My name is Fariba Alamgir and I am from Bangladesh.

I believe studying at ISS is a unique experience for more than one reason. Here one can have a chance to study with a group which is amazingly diverse in nationalities and cultures. Besides the lectures and group works, the experience of learning and sharing knowledge with people coming from different corners of the globe have been fantastic. I have learnt a lot from my colleagues having different professional backgrounds like academics, GO/NGO officials and activists.

The courses I undertook in my specialization of Environment and Sustainable Development introduced not just new ideas and approaches but also numerous questions! I enjoyed learning to explore what lies beneath different environmental management approaches, resource use patterns and various perspectives in dealing with the environmental problems. Learning to look at, from local to global, the actors and factors involved in environmental issues and environmental politics by emphasizing on political economic power dynamics was intriguing. Taking positions in class debates on different issues or being involved in a mock negotiation concerning environmental aspects of governance initiated team learning process in a friendly environment. It helped me to develop my capacity of articulating my arguments.

I have been supported and motivated in many ways by lecturers of my specialization who were excellent academics with great compassion. Our study trip was the best one in terms of the chances we had of doing direct observation, investigation and having fun in the beautiful countryside of Somerset, UK. We learnt about the agriculture, farming, community initiatives, nature conservation and management in a developed country which was an eye opener for me as I could perceive the contrast of those with the developing countries. The courses on research design and skills will be a life-long resource for me.

Last but not the least, I have learnt many things, but what I appreciate most is through the process I have come to recognize those environmental and development issues which drive my passion. I hope we could still carry on with our studies by connecting, discussing and sharing ideas virtually.