Student Spotlight: MD Alamin, Bangladesh

Hi, Alamin! Could you introduce yourself to our readers?

Hi! My name is MD Alamin, and I'm from Bhola, a rural district in Bangladesh.

What made you decide to pursue your studies abroad?

I've always wanted to study abroad, but it wasn't easy; my father was a small shopkeeper in our village, and we couldn't afford the expenses of an international education.

After I completed my higher secondary education in 2023, I spent about two and a half years trying to find an opportunity. I applied for five or six different scholarships and experienced several rejections along the way. But I didn't want to give up on my dream. So, I kept researching and applying. Eventually, I was selected as a runner-up for the Open Doors Scholarship in Russia. 

When I told my parents, they couldn't believe it. Coming from a small village and a family with limited financial resources, studying abroad seemed like something that would be impossible for me. So, this was a very important moment for both my family and me.

Why did you choose ITMO University and biotechnology in particular?

I've always been interested in healthcare-related fields. Before coming to Russia, I was involved in several volunteer organizations in Bangladesh, including activities related to COVID-19 and dengue (a mosquito-borne virus found in tropical and subtropical climates worldwide – Ed.). These experiences increased my interest in healthcare and made me want to pursue a field where I could contribute to medical research and technology. I'm also interested in bioinformatics because it combines several fields that I enjoy, including mathematics, biology, technology, and data analysis.

I chose ITMO because of its practical approach to education and its connections with industry. I didn't want a program that was purely theoretical. I wanted to gain hands-on experience and eventually have the opportunity to work with companies through internships and research projects.

You arrived in Russia quite recently. What was your journey to St. Petersburg like?

It was definitely an adventure! I traveled from Bangladesh to Moscow on my own, and one of the first difficulties I faced was getting connected to the internet. I couldn't contact my family or the senior students who were supposed to help me.

Luckily, I had saved my train ticket as a PDF, so I was able to take the overnight train from Moscow to St. Petersburg. Once I arrived, I used Yandex Go to get to my dormitory. I had already learned about the app from Bangladeshi students who were studying in Russia.

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When I reached the dormitory, the administration helped me contact other students from Bangladesh, including my current roommate. So, I managed to make the entire journey from Bangladesh to my dormitory by myself. It was challenging, but also a very memorable experience.

What were your first impressions?

One of the first things I noticed when I arrived was the air! It smelled completely different from what I was used to in Bangladesh. It felt very fresh, and that was a really interesting first impression.

I've also been fascinated by St. Petersburg. I've only been here for about a month, but I've already visited several places, including the Hermitage Museum and the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood.

Recently, our teacher, Tatyana Viktorovna, organized a trip to Pavlovsk Park for our group. It was an amazing experience, and I really enjoyed exploring the park with my classmates.

You're currently studying in ITMO's Foundation Program. How has your experience been so far?

At first, learning Russian was very difficult for me. In my first classes, I could barely understand what the teachers were saying. But I'm gradually improving, and I'm taking my studies very seriously because my Bachelor's program will be in Russian. I need to reach a good level of proficiency before starting my main studies.

One thing I really appreciate is how friendly and supportive our teachers are. We can talk to them openly and ask for help whenever we need it. For example, when we asked Tatyana Viktorovna to organize a trip, she arranged our visit to Pavlovsk Park just a couple of days later.

I also think that exploring the city helps me improve my Russian in practice. Every time I go somewhere new, I get the opportunity to learn something about the language and culture.

What has helped you adapt to life in a new country?

Having other Bangladeshi students around has helped me a lot. My roommate is a senior student from Bangladesh who has been living in Russia for about four years. He understands my language and has helped me with many things.

I've also made friends from different countries, including Indonesia, Vietnam, China, and India. I have a couple of Russian friends living near my room, too, and everyone has been very friendly.

I think having a supportive community makes a big difference when you're adapting to a new country. Right now, I feel quite comfortable here.

Have you had the chance to join any student clubs or activities at ITMO?

Yes! I've joined ITMO's cricket club with the help of a senior student from Bangladesh, Nafi.

I've always enjoyed sports, especially football and cricket. Back home, I played on university teams, so I wanted to continue being active here. It's also another opportunity to meet students and enjoy university life outside the classroom.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

I really love traveling and exploring new places. Since I'm still new to St. Petersburg, there are so many places I haven't visited yet, and I want to discover as much as possible.

There's also a river near my dormitory, and I like going there for a walk after finishing my homework. It's a nice way to relax.

I also enjoy cooking. I usually prepare my own meals, especially because Bangladeshi food is quite different from Russian cuisine.

What are your plans for the future?

My first goal is to complete my Bachelor's degree and gain a strong foundation in biotechnology.

After that, I would like to continue my education, possibly through a Master's or PhD program. I think fields related to healthcare and biotechnology require a lot of research and continuous learning.

I might continue my education at ITMO or somewhere else in Russia. In the longer term, I'd also like to return to Bangladesh. It's my home country, and I believe there are many opportunities to contribute to its development, especially in healthcare and biotechnology.

Finally, what advice would you give to other international students who dream of studying abroad?

Be patient and consistent.

I know how difficult it can be when you have financial challenges and people around you don't believe that your dream is possible. Applying for scholarships can take a long time, sometimes a year or even longer, and you might not succeed on your first attempt. But you have to keep trying and take every opportunity you can.

And for Bangladeshi students coming to Russia, I have one more piece of advice: bring your spices!