CAORC-AIBS Faculty Development Seminar in Bangladesh
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CAORC-AIBS FACULTY DEVELOPMENT SEMINAR

Navigating the Bangladesh Paradox: The Dichotomy of Development

Bangladesh (Dhaka, Sundarbans, regional sites)

​Seminar Overview

 

This seminar, administered by CAORC in collaboration with the American Institute of Bangladesh Studies (AIBS), supports participation in a two-week faculty development program centered in Dhaka with additional travel to regional and environmentally significant sites including the Sundarbans and surrounding communities. The program will include lectures, site visits, panel discussions, and cultural programming focused on the history, culture, economy, and political life of Bangladesh.
 

Seminar dates: January 2027*​​

Program Objectives

 

This seminar is designed to advance participants’ academic knowledge, global perspective, and professional practice through sustained study and direct engagement in Bangladesh. The OFDS program will:

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  • Strengthen participants’ knowledge of Bangladesh through interdisciplinary study of its history, development trajectory, governance, and contemporary social issues.

  • Provide firsthand exposure to Bangladesh’s environmental, economic, and cultural landscapes, including urban, rural, and ecologically sensitive regions.

  • Examine the “Bangladesh paradox,” highlighting the country’s significant development gains alongside ongoing structural and environmental challenges.

  • Foster engagement with Bangladeshi scholars, NGO leaders, educators, and community stakeholders working in areas such as climate adaptation and economic development.

  • Equip participants with new teaching resources, case studies, and comparative perspectives related to global development, resource management, and labor systems.

  • Encourage professional reflection and cross-cultural exchange that supports continued international collaboration.

  • Support the creation and implementation of a project that translates the seminar experience into curriculum development, public programming, research collaboration, or institutional engagement.​​

Program Activities

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The seminar combines academic engagement with experiential learning through activities such as:

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  • Lectures, seminars, and roundtables with regional scholars and practitioners on development, governance, climate change, and social transformation.

  • Site visits to universities, NGOs, development organizations, and cultural institutions.

  • Travel to key locations including Dhaka and the Sundarbans, illustrating Bangladesh’s environmental and geographic diversity.

  • Engagement with microfinance institutions and community-based organizations.

  • Exploration of the ready-made garment sector and its role in global supply chains and labor systems.

  • Cultural programming including visual arts, local traditions, and community interactions.

  • Structured discussions with NGO representatives, policymakers, and local leaders.

  • Reflection sessions connecting program experiences to teaching and professional practice.

Participant Eligibility

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The program is open to full-time or part-time faculty and administrators at accredited U.S. community colleges. Applications are accepted from all academic disciplines and administrative areas.

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Applicants must be U.S. citizens at the time of application and must hold a valid passport that does not expire within six months of the program’s end date.

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Previous Overseas Faculty Development Seminar awardees are asked to observe a one-year waiting period before applying for another program.

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For questions about eligibility, applicants may contact CAORC staff at fellowships@caorc.org.

Outcomes and Impact​​​​​

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Participants are expected to develop and implement a follow-on project at their home institution. Projects may include new or revised courses, curriculum development, public lectures, research collaborations, or community engagement initiatives that expand global understanding.

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Projects are typically implemented within one year of participation. Participants will submit documentation or a report describing the impact of their experience on teaching, research, or institutional internationalization.

Application Process​

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Applications are submitted through CAORC’s online application portal.

 

The application includes:

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  • Short essay responses outlining professional goals and anticipated impact

  • A current CV or résumé

  • A letter of institutional support

 

Essay responses are limited to 250 words. CVs are limited to two pages.

 

Recommendation letters should be on institutional letterhead and address the applicant’s professional engagement, institutional impact, collegiality, and potential for curriculum development or broader educational benefit.

Program Support, Logistics & Fees​

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The Overseas Faculty Development Seminar program is supported by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. Selected participants will receive an award that includes:

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  • International airfare

  • In-country transportation and logistics

  • Accommodations

  • Selected meals

  • Entrance fees and program materials

  • Academic lectures, site visits, and guided programming

 

The program fee does not include:

  • Domestic travel to the departure airport

  • Baggage fees

  • Vaccinations

  • Passport or visa costs

  • Personal expenses

 

Participants will receive a detailed handbook outlining program logistics and covered expenses. Any cost not explicitly included should be considered the participant’s responsibility.

Program Calendar​

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This program is currently postponed. Join the CAORC mailing list for future updates.  

​​Meet the Bangladesh Seminar Leader

Sudipta.jpg

Sudipta Roy
Research Fellow, Georgetown University
US Director, American Institute of Bangladesh Studies (AIBS)

*All CAORC programs are subject to change based on funding and in-country conditions.

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