I graduated from University of Manchester in Environmental Governance in the year 2010/11, which even now is a unique course offered in few global institutions. After completion of my graduation in Zoology in 2006, I decided to do higher studies abroad. I wanted to learn the social aspects of the environment. So I decided to study Environmental Governance at the University of Manchester. I don't think the course structure can be any better than what was offered. I remember I have also gathered my IELTS score to meet the language requirement. But coming from a middle-class family and given the high cost of foreign education, I eventually learned that I might have to bury the dream. So, I looked for jobs in the natural resource sector. I worked in a research organisation as a program assistant on migration and its impact on nature. Then I worked on a project on wildlife conservation with a local NGO. While working there I learned about the ‘Equity and Merit Scholarship' program offered by the University of Manchester for the aspiring students of the country and facilitated by the British Council. I applied and won it. This was a major stepping-stone in my life and after that there was no looking back. I used to be a member of British Council's extremely rich library when I was a graduate student at the University of Dhaka and it had helped me to access international academic papers. I often come here to watch movies and plays apart from studying. What I especially admire about the British Council is it never forgets the students who went to study in the UK through them and a fine example of this is, now it is working hard to bring all the UK Alumni under the umbrella of Bangladesh UK Alumni Network (BUKAN) of which I am a proud member. Before I used to be an introvert but when I stepped into the University of Manchester, I felt the positive, warm and welcoming vibe and it changed my life. I have developed interpersonal and communication skills through interactive group discussions, project works, and library sessions. I was immersed in the multi-cultural vibrant atmosphere the university proudly offers its students. I got the chance to meet the alumni members who were funding my education and was also raising funds for students of developing countries. The alumni and international office of the University of Manchester held many programs to introduce its scholars. While I was homesick those gatherings helped me to contain myself. As we all know, the world recognises and values a UK degree with praise and respect. There, I am proud to be a University of Manchester graduate that is not only one of the top ten universities in the UK but also a highly ranked university in the world. After my return, I have joined Ministry of Environment and Forests as an expert and worked with Bangladesh Forest Department. After serving the department for more than 3 years I got the chance to work with United States Forest Service International Programs as Country Coordinator in US Government initiated SilvaCarbon Bangladesh program. My assignment with USFS IP has been completed in December 2016. My UoM degree was at play in getting both these exciting positions. Now I am preparing to get back to studying and pursue an advanced degree in environmental conservation in another suitable place.