Four students from Independent University, Bangladesh (IUB) have begun a semester-long academic exchange at the University of Maribor in Slovenia under the Erasmus+ programme for Fall 2026.

Representing life sciences, finance and engineering, the students will study at the Slovenian university from 1 October 2026 to 19 February 2027. Their participation is facilitated by IUB’s Office of Admissions, Financial Aid and International Relations.

The students are Mahafuza Rumu from the Department of Life Sciences, Fardin Rahman and Simran Islam from the Department of Finance, and Shouhardo Mahir from Electrical and Electronic Engineering (EEE).

Mahafuza Rumu

Mahafuza, a third-year Biochemistry and Biotechnology student, is taking courses in Organic Analysis, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry and Microbiology. Alongside her coursework, she hopes to explore research opportunities and identify projects that could be continued or developed in collaboration with IUB.

Interested in pursuing a career in life sciences research, she also hopes to develop her teaching and communication skills through the exchange. She chose the University of Maribor to experience a different academic environment and interact with students from diverse backgrounds.

Mahafuza learned about the opportunity through an email from IUB. During her stay, she intends to share Bangladeshi culture and her experiences as an IUB student with the international student community. She also encouraged fellow students to apply for exchange opportunities and prepare for the application process.

Fardin Rahman

Fardin, a third-year Finance student, is studying Web-Based Information System, Open Economy Macroeconomics and Marketing Research at Maribor. He hopes to broaden his understanding of business and finance while developing his communication and adaptability skills.

He first learned about the Erasmus+ opportunity through an email from IUB during his first semester but decided to apply in his sixth semester after hearing about another student’s exchange experience and researching the programme.

Fardin sees his stay in Slovenia as an opportunity to understand the country’s people and culture beyond what a tourist might experience. He also hopes to explore nearby European countries and build connections with students from different backgrounds.

Planning to pursue a career in finance and gain international professional experience, he intends to introduce his international peers to Bangladeshi traditions, food, festivals and culture. He advised fellow IUB students to monitor exchange announcements and begin visa processing, documentation and course planning early.

Simran Islam

Simran, also a third-year Finance student, is taking courses in Human Resource Management, Open Economy Macroeconomics and Marketing Research at Maribor. Having heard about international exchange programmes from friends who had participated in similar initiatives, she applied after learning about the opportunity through an email from IUB.

She hopes to experience a different education system and gain new perspectives on business and finance. Simran also hopes the semester will strengthen her communication skills and adaptability while preparing her for a career in finance, preferably with a multinational or international organisation. She plans to explore Slovenia and nearby countries during her stay.

She intends to share Bangladeshi food, festivals, traditions and student life at IUB with the international community. Simran encouraged fellow students to consider exchange opportunities even if they initially felt uncertain about applying. She also acknowledged the role of IUB’s Office of Admissions, Financial Aid and International Relations in providing information and guidance throughout the application process.

Shouhardo Mahir

Shouhardo, a second-year EEE student, is studying Electrical and Electromechanical Converters, Service and Science Innovations, and Information Theory and Coding at Maribor. He aims to strengthen his practical knowledge and problem-solving skills while exploring opportunities to participate in relevant research projects, workshops or internships, subject to availability.

He learned about the opportunity through an email from IUB and applied to experience a different education system, explore another culture and gain exposure to academic and student life abroad. The exchange is also an opportunity for him to develop independence and prepare for further studies abroad.

Shouhardo plans to pursue a master’s degree after completing his undergraduate education and hopes to apply the knowledge gained in Slovenia to his studies at IUB.

He plans to share Bangladeshi traditions, food, festivals and student life at IUB with students from other countries. Shouhardo encouraged fellow students to consider exchange opportunities and prepare their documents early. Identifying visa processing and paperwork as key challenges, he acknowledged the assistance provided by IUB’s Office of Admissions, Financial Aid and International Relations throughout the process.

International academic and cultural exchange

The Erasmus+ partnership between IUB and the University of Maribor has facilitated student exchanges since 2021. With the participation of the Fall 2026 cohort, at least 21 IUB students have undertaken semester-long exchanges at the Slovenian university.

The partnership has also provided opportunities for IUB faculty members and management staff to participate in professional development programmes at Maribor.