Teaching Opportunities in WorldTeach Bangladesh (past program)

WorldTeach support was amazing from pre-departure to the last work day in May. This made living in Chittagong far easier and more comfortable than expected. Having all volunteers at the same school (vs spread out over the country) provided a great social network, and we were lucky to have a great field director to support us and help sort out problems between the students, staff and university. As a new university, AUW is not the calmest place to work. Frequent administration changes and learning disruptions were an upset to everyone, but the hard working, keen students never failed to show their genuine appreciation and gratefulness for the opportunity to gain a university education. They were truly inspiring and motivated us to do our best at work. Your work life may end up consuming you, but that's exactly what you're there to do. You will miss a lot of comforts from home, and there will be horrible days when it feels like everything in Chittagong is out to get you!!! But it all ends as soon as you feel your routine developing, and you'll return with great stories. Fully celebrate the country's food, culture and festivities. Try to communicate in Bangla - the language classes at the beginning of the school year will come in handy! Most of the students do speak English and Bangla, and are willing to help/translate in any situation.

The current university campus is comprised of retrofitted apartment buildings, and feels quite cramped. Provided apartments were spacious - a nice refuge and contrast to the streets outside. There really isn't anywhere to go and hang out, apart from a few restaurants, but the AUW library is quite well stocked with books and DVDs. You'll be constantly stared at and photographed. Dhaka, one of the world's most densely populated cities, serves as a great getaway. There's a comfortable, safe university guesthouse there to stay at for free.

I didn't do much research before leaving. I thought it would be more unsafe than it was, and I had a great experience. I don't want to return to Bangladesh, but I'm glad I stuck it out!

The students have great spirit and the mission of this school is perfect and wonderful on paper, but the university has administrative and logistic issues that have ultimately impeded the students' education and progress. While some students are quite bright, many are average and others barely understand English. You will inevitably be teaching English grammar even if you're meant to be TA'ing a science or literature class. Your experience is what you make of it but will most likely be shaped by your fellow volunteers, who you will live, work, and socialize with. Getting out of the AUW bubble can be rewarding and fun as much as it is frustrating and exhausting, and there are many days where you might find it best to just stay indoors.

Although the Asian University for Women suffers from some of the common pitfalls of universities and organizations in the developing world (meetings don't happen on time, bureaucracy gets in the way of efficiency, it's difficult to get things done quickly,) the dedication of the students more than makes up for it!

Each day, I worked with students individually in the university Writing Center or in small discussion groups for various courses. I was constantly blown away by students' curiosity and intelligence. They don't rest until they are sure they have completed every requirement as fully as possible. After having worked with students in the U.S., this was quite surprising, and actually took a bit of getting used to.

Living in Chittagong is also quite the adjustment. Westerners are rare, so you get quite the celebrity treatment everywhere you go - cell phone pictures, random people saying hello to you, a lot of staring. Also, there are very few "third spaces" - places to just hang out, outside of work and home so if you like hanging out at coffee shops, parks, bars, or museums, this is not the place for you. Apartments provided by the university are huge, though sometimes hard to keep clean. Food is a constant adventure in adjusting.