Questions you may have

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Language?

Bangla is the national language, though English is widely understood and spoken, especially in Dhaka. While conversation on the street may sometimes be challenging, you will be able to converse in English easily while at ICDDR,B. Bangla language studies, though, will be very helpful.

Weather?

Bangladesh has a sub-tropical, monsoon-type climate and is one of the wettest countries in the world. For the most part, the months of October to March are the most pleasant. December and January are the coolest months. April is the warmest, with temperatures that can reach 36 degrees Celsiuis (91-96 Fahrenheit). Rains are frequent from mid-June to mid-October.

Accommodation?

icddr,b student apartments. Commercial guest houses, or sharing an apartment / sharing with a family / renting an apartment.

What type of field experience projects are available?

Public Health practicum/elective training/internship
Research training/thesis or dissertation work for Masters or Doctoral programme
Clinical rotation/shadowing with doctors
Voluntary field experience
Interaction with other students / interns from around the globe

Download the following fact sheets to learn about our field sites.

Are there other international students at icddr,b?

Yes. In 2011, we welcomed 150 international students from across the globe.

Finances, cost of living, etc?

In general, the cost of living in Bangladesh is lower than in Western countries. We suggest browsing the Links That May Help You section to get a well-rounded idea of life here. The Field Experience Unit can advise and send approximate budgets if requested.

You will not receive any financial compensation from icddr,b.

Is there a local bus or train system to enable me to get to the office?
It is not advisable to use local transport to travel to the office - staff transport is available, provided there is space.

Clothing?

The customary clothing in Bangladeshi society is almost certainly more conservative than in your home country. Dressing in local salwar kameez (for women) or Panjabi (for men) is not required, though they are affordable and comfortable choices. At our field sites, you may be expected to dress somewhat more modestly than in Dhaka. At all ICDDR,B sites, women should not wear revealing skirts, and men should not wear shorts.

How long can I stay?

The length of your stay will depend on the type of visa that you obtain, which in turn, will depend on the kind of experience that you plan to undergo at ICDDR,B. Some students will obtain multiple-entry, short-term ‘S’ or ‘R’ visas that last less than six months. Others may will obtain NGO visas that last for a year.

Where can I learn about what to expect in Bangladesh (entertainment, medical services, what to bring, what to leave behind, safety, public transport)?

In the Links that might help you section are several great resources that can paint a picture of your potential field experience in Bangladesh.
Our Student Welfare Unit can answer questions, too.

Overall, the best way to learn is by immersing yourself in information. Buy a Bangladesh travel guide. Visit the ICDDR,B YouTube channel. Check out our Facebook page. And get in touch with people who have studied here.

Last updated on 29February, 2012