A Journey Beyond Borders: Notre Dame College’s Transformative Educational Tour to the USA (June 2–13, 2025)

A Journey Beyond Borders: Notre Dame College’s Transformative Educational Tour to the USA (June 2–13, 2025)

Notre Dame College, Dhaka, embarked on its most ambitious international initiative to date—a 12-day educational tour to the United States, from June 2 to June 13, 2025. Sixty-one students, four faculty members, and the Principal participated in this transformative journey, aiming to broaden academic horizons and foster global citizenship.

Journey Highlights

• Orlando: The group explored Walt Disney World, the Orlando Science Center, NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, Universal Studios, and Walmart. These visits offered insights into innovation, science, technology, and business operations.
• Buffalo & Niagara Falls: Students experienced the natural wonder of Niagara Falls and visited the University at Buffalo, engaging with alumni and exploring academic programs.
• Boston: At the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), the group observed cutting-edge research and campus life. A visit to Harvard University included a tour led by Dr. Nasir Uddin, a Bangladeshi professor at Harvard's South Asia Institute, who shared his journey and insights, inspiring students with his message that global success is attainable regardless of background.
• New Jersey & New York City: The group visited iconic landmarks such as the Statue of Liberty, the United Nations Headquarters, and participated in a city tour, gaining exposure to governance, culture, and global awareness.

Key Observations

• Discipline and Cleanliness: The group noted the high standards of cleanliness and discipline in American society, which contributed to overall efficiency and harmony.
• Respect for Time: The punctuality observed in schedules emphasized the importance of time management.
• Cultural Respect and Diversity: Experiencing a melting pot of cultures encouraged students to practice tolerance and respect for diversity.
• Technology and Innovation: Visits to institutions like NASA, MIT, and Harvard highlighted the role of research and technology in solving real-world problems.
• Global Citizenship: The UN tour inspired students to think globally and act responsibly, understanding that their actions have global implications.

Challenges and Resilience

The return journey presented unexpected challenges, including heavy traffic leading to a delayed arrival at JFK Airport and an emergency diversion to Cairo due to escalating conflict in the Middle East. Despite these setbacks, the group remained positive, with all members returning safely to Dhaka between June 14 and June 16.

 Acknowledgements

This transformative journey was made possible through the collective efforts and support of many individuals and institutions. Our heartfelt gratitude goes to the faculty leaders—Md. Nazmul Hassan, Mr. Biplob Kumer Deb, Md. Muhaiminul Huq Asif, and Fr. Anthony Pronoy Rozario—for their unwavering dedication, meticulous planning, and mentorship throughout the tour. We commend the 61 students for their enthusiasm, discipline, and active participation, which contributed to the success of the tour. Our deepest appreciation to the parents for entrusting us with their children's education and for their continuous support. We are profoundly grateful for the blessings and protection bestowed upon us throughout this journey. Thanks to these combined efforts, all 66 members of the group returned home safely, enriched by experiences that will inspire them for years to come.

Conclusion

The 2025 educational tour to the United States was a milestone in Notre Dame College’s history, offering students invaluable experiences that enriched both their minds and hearts. The journey reinforced the college’s commitment to shaping globally aware and responsible individuals. Looking ahead, the college aspires to continue such initiatives that broaden perspectives and foster a deeper understanding of the world.