Professor Dr. Mohammad Yamin Hossain
Department of Fisheries, University of Rajshahi
The reluctance and lagging behind when it comes to the IELTS exam among Bangladeshi fellows is an important issue that is negatively impacting their access to higher education and scholarship opportunities. Some reasons for this problem and the resulting situations can be highlighted below.
1. Lack of Preparation and Reluctance:
IELTS is an internationally recognized exam that tests English language proficiency. Yet, many university students do not pay enough attention to developing their English skills. Due to a fear of English or lack of competence, there is a reluctance among them to prepare for the IELTS exam. Preparation for this test requires time, effort, and money, all of which many students wish to avoid.
2. Lack of Awareness:
There is a lack of awareness about the importance of the IELTS exam and how it can open the door to international scholarships or higher education. Many students do not know that an IELTS certificate is a key requirement for admission and scholarships at foreign universities. This lack of knowledge also decreases their interest in the exam.
3. Financial Constraints:
The cost of the IELTS exam and the necessary coaching is a major challenge for many students. Since many university students are not financially stable, they are reluctant to take the risk of sitting for the IELTS exam. If they fail the exam, the fees are non-refundable, which puts added financial pressure on students.
4. Lack of Interest in Higher Education:
Even among university students, many show little interest in pursuing higher education abroad. Their focus remains on getting local jobs or entering government service. As a result, preparing for and taking the IELTS exam seems unnecessary to them. Often, families also do not encourage studying abroad for higher education, which further increases this reluctance.
5. Psychological Barriers Toward Language:
Many students have a psychological barrier when it comes to the English language. They believe that taking the IELTS exam is very difficult and that succeeding is nearly impossible. This mindset makes them uninterested in taking the exam.
6. Loss of Opportunities:
By not participating in the IELTS exam, many students miss out on opportunities to enroll in foreign universities. Scholarship opportunities are also lost, which narrows their path to higher education. As a result, their academic journey remains limited to the local context, reducing their chances to participate in international standard education and research.
7. Solutions:
To solve this problem, greater awareness and support are required at the university level. Special workshops should be organized to highlight the importance of the IELTS exam among students. Additionally, university administration and faculty should provide proper guidance for IELTS preparation. Moreover, special scholarships or funds can be established for economically disadvantaged students, which could be helpful for them.
If these issues can be addressed, Bangladeshi students will be able to seize higher education opportunities abroad and gain international quality education, playing an important role in their personal development as well as the development of the country.
Note: Sourced from Facebook———–https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1Dy35jWaHF/
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