, research methodology, academic writing, referencing, critical thinking, data collection, research ethics, and academic source evaluation. Assignments, presentations, examinations, workshops, research projects, and classroom activities gave me opportunities to apply what I learned and become more responsible and confident in my academic work.

My development also extended beyond research skills. Through presentations, discussions, workshops, and group activities, I improved my communication, public-speaking, teamwork, and leadership skills. I became more confident in expressing my ideas, working with others, taking responsibility, and participating in academic activities.

My academic achievements at RAR Institute have also encouraged me to continue learning. I achieved the first position in my first-semester examination among almost one hundred students, remained among the top five students in the second semester, and achieved the second position in the third-semester examination. I was also selected as a top learner several times through daily analytical questions and received appreciation letters for research presentations and group activities.

Most importantly, RAR Institute strengthened my interest in academic research and higher education. I now feel more prepared to conduct research systematically, communicate academic ideas, and share my knowledge and skills with younger generations.

Looking back, my journey at RAR Institute represents a gradual process of academic learning, confidence-building, skill development, and personal growth. The institute has helped me move from limited academic experience toward a stronger understanding of research and higher education. I hope to continue developing these skills and use my knowledge constructively for the development of my community.

As I reflect on my experience, I see RAR Institute as more than a place of academic learning. In my own words, “The RAR-Institute is not only an academic institute but it is also a garden of knowledge, skills, innovations, and a brotherhood where we can share ideas, and create unforgettable memories.”